Editor, The Times:
Re: the article “Winning the right to die," National Post Weekend Review, Saturday, June 16, 2012.
“B.C. Supreme Court Justice Lynne Smith ruled that the Criminal Code provisions making physician-assisted death illegal are invalid.”
Gloria Taylor has ALS. As a “... devout member of the United Church of Canada (she) believes the strongest opposition to assisted suicide comes from conservative Christians. But she has the support of her West Kelowna pastor as she seeks a physician to help her commit suicide.”
God’s word, the Holy Bible, tells us that after death “... we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.” (Romans 14:10). The question for people in Gloria Taylor’s position is, “How will God judge me after I have committed suicide?” The assisting physician should also ask, “When I die, how will God judge me if I facilitate the suicide of Mrs. Taylor and perhaps others like her?” (Revelation 21:8) And is Mrs. Taylor’s pastor correct to support her decision to perhaps jump from “the frying pan into the fire?” How will God judge such a pastor?
The Lord tells us that we will spend eternity - which is a very, very, very long time - either with Him or with Satan. (Matthew 12:30).
Anyone contemplating, supporting or advocating suicide - assisted or otherwise - should read the Bible for him or herself. God says, “If you love me, keep my commandments. (John 14:15). He also says “... choose life ...” (Deuteronomy 30:19)
Do you believe that committing your own deliberately planned death keeps God’s commandment?
And what about B.C. Supreme Court Justice Lynne Smith’s eternal destination? She will also stand for sentencing before the Judge of all the earth.
Perhaps the strongest opposition to assisted suicide does not come from conservative Christians. Maybe the “strongest opposition” to suicide comes from the Creator of life Himself.
God bless you
Ursula Bond
East Blackpool, B.C.