WOF 431: Euthanasia & the Culture of Death

The Word on Fire Show - Catholic Faith and Culture

Pope St. John Paul II used the term “culture of death'' in his 1995 encyclical Evangelium Vitae to capture the secular world’s dark confluence of poisonous ideas and practices that lead—directly and indirectly—to spiritual and physical ruin.

Sadly, we’ve seen the the culture of death advance on many fronts. Today, we focus on the increasing legalization of suicide in the United States and abroad. Listen as we discuss the issue and how Catholics can and should respond to it.

A listener asks why we pray for the dead, and can we pray for the souls on atheists and non-Catholics?

00:00 | Intro 01:18 | Bishop Barron's recent diocesan work 02:34 | The role of euphemism in the euthanasia debate 06:39 | Unpacking "autonomy" and "compassion" 12:31 | Responding to critics of the slippery slope argument 20:56 | The State's role in moral disputes 24:40 | How can Catholics positively respond to euthanasia? 26:50 | Listener question 28:15 | Word on Fire Institute

SHOW NOTES:

• Evangelium Vitae
• “It’s Not Your Life, It’s Not Your Death, It’s Not Your Choice” article by Bishop Barron
• https://www.compassionandchoices.org/resource/states-or-territories-where-medical-aid-in-dying-is-authorized
• https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/254197/assisted-suicide-in-the-united-states-where-is-it-legal
• Learn more about the Word on Fire Institute: https://institute.wordonfire.org/

NOTE: Do you like this podcast? Become a Word on Fire IGNITE member! Word on Fire is a non-profit ministry that depends on the support of our listeners . . . like you! So become a part of this mission and join IGNITE today to become a Word on Fire insider and receive some special donor gifts for your generosity.