While some here disagree/d with Fr C, many people around the world also did so. Their writings on the matter are easily found and speak for themselves.
The only issue that I can see any sane merit, and one not discussed, is whether one suspends life provided BY machinery, ONCE the machinery is the viable and only means of support, and has already been given.
So, it would appear that you think the use of machinery is a problem. Is it always a problem, in se? If not, where do you draw the line? Is it morally permissible to use machinery, i.e., modern tools and technology, for now-common surgeries, or for assistance that is normally of a relatively short duration, etc? If a gunshot victim, for example, were going to die without undergoing a surgery that employs modern tools, should we let him just bleed out, justifying our inactivity with the cry that it is God's will and that prolonging life with the aid of machinery is both morally unacceptable and fiscally irresponsible? Is not amputation an extraordinary measure, at least from some perspective?
Is the length of the time of the suspension/prolongation of life the only problematic characteristic? How about the invasive nature of a particular procedure? If a man would die unless a diseased organ is removed, should we just express our regrets, offer him the Last Rites, and go our merry way?
Modern trauma medicine makes daily use of means that some could and would argue are extraordinary. Whether or not that is so, said means are unquestionably expensive in many cases. Indeed, during the 1950s many modern procedures would have been extraordinary in the sense that such things were not then possible. Some of the heretical sects in the USA argue along precisely such lines, which is why they refuse to have their children helped even when it is easy, safe, and common to do so.
Many people have their lives prolonged or improved by means of often-expensive, frequently-invasive procedures, many of which were not known or available in the recent past. Many would not only not survive without such procedures, they would not survive during the recovery period, either, without the assistance of very expensive modern technology.
As a final consideration, do you think it normally takes a person who is supposedly so weak that she is being mechanically suspended at death's door thirteen days to succuмb once food and water have been denied? If her whole system is more or less useless and she is being artificially kept alive, does it make sense that her cause of death would be dehydration after 13 days, rather than the more or less immediate failure of some aspect of her system which some would have us believe was more like that of the living dead than that of a fairly normal, modestly-healthy human being?
Do you think you would last thirteen days without food and water?
I too wish you well, in the same sense I wished Judas well, on his road to Hell.
You knew and communicated with Judas? :wink: [BTW, Judas liked to quibble about money, too. Just sayin'...]
All kidding aside, I take no offense and only ask that, for the benefit of others and yourself, you kindly refrain from any further remarks in my regard (within this thread, anyway). If you cannot restrain yourself, please be considerate enough to start a new, separate thread wherein you may vent your spleen to your heart's content. Pax tecuм :)
There are Lots of Stupid, ill informed people, including Trad Catholics.
Father C just happened to speak what many Trad Priests already KNOW about this issue, and life supporting machines as they relate to life.
A hand tool, used in surgery, is different than an electronic, computer and driven, operated MACHINE, as it alone does not sustain or prolong life beyond a surgical procedure!!!
You are trying to argue, like a тαℓмυdic Jєω, what is and what is not machinery, its merits, whether it has its place.
If One trusts IN God alone, one does not place his hands and fate on machinery.
Terri Schiavos wish & Directive, like most sane people, is NOT in anyway to maintain the support of Life, from an ELCTRONIC MACHINE.
You know, the kind that required electricity, where one is in a vegetative state.
Some of those heretical sects, also refuse Vaccinations, directed and run by Jєω Companies, that innoculate us with poisons and slowly kill and dumb us.
It is all evil, all of it. Medicine is about MONEY, not saving Lies.
We dont trust in men or machines but in GOD.
My points:
1. Terri Schiavo told 3 seperate people she desired to NOT be sustained life via Machinery, if her life was at that point. It was.
2. No one has the right to Usurp said directives, dishonor and betray them by refusing those directives for a dignified life.
3. Machinery in any sense is not arguable. If it is electronic, its a machine.
Some wish to be Called TO GOD when it is their time, they trust in HIM, and wish to NOT have a Machine artifically postpone/Prolong the inevitable.
Doctors gave Terri about 10 years left to live on that machine, in vegetative state.
Yes it is normal, for a vegetable to live 10-13 days with no food and water.
And Lastly, let me correct my statement. Were I to wish Judas well, as I would and do to you, it is on his path To Hell for his betrayal.