Many Christians view the Bible as the word of God and many believe in the sanctity of life meaning that life is precious, holy and God given and therefore should be preserved. The quality of life is secondary to the sanctity of life, as they believe that all people are made in the image of God; uniquely made from the rest of creation.
Another argument is that the 10 commandments state ‘thou shall not kill’ and that only God has the authority to give and take away life. In addition to this, Jesus healed the sick and dying; he did not kill them. But this is often made difficult for people who have to make a decision about euthanasia as Christ also commands his followers to do the ‘most loving thing’, which in a situation where someone is suffering may be euthanasia. However, the most loving thing when it comes to dying in dignity, for many religious people is providing good palliative care e.g. hospices.
Roman Catholic teaching strongly opposes euthanasia, even though not all adherents agree with it’s teachings. Roman Catholic teachings class euthanasia as murder. Although they do not accept pain killing drugs to relieve pain, but may shorten life. Ordinary treatments must always continue, but complicated operations where success is unlikely need not be given. Pope John Paul II stated that to die but only when nature of God decides. Pope John Paul II stated that euthanasia is a grave violation of the law of God.
The human body is also seen as a temple, therefore Christians have a duty to respect and look after it whilst on earth. The Church of England is also against Euthanasia due to their belief in the sanctity of life. However, there are some adherents do believe that it is not always right to strive to keep a patient alive regardless of their quality of life.
Another argument claims that allowing euthanasia would lead to a slippery slope. If we allow something relatively harmless today we may start a trend that results in something currently unthinkable becoming acceptable.
Allowing euthanasia would devalue life and send the message that it is better to be dead than to be sick or disabled meaning that lives are not worth living.