The Christian and Mercy Killing, Suicide and Capital Punishment (IN: Ethics: Alternatives and Issues, by N L Geisler)

This chapter discusses when, if ever, it is right to take a human life. Are ‘mercy killings’ morally right? Is capital punishment ever justified? Can suicide be performed in sacrificial love? The author concludes that mercy killing is justifiable while mercy killing is morally wrong. Suicide for oneself cannot be justified philosophically or ethically. However, sacrificial suicide is the highest moral act possible. Capital punishment is called for in capital crimes to protect the intrinsic value of an individual person’s right to live. (9 refs)