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How Should We Then Die?: A Christian Response to Physician-Assisted Death
“My times are in thy hand.”
As more people accept the practice of physician-assisted death, Christians must decide whether to embrace or oppose it. Is it ethical for physicians to assist patients in hastening their own death? Should Christians who are facing death accept the offer of an assisted death? In How Should We then Die? , physician Ewan Goligher draws from general revelation and Scripture to persuade and equip Christians to oppose physician-assisted death. Euthanasia presumes what it is like to be dead. But for Christians, death is not the end. Christ Jesus has destroyed death and brought life and immortality through the gospel.
As more people accept the practice of physician-assisted death, Christians must decide whether to embrace or oppose it. Is it ethical for physicians to assist patients in hastening their own death? Should Christians who are facing death accept the offer of an assisted death? In How Should We then Die? , physician Ewan Goligher draws from general revelation and Scripture to persuade and equip Christians to oppose physician-assisted death. Euthanasia presumes what it is like to be dead. But for Christians, death is not the end. Christ Jesus has destroyed death and brought life and immortality through the gospel.
160 pages, Paperback
Published April 3, 2024
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112 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
August 7, 2024
Excellent. Compassionate and thorough break down of the religious and logical arguments for and against assisted death. Would be great for class discussion.
July 19, 2025
Very simple book. The first half was somewhat straightforward, but I realize this may be because I work in healthcare. The second half was much more engaging, as the author attempted to prove the intrinsic value of humans and the presence of the soul in each of us.
I’d highly recommend this to any person, as at some point (whether it be ourselves or our loved ones), we will have to come face-to-face with death and difficult decisions. How should we, as Christians, think through and answer these questions?
I’d highly recommend this to any person, as at some point (whether it be ourselves or our loved ones), we will have to come face-to-face with death and difficult decisions. How should we, as Christians, think through and answer these questions?
April 18, 2024
Remarkable. Compelling and convincing, even while compassionate and realistic. Can’t recommend it enough as a primer to the subject.
May 11, 2025
Goligher’s books is a quick but nutrient-rich look at the heavy and complicated of physician-assisted death (MAID). In the book, he really helpfully and succinctly breaks down what MAID is, how it differs from other practices (suspending use of a ventilator), and statistics of the practice.
The real meat of the book comes from his examination of the core thrust of the practice: “it gives dignity to the dying.” Goligher shows the ways that cannot be true by exploring the value of humans and how MAID is an “act of secular faith.” This books is such a helpful and caring look at the heart of this practice, where it fails, and the hope of the Gospel despite it.
The real meat of the book comes from his examination of the core thrust of the practice: “it gives dignity to the dying.” Goligher shows the ways that cannot be true by exploring the value of humans and how MAID is an “act of secular faith.” This books is such a helpful and caring look at the heart of this practice, where it fails, and the hope of the Gospel despite it.
June 27, 2024
This is an excellent book for anyone considering the issue of physician-assisted death. “It achieves its purpose - the elimination of suffering - by destroying the sufferer.” Dr. Goligher explores the issues surrounding this timely topic with logic, grace, and clarity. I highly recommend reading this short book.
July 31, 2024
The first several sections are tightly reasoned arguments for why physician assisted suicide should be not be considered an ethically valid course of action. Those early chapters are heavy going, frankly. All is redeemed in the end.
The final chapter (Chapter V, Escape from Despair) begins with a personal account of Goligher's experience as a young doctor, confronted by a patient with advanced muscular sclerosis. He uses that to both understand and empathize with the despair that such a person might be experiencing. Any meaning derived from "what I can do" -- easy he, drawing on Tim Keller's writing, terms "created meaning"...such meaning evaporates when one no longer can do anything. Goligher then goes on to present the argument for discovered meaning, finding the meaning for life (including pain and suffering) in the reality of God, what he has done in Christ. That's a short description; he calls on Viktor Frankl among others, to buttress his argument that our life has meaning that can enable us to persist through pain and suffering; we also gain meaning in being with and helping others through pain and suffering, and, significantly, in allowing others to stand with us as we go through pain and suffering. We are meant to live in community for all of life. We are meant to give and receive love through all of life.
It's a hope filled book.
The final chapter (Chapter V, Escape from Despair) begins with a personal account of Goligher's experience as a young doctor, confronted by a patient with advanced muscular sclerosis. He uses that to both understand and empathize with the despair that such a person might be experiencing. Any meaning derived from "what I can do" -- easy he, drawing on Tim Keller's writing, terms "created meaning"...such meaning evaporates when one no longer can do anything. Goligher then goes on to present the argument for discovered meaning, finding the meaning for life (including pain and suffering) in the reality of God, what he has done in Christ. That's a short description; he calls on Viktor Frankl among others, to buttress his argument that our life has meaning that can enable us to persist through pain and suffering; we also gain meaning in being with and helping others through pain and suffering, and, significantly, in allowing others to stand with us as we go through pain and suffering. We are meant to live in community for all of life. We are meant to give and receive love through all of life.
It's a hope filled book.
February 10, 2024
What to Expect
Much of the time, when a nonfiction title I read is not what I was expecting, I am disappointed with what I end up reading, even if this is on the basis of my own incorrect expectations. How Should We Then Die is definitely not what I expected– and in the very best way!
Going into the book, I didn’t have much of a concrete idea of what I would be reading, although I anticipated arguments against euthanasia, which is why I wanted to review it.
How Should We Then Die? does possess arguments against the euthanasia, but the scope of the book goes much further than that. Because “dignity” is one of the key rationales offered by proponents of euthanasia, Golligher invests a good portion of the book in questions of what exactly is meant by human dignity and where our value, as humans, derives. The result is rich, philosophical chapters that not only serve the argument, but explicitly point to the beauty of relationship with the Creator who imbued mankind with dignity. I was not expecting this, but I am so happy that the book took this trajectory. Key issue aside, this book has so many valuable passages worth revisiting.
Structure
The short book is just six chapters, prefaced with a “Prayer for the Number of Our Days.” Most chapters are clearly titled to indicate the idea/argument being discussed:
Why Not?
The author opens the book with a reference to a discussion with a student. In response to the question of euthanasia, the student replied, “If that’s what they want, why not?” Goligher explains that this is the question the book seeks to answer.
Why Assisted Death?
In the second chapter, Goligher draws on his own experience as a physician, something he does throughout the book. These personal experiences offer a compassionate perspective on the question, as Goligher recalls the immense suffering of patients. Also in the chapter, Goligher defines “physician-assisted suicide” and “euthanasia,” with the former being the less popular of the two options.
Assisted Death Devalues People / Assisted Death is an Act of Secular Faith
The themes of these two chapters is clearly spelled out in chapter titles. Chapter three introduces a philosophic discussion about dignity and the value of people. Chapter four defines assisted death as an act of faith, because secular proponents for assisted death have no personal knowledge of what happens to a person when he or she dies.
Escape from Despair / Entrusting Ourselves to a Faithful Creator
Chapters five and six are simply beautiful in their presentation of truth and hope– the real and grounded message of Jesus’s desire for intimacy with us. I did not see this coming in a book about assisted death, even though it makes so much sense!
What I Liked
Stylistically, I liked the author’s tone. At first, I found the book to be a bit more conversational than I would have expected, but as it became more philosophical/denser, I was gratefully that concepts were conveyed in a way that was easy to digest.
I was delighted with the discussion on human value, as well as the presentation of the Gospel. These were two elements that I didn’t see coming, and I really appreciated that they were included in the book. While I didn’t know what to expect, before reading, these flow as such a natural and significant part of the argumentation. I’m so grateful that the book is full of heart, and not cold recitation of facts/dogma. These portions of the book are worth a reread, even apart from the assisted death angle.
Goligher also draws on the words of past thinkers/Christians, echoing the ideas of St. Augustine, for example.
I appreciate that the author draws from personal experience as a medical doctor. He is not writing as an outside observer, but as someone with tangible knowledge of the things he is discussing.
Favorite Quotes
Nothing about our pain takes Jesus by surprise. He is fully aware and fully in control. He knows how to bring our stories– knit together with God’s story as the true story– to a happy ending.
p. 112
As I’ve mentioned many times, Story is a huge part of my relationship with the Lord, so it is such a blessing to me when books interact with the idea of the story God is writing about me! This quote also precedes a quotation by St. Augustine. Even when the author isn’t directly citing Augustine, though, I feel like a bit of the book is “riffing off” of his ideas.
Jesus’s response to suffering brings us what we truly need. We do not really need freedom from suffering. We need love.
p. 114
Yes! Goligher does an excellent job of summing up important and beautiful truths in just a few words. Thank You, Lord, for this beautiful reminder!
Recommendation Status
This book went far above and beyond my expectations. Both powerful and insightful, the book’s argumentation is also practical for everyday reading. I need these reminders about dignity and the value Jesus places on me.
Highly recommended, not only for its prolife stance, but also because of the powerful, truthful message. Recommended to readers who are grappling with their own dignity, as well as those who are examining the question of assisted death.
Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher. Opinions expressed are my own.
Much of the time, when a nonfiction title I read is not what I was expecting, I am disappointed with what I end up reading, even if this is on the basis of my own incorrect expectations. How Should We Then Die is definitely not what I expected– and in the very best way!
Going into the book, I didn’t have much of a concrete idea of what I would be reading, although I anticipated arguments against euthanasia, which is why I wanted to review it.
How Should We Then Die? does possess arguments against the euthanasia, but the scope of the book goes much further than that. Because “dignity” is one of the key rationales offered by proponents of euthanasia, Golligher invests a good portion of the book in questions of what exactly is meant by human dignity and where our value, as humans, derives. The result is rich, philosophical chapters that not only serve the argument, but explicitly point to the beauty of relationship with the Creator who imbued mankind with dignity. I was not expecting this, but I am so happy that the book took this trajectory. Key issue aside, this book has so many valuable passages worth revisiting.
Structure
The short book is just six chapters, prefaced with a “Prayer for the Number of Our Days.” Most chapters are clearly titled to indicate the idea/argument being discussed:
Why Not?
The author opens the book with a reference to a discussion with a student. In response to the question of euthanasia, the student replied, “If that’s what they want, why not?” Goligher explains that this is the question the book seeks to answer.
Why Assisted Death?
In the second chapter, Goligher draws on his own experience as a physician, something he does throughout the book. These personal experiences offer a compassionate perspective on the question, as Goligher recalls the immense suffering of patients. Also in the chapter, Goligher defines “physician-assisted suicide” and “euthanasia,” with the former being the less popular of the two options.
Assisted Death Devalues People / Assisted Death is an Act of Secular Faith
The themes of these two chapters is clearly spelled out in chapter titles. Chapter three introduces a philosophic discussion about dignity and the value of people. Chapter four defines assisted death as an act of faith, because secular proponents for assisted death have no personal knowledge of what happens to a person when he or she dies.
Escape from Despair / Entrusting Ourselves to a Faithful Creator
Chapters five and six are simply beautiful in their presentation of truth and hope– the real and grounded message of Jesus’s desire for intimacy with us. I did not see this coming in a book about assisted death, even though it makes so much sense!
What I Liked
Stylistically, I liked the author’s tone. At first, I found the book to be a bit more conversational than I would have expected, but as it became more philosophical/denser, I was gratefully that concepts were conveyed in a way that was easy to digest.
I was delighted with the discussion on human value, as well as the presentation of the Gospel. These were two elements that I didn’t see coming, and I really appreciated that they were included in the book. While I didn’t know what to expect, before reading, these flow as such a natural and significant part of the argumentation. I’m so grateful that the book is full of heart, and not cold recitation of facts/dogma. These portions of the book are worth a reread, even apart from the assisted death angle.
Goligher also draws on the words of past thinkers/Christians, echoing the ideas of St. Augustine, for example.
I appreciate that the author draws from personal experience as a medical doctor. He is not writing as an outside observer, but as someone with tangible knowledge of the things he is discussing.
Favorite Quotes
Nothing about our pain takes Jesus by surprise. He is fully aware and fully in control. He knows how to bring our stories– knit together with God’s story as the true story– to a happy ending.
p. 112
As I’ve mentioned many times, Story is a huge part of my relationship with the Lord, so it is such a blessing to me when books interact with the idea of the story God is writing about me! This quote also precedes a quotation by St. Augustine. Even when the author isn’t directly citing Augustine, though, I feel like a bit of the book is “riffing off” of his ideas.
Jesus’s response to suffering brings us what we truly need. We do not really need freedom from suffering. We need love.
p. 114
Yes! Goligher does an excellent job of summing up important and beautiful truths in just a few words. Thank You, Lord, for this beautiful reminder!
Recommendation Status
This book went far above and beyond my expectations. Both powerful and insightful, the book’s argumentation is also practical for everyday reading. I need these reminders about dignity and the value Jesus places on me.
Highly recommended, not only for its prolife stance, but also because of the powerful, truthful message. Recommended to readers who are grappling with their own dignity, as well as those who are examining the question of assisted death.
Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher. Opinions expressed are my own.
June 30, 2025
In the opening chapter, Dr. Goligher explains that this book is an attempt to answer the question of “Why not?” Since euthanasia has become legalized in Canada, Canadians who oppose physician-assisted death will need to consider how to answer that question, by examining “deeper issues about what makes us matter, how we decide what is right and wrong, and why we are alive at all.” (p. 4) Subsequent chapters explore why some choose physician-assisted death—some due to indignity or despair, but many for other reasons he presents and examines. A thorough discussion of the valuing of self and others and where meaning is found follows. He also investigates the science versus religion debate and asks the reader how they could confidently know what it’s like to be dead. He concludes the book with a summary of his theses points addressed in the book.
Dr. Goligher is the right author to address this topic as he can offer both a Christian perspective and a medical one with experience taking care of people at the end of their lives. The author relays stories from his practice of people facing difficult circumstances involving suffering and despair, some in their final moments of physical life. He relates easily as a compassionate human whom you’d hope to be the kind of medical professional to have involved in your care when in similar situations as his patients. Dr. Goligher comes across as a deep thinker and is able to share many well thought out arguments, often playing the role of philosopher. His inclusion of references to other authors and speakers enhances the text and support his arguments well.
I feel more able to express my own opinion on the subject of physician-assisted death after reading the book. It has had an impact on me and caused me to ponder the issues present and attempt to formulate my own theses and position. There were times I felt bogged down by the philosophical arguments. I think this is an important book regardless of where a reader stands on the issue of physician-assisted death. I am thankful Dr. Goligher has taken the initiative to write on such a timely topic and that he did so with reverence and respect.
Dr. Goligher is the right author to address this topic as he can offer both a Christian perspective and a medical one with experience taking care of people at the end of their lives. The author relays stories from his practice of people facing difficult circumstances involving suffering and despair, some in their final moments of physical life. He relates easily as a compassionate human whom you’d hope to be the kind of medical professional to have involved in your care when in similar situations as his patients. Dr. Goligher comes across as a deep thinker and is able to share many well thought out arguments, often playing the role of philosopher. His inclusion of references to other authors and speakers enhances the text and support his arguments well.
I feel more able to express my own opinion on the subject of physician-assisted death after reading the book. It has had an impact on me and caused me to ponder the issues present and attempt to formulate my own theses and position. There were times I felt bogged down by the philosophical arguments. I think this is an important book regardless of where a reader stands on the issue of physician-assisted death. I am thankful Dr. Goligher has taken the initiative to write on such a timely topic and that he did so with reverence and respect.
October 20, 2025
Can you say that people really matter when you cause them to not exist? (p38)
…the obligation to respect personal autonomy presumes our personal value in the first place. We respect autonomy because people matter… our value is not contingent or dependent on some arbitrary expression of preference. (p43)
…those who provide physician-assisted death should honestly admit that they are functioning less as doctors and more as priests of a modern, secularized religion that teaches that death is nothing but the absence of life and offers death as the means of salvation from suffering. (p65)
So long as we are committed to upholding the intrinsic value of persons-so long as we insist that their value does not merely derive from their usefulness to others or to themselves-it is inappropriate and unethical for us to seek or to offer physician-assisted death. (p89)
Through suffering, we see more clearly our need for God, and we discover meaning and satisfaction in God himself… the challenge of suffering is to believe that God’s power and purposes are adequate to make our suffering make sense. Pain feels pointless to the extent that we doubt God. But where faith grows strong, despair dies. (p109-110)
…the obligation to respect personal autonomy presumes our personal value in the first place. We respect autonomy because people matter… our value is not contingent or dependent on some arbitrary expression of preference. (p43)
…those who provide physician-assisted death should honestly admit that they are functioning less as doctors and more as priests of a modern, secularized religion that teaches that death is nothing but the absence of life and offers death as the means of salvation from suffering. (p65)
So long as we are committed to upholding the intrinsic value of persons-so long as we insist that their value does not merely derive from their usefulness to others or to themselves-it is inappropriate and unethical for us to seek or to offer physician-assisted death. (p89)
Through suffering, we see more clearly our need for God, and we discover meaning and satisfaction in God himself… the challenge of suffering is to believe that God’s power and purposes are adequate to make our suffering make sense. Pain feels pointless to the extent that we doubt God. But where faith grows strong, despair dies. (p109-110)
June 5, 2024
A timely and important book about the moral issues facing North American society. Would recommend this book to Christians on the fence about their stance on physician-assisted death and euthanasia, or for those wanting to put words to their convictions.
Commendable and interesting points in this book:
- Goligher’s working definition of vulnerability is based in contemporary sociological facts, so highlighting the underlying existential and spiritual issues in physician-assisted death and euthanasia
- The argument has a two-fold philosophical and biblical, pastoral approach; the book cogently appeals to those concerned about morality and, at the same time, is compassionate
- At its core, the book argues that people have intrinsic value, and physician-assisted death and euthanasia deny people of value and respect
- The book provides a powerful (and actually, quite obvious) counterargument against the common claim that physician-assisted death and euthanasia affirm personal autonomy
- The book helps us think about suffering well (1 Peter 4:19, Psalm 90)
- The book is very short!
10/10!
Commendable and interesting points in this book:
- Goligher’s working definition of vulnerability is based in contemporary sociological facts, so highlighting the underlying existential and spiritual issues in physician-assisted death and euthanasia
- The argument has a two-fold philosophical and biblical, pastoral approach; the book cogently appeals to those concerned about morality and, at the same time, is compassionate
- At its core, the book argues that people have intrinsic value, and physician-assisted death and euthanasia deny people of value and respect
- The book provides a powerful (and actually, quite obvious) counterargument against the common claim that physician-assisted death and euthanasia affirm personal autonomy
- The book helps us think about suffering well (1 Peter 4:19, Psalm 90)
- The book is very short!
10/10!
July 12, 2024
Working my way through another area where my knowledge of social justice issues is limited, I stumbled across this great little book by Ewan Goligher, a physician living in Canada. Given the introduction of court decisions and laws that permit both euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide, Goligher has had to wrestle with the moral and ethical choices and foundations for deciding what is right and wrong.
He makes a stron and well-articulated case that the intrinsic value of people - people matter, all people matter all the time - means that they therefore have a right to exist. The argument is extended from there methodically and clearly.
Well written and as a result I have learned a lot as a result.
He makes a stron and well-articulated case that the intrinsic value of people - people matter, all people matter all the time - means that they therefore have a right to exist. The argument is extended from there methodically and clearly.
Well written and as a result I have learned a lot as a result.
December 17, 2024
A response to assisted suicide (or whatever you want to call it), written by a Christian physician. Ewan
Goligher focusses on the intrinsic value of human life, the reality of life beyond physical death, and the possibility of finding meaning in suffering. He takes philosophical principles, rather than the Bible, as his starting point - which I suppose gives this book added apologetic value, but did mean I found it harder to engage with. I particularly appreciated his reflections on the difference it makes to know there is an Author to the story of our lives, giving meaning to our experiences, even in suffering.
Goligher focusses on the intrinsic value of human life, the reality of life beyond physical death, and the possibility of finding meaning in suffering. He takes philosophical principles, rather than the Bible, as his starting point - which I suppose gives this book added apologetic value, but did mean I found it harder to engage with. I particularly appreciated his reflections on the difference it makes to know there is an Author to the story of our lives, giving meaning to our experiences, even in suffering.
May 7, 2025
This book is a gem. It’s necessary to the conversation about physician-assisted death, especially in Canada at this present time. Even an unbeliever will not be able to refute his logical theses. This line encapsulates it for me: “Our only hope in life and death is that we belong, both in body and soul, both in life and death, to our faithful Saviour, Jesus Christ. And until the Author of life brings our story on this earth to a close, we are wholeheartedly willing and ready to live for him.”
April 12, 2024
This book was fantastic. A really good look at the issue from a well thought out, logical perspective. Goligher fused together his perspectives both as a leading physician and medical professional, as well as being a devout Christian. This together provides an immensely helpful guide for Canadians to think through MAiD and Euthanasia in a helpful way.
September 1, 2025
Straightforward and the arguments put forth will will assist when talking with others re ending their life.
December 10, 2024
In How Should We Then Die?: A Christian Response to Physician-Assisted Death, Ewan Goligher offers a compelling and thoughtful Christian perspective on the growing issue of physician-assisted death (PAD). Goligher delves into the ethical, theological, and personal dimensions of PAD, critically examining both the arguments in favor of it and the reasons against it from a Christian viewpoint. His approach is deeply rooted in Christian doctrine, emphasizing the sanctity of life and the moral obligations Christians have to protect life, even in the face of suffering.
Goligher addresses the tension between compassion for those enduring pain and the Christian commitment to the belief that death is ultimately in God’s hands. He argues that physician-assisted death is not a morally acceptable solution, proposing instead that Christians should focus on providing love, care, and palliative support to those who are terminally ill, allowing them to live their final days with dignity without hastening death.
Key Takeaways:
Sanctity of Life: Goligher argues that life, from a Christian perspective, is sacred, and only God has the ultimate authority over when it should end. Physician-assisted death, even as a form of relief for suffering, contradicts this belief.
Christian Compassion: The book emphasizes that true Christian compassion involves walking with the suffering, offering emotional, spiritual, and practical support, rather than endorsing practices like PAD that seek to end life prematurely.
The Role of Palliative Care: Goligher advocates for robust palliative care as an ethical alternative to PAD, suggesting that proper care can alleviate suffering without resorting to death-hastening practices.
Ethical and Theological Reflection: The book encourages Christians to reflect on the deeper ethical and theological implications of PAD, urging them to consider the full scope of God's will, both in terms of human dignity and the nature of suffering.
Human Dignity and Death: Goligher highlights that suffering does not negate human dignity and that death, even in suffering, can be embraced as a natural part of life when viewed through a Christian lens of faith.
Overall, How Should We Then Die? presents a well-argued Christian critique of physician-assisted death, urging readers to explore ethical alternatives like palliative care and to uphold a faith-based approach to dying with dignity. The book is a short and accessible read, offering a thoughtful perspective for anyone seeking to understand the intersection of faith, ethics, and end-of-life decisions.
Goligher addresses the tension between compassion for those enduring pain and the Christian commitment to the belief that death is ultimately in God’s hands. He argues that physician-assisted death is not a morally acceptable solution, proposing instead that Christians should focus on providing love, care, and palliative support to those who are terminally ill, allowing them to live their final days with dignity without hastening death.
Key Takeaways:
Sanctity of Life: Goligher argues that life, from a Christian perspective, is sacred, and only God has the ultimate authority over when it should end. Physician-assisted death, even as a form of relief for suffering, contradicts this belief.
Christian Compassion: The book emphasizes that true Christian compassion involves walking with the suffering, offering emotional, spiritual, and practical support, rather than endorsing practices like PAD that seek to end life prematurely.
The Role of Palliative Care: Goligher advocates for robust palliative care as an ethical alternative to PAD, suggesting that proper care can alleviate suffering without resorting to death-hastening practices.
Ethical and Theological Reflection: The book encourages Christians to reflect on the deeper ethical and theological implications of PAD, urging them to consider the full scope of God's will, both in terms of human dignity and the nature of suffering.
Human Dignity and Death: Goligher highlights that suffering does not negate human dignity and that death, even in suffering, can be embraced as a natural part of life when viewed through a Christian lens of faith.
Overall, How Should We Then Die? presents a well-argued Christian critique of physician-assisted death, urging readers to explore ethical alternatives like palliative care and to uphold a faith-based approach to dying with dignity. The book is a short and accessible read, offering a thoughtful perspective for anyone seeking to understand the intersection of faith, ethics, and end-of-life decisions.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews