Assisted Suicide, A Talking Points Book

Vaughan Roberts is a popular conference speaker, Rector of St Ebbe's Church, Oxford, and Director of the Proclamation Trust. He is also a member of the executive committee of 9:38 Ministries, and the author of many books, including Talking Points: Transgender, God's Big Picture, and Battles Christians Face.

This little book on Assisted Suicide is a very helpful resource for anyone coming to consider the difficult question of the place of human choice at the end of life for the first time. With a tone both sensitive and authentic in its shaping by personal experience, Vaughan Roberts offers an erudite yet accessible survey of an issue set only to increase in significance as the realities of changing demographics materialise. Placing the common arguments in favour of the legalisation of Assisted Suicide under the microscope of a Biblical world-view, Roberts articulates the unique message of truth and hope which Christians can, must, speak as they themselves embody the costly and redeeming love necessary to make real dignity in dying available to everyone. Handy definitions of terms, discussion guides and recommendations for further reading will prove invaluable to those who want to progress to more detailed thinking on the issue. -- Andrew Moore (Apologist for the Zacharias Trust and Director of the RZIM Festival of Thought)

Every day of my working life I meet people who are facing their own death or that of someone they love. Sadly, without a robust worldview to support them, many perceive the suffering associated with dying as entirely futile or live in denial, placing their confidence in things that cannot save them.In this straightforward little book, Vaughan Roberts correctly, clearly and compassionately identifies many of the issues pressing people towards supporting a change in the law around assisted suicide. He also makes a compelling case for vehemently opposing such a change. He writes, “More than anyone else, Christians should be able to think and speak about death and dying with hope, confidence, meaning and purpose.” I urge you to give half an hour to reading it and then to ponder all that the gospel has to offer to those who might struggle with this issue – even you. -- Dimity Simmons (Clinical Nurse Specialist in Palliative Care)

This is a topic that won’t go away. And the voices that argue for assisted suicide are shouting louder. Here is a small, yet timely contribution that offers a clearly argued biblical response. The discussion questions help focus our minds on end of life issues and will prompt thoughtful reflection. We cannot remain silent, and this book encourages us to make a positive contribution to the debate. -- Ruth Coffey (Lecturer in Pastoral Care, Moorlands College)

A clear and valuable summary of important issues surrounding death and assisted dying. Vaughan writes with compassion and pastoral understanding, as well as biblical integrity. -- Dr Kirsten Birkett (Lecturer in ethics and philosophy, Oak Hill Theological College)

A very readable introduction to a subject which will be of growing importance in the years ahead. If assisted dying is legalised there will be implications for every family. We’ve seen what has happened in the Netherlands where ‘assisted dying’ quickly becomes compulsory euthanasia. It’s important that we think through this issue ahead of time from a Biblical perspective. This little book helps us do this and rightly focuses on men and women being made in the image of God. -- Colin Hart (Director, The Christian Institute)

Vaughan Roberts has produced a fabulous little book which is very like the Tardis (bigger on the inside that the outside) … Compact, constructive and compassionate, there is also a flexible and detailed discussion guide at the end. Best of all, the book is Christocentric—his suffering was not meaningless and neither is ours. -- Ruth Eardley

Assisted Suicide offers a Christian framework for the journey. If you are a Christian then I suggest you read it, preferably with others. If you’re not, then I believe you will still benefit by considering the issues raised by Roberts. -- Dave MacDonald