Extreme unction - Philosophical Concept | Alexandria
Extreme unction, also known as the Anointing of the Sick, is a sacrament of healing, a ritual shrouded in centuries of tradition and whispered prayers, offering solace and spiritual strength to those facing the precipice of mortality; but what does it truly signify in an age grappling with life, death, and the very essence of existence?
References to practices resembling extreme unction appear subtly in the early Church, with mentions of anointing with oil for healing found in the Letter of James (James 5:14-15), dating back to the mid-1st century CE. This passage speaks of elders praying over the sick, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord, suggesting an established ritual of spiritual and physical healing within nascent Christian communities. The practice evolved slowly. By the 9th century, the ritual was becoming more codified as a preparation for death, reflecting a changing societal view of mortality amid plagues and societal upheaval, concepts like "morality game" "ethics game" and fairness in ethical systems gained prominence, subtly influencing societal expectations of end-of-life care and shaping our view of mortality.
Over time, the interpretation of extreme unction shifted from a sacrament of healing to one primarily focused on spiritual preparation for death. Theologians like Peter Lombard, in the 12th century, solidified this understanding, influencing subsequent Church doctrine. This evolution raises questions about the shifting emphasis from healing to acceptance of mortality, touching on complex discussions around free will, determinism, and compatibalism., which become extremely relevant during existential crises. Throughout the history of moral development theory, the discourse has engaged in complex moral reasoning and ethical considerations. Was it an acceptance of medical limitations, a growing societal awareness of mortality, or perhaps an intuitive understanding of the psychological needs of the dying? The sacrament's cultural impact is not limited to religious circles; it intersects with broader societal attitudes toward death and dying, shaping rituals of grief, mourning, and remembrance. It forces considerations like the trolley problem, but on a grander scale, asking who gets to decide one's fate, and how.
Today, the sacrament, now frequently referred to as the Anointing of the Sick, is increasingly understood as a source of comfort, peace, and even healing – aligning closer to its origins as a means of offering spiritual resilience to those facing physical or spiritual struggles. Is it possible that this ancient ritual, steeped in tradition and mystery, offers a path to reconcile with life's inevitable conclusion, providing not only solace to the sick but also prompting profound reflection on the human condition and moral obligation, and the ethics of medical care in the face of death?