161 Essays on Infinite Lifespans   Brad F. Mellon One can see why in light of historical developments, ‘pre- venting  suicide’  is  included  in  various  ethical  formulations and why Pennsylvania, for example, has established it as one of four state interests. The movement in favor of a ‘right to die’ in our view needs to be assessed against the movement to radically extend life. At the very least it is our hope that the Institute’s pronounced emphasis on life would serve to counter any moves to allow autonomous premature death, or espe- cially the unlawful taking of life (nonmaleficence). Although the Institute’s mission statement is directed toward ending involuntary death, adding a position on voluntary death in our view might serve to provide a more realistic perspective on crucial life and death issues facing society. CONCERNS Although we have found support for the Institute’s mission among the ethical and theological principles derived from our Judeo-Christian tradition, some concerns arise. First,  there  is  the  obvious  reality  of  death.  An  American proverb contends that ‘death and taxes’ are the only two cer- tainties we can expect. The Hebrew and Christian Scriptures likewise testify to death’s reality. If we revisit the Scriptures that promote life (above), we find many of them mention death as well. The testimony about immortality within the human soul in Ecclesiastes 3:11 is tempered by a later passage where the writer describes the aging process that brings us to life’s end (Ecclesiastes 12:1–7). Shortly after Jesus’ affirma- tion of life in John 10:10 (see above), he clearly indicates that eternal life exists beyond this one (John 14:1–4). Pope John Paul II affirms the profound meaning of life on earth, yet says that human life far exceeds the temporal plane because it is bound up in the very life of God. [3] Drane reminds us that