[grassboots.org]

I don't agree for a moment that our soul leaves to be with Jesus until that moment our body truly dies - not goes into a coma or other less-than-communicative state. The Life is in the blood - according to the Scriptures. I don't believe that is a statement about the soul but rather about the body. As long as the blood flows, we are alive. The only other scripture on the subject is that "He breathed his last". When we can't breathe (even with a respirator) and our blood won't circulate - then we are dead, not a moment sooner.

[newgeezer]

Interesting.

Do note that when I said "truly vegetative" I meant without a soul.

I take it you believe it is improper for a Christian to have a "living will" which precludes the use of a respirator. Of course, none of our artificial means can prevent the sovereign God from taking a soul to heaven. Whether that means (1) we're obligated to keep the body living by any and all means at our disposal and/or (2) God will stop the heart from beating at the moment when He takes the soul, would seem to be open to debate. I certainly don't claim to have the answers.