Christian Bioethics
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- Date Submitted: 05/30/2013 12:31 AM
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Christian Teachings on Bioethics
Introduction to Christian bioethics
Christian Ethics, like all ethics is a search for what fulfils the person. What qualifies it as “Christian” is that it enters on the search in light of the Christian faith, the Christian vision of life. Christianity carries with it a distinctive vision of the meaning and purpose of human existence. (use an opening sentence)
Basic principles
Christian morality is based upon the will of God
Christians believe that God's will is known and exampled through Jesus' life and teaching
Humanity finds out about these teachings through the New Testament
Two areas:
Christian ethics can be divided into two very different approaches
Authority
-The Scriptures (Bible)
-Tradition (Authority of Church Leaders)
-Experience (Inspiration of the Holy Spirit)
-Logic (Reason)
Natural Law
-Based upon the concept of “Perfect Creation”. The belief is that God created everything perfectly and if we study the way life works, and learn the laws of nature, we will learn how to behave
-Thomas Aquinas developed the philosophy of Natural Law for the Catholic Church
-To do good and not evil (what is good and what is evil?)
-Aquinas stated human is to live, work, reproduce, educate children and worship God, actions that support these purposes are good, those that don't are bad
-If something makes us 'more human' than it is morally right
The main issue for a Christian who attempts to follow Christian morality is exactly how the four sources of authority should be used.. and how are they balanced or weighted when a decision is to be made.
Scripture references relating to Christian bioethics:
Central to Jesus teaching is the following Gospel reference from Matthew. "You have heard it been said that you shall love your neighbour and hate your enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for...
Introduction to Christian bioethics
Christian Ethics, like all ethics is a search for what fulfils the person. What qualifies it as “Christian” is that it enters on the search in light of the Christian faith, the Christian vision of life. Christianity carries with it a distinctive vision of the meaning and purpose of human existence. (use an opening sentence)
Basic principles
Christian morality is based upon the will of God
Christians believe that God's will is known and exampled through Jesus' life and teaching
Humanity finds out about these teachings through the New Testament
Two areas:
Christian ethics can be divided into two very different approaches
Authority
-The Scriptures (Bible)
-Tradition (Authority of Church Leaders)
-Experience (Inspiration of the Holy Spirit)
-Logic (Reason)
Natural Law
-Based upon the concept of “Perfect Creation”. The belief is that God created everything perfectly and if we study the way life works, and learn the laws of nature, we will learn how to behave
-Thomas Aquinas developed the philosophy of Natural Law for the Catholic Church
-To do good and not evil (what is good and what is evil?)
-Aquinas stated human is to live, work, reproduce, educate children and worship God, actions that support these purposes are good, those that don't are bad
-If something makes us 'more human' than it is morally right
The main issue for a Christian who attempts to follow Christian morality is exactly how the four sources of authority should be used.. and how are they balanced or weighted when a decision is to be made.
Scripture references relating to Christian bioethics:
Central to Jesus teaching is the following Gospel reference from Matthew. "You have heard it been said that you shall love your neighbour and hate your enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for...