Christian_Bioethics

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 them which despitefully use you and persecute you (Matthew 5: 43-44) So in everything, do onto others what you would have them do to you (Matthew 7:12) Paul in his letter to the Romans stated "Love your neighbour as yourself, . Love does no harm to its neighbour. Therefore Love is the fulfilment of the law (Romans 13:9-10) All Christians agree that life is sacred and a gift from God which cannot be taken away arbitrarily. Pius XII summarise this when he said: Every human being, even the infant in the mother’s womb, has the right to life immediately from God, not from the parents or from any human society or authority. Therefore there is [no one] that can show or give valid juridical title for the direct, deliberate disposition concerning an innocent life … Thus, for example, to save the life of the mother is a most noble end, but the direct killing of the child as a means to this end is not licit. All Christians would look to the Commandments: You shall not kill. [Ex 20:13] Jesus expanded on this in the Sermon on the Mount: You have heard it was said to the men of old, ‘You shall not kill: and whoever kills shall be liable to judgement.’ Nevertheless, is say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be liable to judgement. [Mt 5:21-22] The deliberate killing of human person is contrary to the dignity of the person and breaches the Golden Rule. See Gen 9:5-6; Lev 17:14; Ex 23:7. The human person is sacred from the moment of conception in many traditions [Ps 22:10-11]. Core Ethical Teachings the Ten Commandments New Testament ethics –the Beatitudes –Jesus’ commandment of love | outline the principal ethical teachings in: –the Ten Commandments –the Beatitudes –Jesus’ commandment of love describe the importance of ethical teachings in the life of adherents | What Defines Christian Ethics' Ethics are a demonstration of a person’s beliefs in action. Christian ethical teachings are founded on an understanding of who the human person is and the belief that every person is capable of discovering and embracing goodness and truth. Christian ethical actions are focused on maintaining a right relationship with God, one's neighbour and oneself. Christian ethical teachings are founded on FAITH and REASON, PHILOSOPHY and NATURAL LAW Protestant Churches would emphasise the authority of the Bible. Anglican, Orthodox and Catholic ethical authority is also found through the Church leadership -the Pope, Archbishops, Bishops or Patriarchs . Christian Ethics is for human beings who, made in the image and likeness of God. Throughout the tradition Christians developed an understanding of a universal law -a common system of ethics - given by God to every human person. Called the ‘natural law’, this came to be understood as a human sharing in divine law. Traditional Christian ethical teaching based on natural law or bible-based result in moral absolutes. Christian ethics calls us to humility and service. The model of Christ as giving his life in service is a key guide to action. Christian ethics must be modelled on the ultimate love of Christ. WWJD- what would Jesus do' Benchmark for making ethical decisions Scriptural Sources: All Christians would hold that teachings found in the Bible are the key sources for determining ethical behaviour. This is the revealed law. Exodus 20: 2-17 The Ten Commandments Matthew 5:3-10 The Beatitudes Luke 10:25-27 Jesus Commandment of Love Sources of Ethical Authority Anglican | The Bible, Episcopal authority, prayer and conscience | Catholic | The Bible, the Magisterium – including the Pope and Bishops, informed conscience* | Orthodox | The Bible, Divine Tradition,  church authority- Patriarchs | Pentecostal | The Bible, guidance of the Holy Spirit, authority of the pastor | Protestant | The Bible and prayer, theological writings | Sources of Ethical Authority - Documents Anglican | Lambeth Conference (every 10 years) to debate issues of doctrine | Catholic | Writings of the early Church Fathers, Encyclicals Vatican Council Decrees. | Orthodox | Canon Law, documents from the Patriarchs.  | Pentecostal | Congregational documents  | Protestant | Synod, Councils and Conventions. | In Summary:Bioethical principles in Christianity are based on Scripture (Old and New Testament) The example of Jesus’ actions (as related in the New Testament) All Christians accept these. Roman Catholics also believe that the Pope and the Church has teaching authority – but this is always in line with scriptural values and the example of Jesus’ life. In an ideal situation, a Christian might make the following steps in decision making 1. Prayer in praying for guidance a Christian is demonstrating the belief that God can guide the individual through the work of the Holy Spirit, which Jesus promised the disciples would guide them into ‘all truth’ (John 16;13) It is also showing the belief that God’s Holy Spirit can speak to people through their consciences. 2. The Bible– the Word of God is an important source of guidance, seen from infallible to be studied in context and applied to particular circumstances (situational) 3. Traditional teaching – does not exist on all moral issues. Often it is teaching from one part of the church eg there is often clear guidance for Roman Catholics, where it is believed that God’s Holy Spirit guides people by working through the tradition of their church as a body rather than as individuals. The fundamentalist view is one that states once it has been stated in the Bible it must remain true for all times and in all situations
Others believe that all rules are guidelines to be applied individually and that the particular circumstances of each case must be taken into account – situation ethics. There is not, never has been, and never can be ONE Christian ethic. Basing one’s response on love gives flexibility of action and variety to the possible answers to a problem. Scriptural Principles Regarding Issues Surrounding Human Life Genesis 1:27-28 human beings are created by God and in His image so Christians believe they each have dignity and must be protected and respected. Thou Shalt Not Kill – Exodus 20:13 The Beatitudes in Luke and Matthew – “blessed are those who suffer persecution for the sake of justice” – Christians must stand up for the rights and dignity of others Catholic teachings about bioethics include: The 1994 Catechism Various Papal Encyclicals – especially Humanae Vitae (On Human Life) which attests the dignity of human life at all states. Euthanasia Christian ethical teaching is applied to the issue of bioethics, through euthanasia. Euthanasia is the deliberate killing of a person for the benefit of that person. In most cases euthanasia is carried out because the person who dies asks for it, but there are cases called euthanasia where a person can't make such a request. A person who undergoes euthanasia is usually terminally ill, but there are other situations in which some people want euthanasia, such as psychological factors that cause people to think of euthanasia include depression, fear of loss of control or of dignity, feeling a burden or dislike of being dependent. Christians are mostly against euthanasia. The arguments are usually based on the beliefs that life is given by God, and that human beings are made in God's image. Some churches also emphasise the importance of not interfering with the natural process of death. Main points in the argument of euthanasia are: All life is God-given Birth and death are part of the life processes which God has created, so we should respect them Therefore, no human being has the authority to take the life of any innocent person, even if that person wants to die Human life possesses an intrinsic dignity and value because it is created by God in his own image for the distinctive destiny of sharing in God's own life As people develop these abilities they live a life that is as close as possible to God's life of love This is a good thing, and life should be preserved so that people can go on doing this To propose euthanasia for an individual is to judge that the current life of that individual is not worthwhile Arguments based on the quality of life are completely irrelevant Nor should anyone ask for euthanasia themselves, because no one has the right to value themselves as worthless Christian Bioethics and Stem Cell UsageEmbryonic stem cells → are derived form human embryos and have the potential to develop into almost all cell types in the body Adult stem cells → are found in many organs and tissues of the body, where their main function is to replace cells that have died in the tissue or organ where they are located The question of whether human eggs should be fertilised for the sole purpose of extinguishing the life and harvesting stem cells for research is closely tied to abortion in that such conduct fails to properly respect human life. The argument that creating and then destroying human embryos is ethical because it may save a life fails to recognise that the embryo itself is a life with all the potential of the very person researchers are hoping to save.The present controversy over stem cell research and cloning has occurred because Pope John Paul II has decreed that human life begins at conception instead of the biblical view that human life begins at birth. This is the basis for opposition to various forms of contraceptives, to abortion, and to stem cell research.However, the Vatican does not object to stem cells derived from miscarried embryos or from umbilical cords. It also does not object to skin stem cells derived from the foreskins after circumcision.It is important to recognise that stem cell research as a category of science and medicine is a very exciting area and I think Christians and others alike recognise that so many medical problems are due to the loss or deaths of certain cells or tissues. However, one real concern is where we are getting these stem cells from.We want to highlight the difference between embryonic stem cells and adult stem cells because in terms of adult stem cells they can be obtained without harming the source from which they are being obtained. Whereas embryonic stem cells require destroying embryonic human beings from which they are taken.But granting for the sake of time that human beings do begin at the embryonic stage – these would be the earliest stage of human being – then one ethical concern is that we do not destroy or harm human beings to obtain these cells. That is one core ethical dilemma. Why is stem cell research important' Doctors and scientists believe that stem cell research has the potential to revolutionise medical treatment in two main areas: Better understanding of diseases such as cancer. By understanding how stem cells transform into the specialised cells that make us what we are, we can better understand and cure diseases such as cancer. Cancer is a major example of where this process has gone wrong. Making cells and tissues to replace or regenerate tissues that are either diseased or have been destroyed. Organ transplants can be used for this in some cases, but the demand for suitable donated organs exceeds supply. Stem cells offer the possibility of a source of replacement cells that could be used to treat diseases and conditions from Parkinson’s disease to heart disease, spinal cord injury, diabetes and arthritis. Embryonic and adult stem cells in medical research Most experts think that research involving both embryonic and adult stem cells will lead to a new understanding of, and new therapeutic treatments for, injury and disease. The advantages of embryonic stem cells are that they can be grown in the laboratory for long periods and be made to change into most types of tissue found in the human body. Some people have genuine and strongly held views against the use of embryonic stem cells in research. This is because deriving stem cells from embryos destroys the embryo. Adult stem cells are present in the body in low numbers, and, with the exception of bone marrow, are difficult to obtain. Although adult stem cells are currently difficult to grow in the laboratory and cannot develop into every kind of cell, recent developments in this field are promising.