1. Christianity Topic Study - Ethics
BIOETHICS
Christianity Topic Study - Ethics

2. Definitions of Ethics
“The philosophical study of the moral value of human conduct and of the rules and principles that ought to govern it.” [Collins Dictionary]
“Ethics is the examination of collective and individual decision making about what are desirable human actions, and the exploration of why people make such judgements.” [Elliot & Engebretson Chaos or Clarity 27]
“The study of the general nature of morals and specific moral choices”
“The rules or standards governing the conduct of the members of a profession.” [The American Heritage Concise Dictionary]
“Explicit, philosophical and/or religious reflection on moral beliefs and practices. It clarify’s right and wrong and what human’s should be doing”
Select boys to read at random
Select your favourite definition of ethics or create your own compiling elements of the above.

3. What makes up Christian Ethics...?
Natural Law
Authority –
Scripture (OT and NT)
Tradition (Authority of Church)
Experience (Prayer)
Logic (Reason)

4. NATURAL LAW Laws introduced by Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274)
God created everything perfectly so if we study the way life works and learn the laws of nature we will learn how we should act
Based on the belief that God created the earth and all life, humanity has the responsibility to promote life, not take it away.

5. A. SCRIPTURE OLD TESTAMENT NEW TESTAMENT Ten Commandments Beatitudes
Exod 20:2-17
Responsibilities to God and others.
“Thou shall not kill”
Beatitudes
Mt 5-7, Lk 6:20-26
Pattern for living a worthwhile life, focus on what really makes us happy.
Golden Rule (Jesus Commandment of Love)
“Love your neighbour as yourself” (Mt 7:12)
Jesus parables and his life.

6. B. Tradition C. Experience D. Logic
Church provides teachings on how to live.
Developed responses to controversial issues (ie. Encyclicals)
Prayer – talking & listening to God. A guide on how to live and make decisions.
Conscience - way God communicates with humanity.
D. Logic
God created the ability to be critical and develop logical arguments.
This God given gift can help us develop responses to life’s challenge

7. What is bioethics?
Ethics of the biological sciences (life) and medicine.
Religious bioethicists – developed rules for how to deal with bioethical issues in relation to their religious beliefs.
Sometimes a clash exists between government policy and religion. Eg. Abortion
Religious bioethicists – typically religious scholars only. They don’t have a degree in medicine or biology. Are they qualified to make these guidelines...??

8. Animal Experimentation
Genetic Engineering
Cloning
Abortion
Suicide
Capital Punishment
BIOETHICAL ISSUES
Animal Experimentation
Stem-Cell Research
Euthanasia
Brainstorm – some examples of bioethical issues....
Life Support
Organ Donation