DESCRIPTION: In our age of technology, the most fundamental issues concerning
the beginning of life (e.g. prenatal screening, abortion, reproductive
technologies, embryonic stem cell research), and death (e.g. active and passive
euthanasia, organ and tissue donation, quality vs. quantity of life) have
become dizzyingly complicated. This course offers an opportunity to investigate
both secular and religious approaches, with an emphasis on how Christians
uniquely understand these issues in light of our faith.
COURSE OBJECTIVES/LEARNING OUTCOMES: (1) Students will gain a rudimentary
understanding of the biology and science involved in bioethical issues. (2)
They will reflect on the intersection of Christian faith and technology,
learning from Church tradition and biblical texts even as they recognize the
unique ethical challenges of our era. (3) Students will be equipped to discuss
with believers and nonbelievers the complexities of these moral issues. (4)
Through thoughtful discussion and reasoned arguments, students will develop a
distinctively Christian framework by which they can analyze and respond to
bioethical issues. (5) By intellectually and prayerfully considering these
issues, students can better witness to their hope in Christ as they support
others facing difficult decisions or encounter such situations themselves.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: This course focuses not only on cognitive ethical
arguments surrounding these issues but also on the responsibility of Christians
to be a compassionate presence in a culturally, religiously, and morally
pluralistic world. At the very least, all of us face our own death. This course
should therefore be relevant to missionaries, lay people, therapists,
ministers--all who wish to offer Christian hope and healing amidst the joys and
sadnesses that arise at the beginning and end of life.
COURSE FORMAT: The course will consist of interactive lectures with occasional
movies and documentaries. Guest speakers will share from their experiences as
patients, hospital chaplains, and the like. The course will meet twice weekly
for two-hour sessions for ten weeks. Note: Students must read assigned material
not only to facilitate discussion but to assure their academic success on
occasional quizzes.
REQUIRED READING: