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.
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.
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, laypeople, 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 also to assure their academic success on
occasional quizzes.
REQUIRED READING: