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. Additionally, it is challenging to know how
Scripture can inform these ethical issues, given the distance of the Biblical
world from our medicalized, biotechnological society. This course offers an
opportunity to investigate both secular and religious approaches, with an
emphasis on how Christians uniquely understand these issues from within the
story of God.
SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND 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.
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.
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: