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 cultural 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 embodiment and its implications 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, and ministers - to all who 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 regular assignments.

REQUIRED READING:

Lysaught, M. Therese, J. Kotva, and S. Lammers, A. Verhey, eds. On Moral Medicine: Theological Perspectives in Medical Ethics. 3rd ed. Eerdmans, 2012 (1,180 pp.). ISBN: 978-0802866011. Pub. price: $70.00. Note: You cannot use a previous edition of this text for this course.

Other readings on contemporary medical issues and ethics, available via the Internet or on eReserves. Approximately 100 pages.

Hall, Amy Laura. Conceiving Parenthood: American Protestantism and the Spirit of Reproduction. Eerdmans, 2007 (464 pp.). ISBN: 978-0802839367. Pub. price: $34.00; Kindle $17.60.

Yong, Amos. Theology and Downs Syndrome: Reimagining Disability in Late Modernity. Baylor University Press, 2007 (425 pp.). ISBN: 978-1602580060. Pub. price: $39.95; Kindle edition $31.96.