would you by any chance still have the notes on abortion?
if so, could you please post it up here?
or like PM it to me? ... like asap?
i'd be really greatfull =]
thanks!!
xx
Christian ethical teachings on bioethics are based on the Scriptures and the authorities and traditions that exist within the structures of the different Christian churches. The incredible speed at which biological sciences are progressing makes this a difficult area for everybody, not just Christians.
Bioethics asks us all to examine many basic questions of humanity such as ‘Does an embryo have rights?’ and ‘Should a terminally ill person be assisted to end their life?’, and it also forces us to ask questions about natural law such as ‘Should we support cloning?’ and ‘Is abortion wrong?’ These are difficult questions and Christians must use the Scriptures as a guide to ask themselves ‘What would Jesus do?’
The combination of technological advances that allow people to live longer and our rapidly ageing society makes the questions of euthanasia a prominent one, Christians are generally opposed to euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide on the grounds that it invades God’s territory of life and death and because humans are made in God’s image.
However, as with all areas of ethics and morality, it is important to remember that this position will not be universal amongst all Christians though few can ignore the simple clarity of God’s command ‘Thou shall not kill’. Though this position will not be universal amongst Christians, most tend to adopt a pro-life view.
There is no specific instruction given by God about abortion in the Bible, so what Christians believe must be based on interpreting passages which speak about the sanctity of life. The Roman Catholic Church is in complete opposition to abortion, with it being deemed a ‘mortal sin’. Though most Christians believe abortion is wrong, some denominations take a slightly softer stance and argue that although never a positive thing, abortion is acceptable under some circumstances such as danger to the mothers health, extreme foetal disabilities etc.
Organ donation is actively encouraged by all mainstream Protestant denominations, the Roman Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox Christianity and most Pentecostal and evangelical churches, as sacrificial love and helping others are foundational themes in all forms of Christianity.
Cloning is a very difficult issue for all humans, not just Christians. Christian writers and leaders who have spoken and written on the topics have encouraged caution and spelled out their views on why such procedures are unethical. Though the Bible does not specifically deal with cloning the principles that are used to shed light on abortion may also act as a guide in this area wherein the destruction of embryos is seen as wrong. Stem-cell research and the harvesting of embryos are considered unethical for the same reasons. Christians do not disagree with the principle of stem-cell research, but argue against the use of human embryos. It is important to note that although most churches will have and teach established positions there will be disagreement in denominations, churches and even amongst parishioners.
