Christianity Bioethics - Case Studies

The following PowerPoint will explore much of the information that you covered in previous lessons. The background information is valuable in the way it concurs with the work you have already completed. The true value of this resource is in the exploration of the two examples of ethical process.

The two areas that we are going to explore will be

1. Abortion
2. Euthanasia.

It is important that you are familiar with these issues (you would have been introduced to them in year 10 when you completed the 'Reverence for Life' unit of work) and the various complexities surrounding them. It is not enough simply to know the mainstream understanding of these issues.

For example:

The language around abortion is not always clear. You need to demonstrate an understanding of 'induced' and 'spontaneous' abortion and the views on each of them. You also need to understand the beliefs around conception and the Christian notion of 'life'. When does life begin?

In addition to this, you need to be familiar with the suggested process for alternatives to abortion from each of the denominations you are exploring (if necessary). The Catholic Church promotes alternatives such as fostering and adoption of children. This is further supported in the Catechism.

Finally, you need to make special mention of the supporting evidence that is used to justify the position of the Christian group. You need to demonstrate a thorough exploration of their process and where it can be found:

• In scripture (all)
• Early Church and Church Fathers (Catholic and Orthodox)
• Papal/Patriarchal Authority (Catholic/Orthodox)
• Natural Law
• Context (Protestant)

Christian ethics bioethics_hsc MCC resource from Francis O'Callaghan

Task:

For each of the issues presented in the presentation, complete the following activities:

1. Define the issue
2. Elaborate on the complexity of the issue (what are the concerns of people, what are the key terms associated with this issue that need to be understood.)
3. State, in a table, the views of various (min 3) Christian denominations
4. Support these views with evidence from their ethical reasoning process (work completed on Tuesday 10/6) Only apply the relevant aspects for each denomination.

1. Scripture - Provide the passage and then specifically relate it to the understanding it gives on your issue.
2. Early Church - Refer to the Didache (works of the Apostles document) and to the conclusions that were drawn from the early ecumenical councils (Nicaea, Ephesus, Constantinople, Chalcedon etc) This one is challenging, only attempt this aspect if you are producing work that is directed at band 6.
3.  Church Fathers (plus Patriarchs for Orthodox) - St Thomas Aquinas, St Augustine, St Cyril of Alexandria etc. They are also known as 'Doctors of the Church' (Catholic term).
4. Papal Encyclicals/documents -  Almost all Popes will have released a commentary on abortion and euthanasia. Make sure that your research includes reference to these as well as church documents - Donum Vitae, Veritas Splendour, Gaudium et Spes, 
5. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (this link to the index is a great resource as it will direct you specifically to the parts of the Catechism that relate to key terms.     Catechism Index  

It is important to note that these views are held by specific groups, it needs to be acknowledged in your writing the denominations that you are referring to when you present your supporting evidence.

Christianity - Bioethics introduction

The following information is directed at students to complete their first lesson on Christian Bioethics. The work should be completed in class time. If not completed during class time, please ensure that this work is completed and submitted at the next lesson.

1.     What is the foundational source of Christian Ethics?

a.     Provide specific references from the sacred text, which are used by adherents as a source of ethical guidance.

2.     Differentiate between the Catholic, Protestant, Evangelical and Orthodox churches and their views on the sources of Christian ethics. (each description should be a structured paragraph, Eg. P.E.E.L)

3.     Describe the fundamentals of ‘Natural Law’.

4.     What features are at the core of Christian Ethics for all Christians

5.     What needs to be acknowledged by people who study Christian Ethics about how it is applied by the adherent?

Christian Ethics

Christian ethics BPC resource from Francis O'Callaghan

Ensure that all work is completed in your book.