Bioethics and the Science-Theology Dialogue

Seminary Room N150

The field of bioethics presents challenges in the science-theology dialogue which are not often considered. Regarding most bioethical issues, the Bible does not directly mention solutions or comparable situations. The complexity of current cases continually leads to new questions and uncertainties. However, the basic bioethical principles of justice, autonomy, beneficence, and non-maleficence have their foundations in Scripture and biblical truths. God is love, and exhibits different strategies with different people at different times, but always cares deeply for each individual. When examining the whole witness of Scripture, as well as the overall plan of salvation, biblical principles that can apply to each case become more clear. As bioethical issues proliferate, the following practices are crucial to a healthy dialogue between science and faith: respect, creativity, willingness to tackle challenging issues, desire to listen to those with different perspectives, and willingness to live with the ambiguity inherent in complex dilemmas.