What is Christian about Christian bioethics?

Area of Science:

• Bioethics
• Theology
• Philosophy of Medicine

Background:

• Contemporary medicine pursues human enhancement, aligning with transhumanist goals.
• This trajectory stems from modernity's attempt to redefine necessity and a loss of eternal perspective.
• Medicine risks becoming a tool for profane self-transformation rather than human flourishing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To define the Christian distinctiveness in bioethics.
• To critique the transhumanist underpinnings of contemporary medicine.
• To propose an Incarnation-centered alternative for Christian bioethics.

Main Methods:

• Theological exegesis of the Incarnation.
• Philosophical analysis of modernity and transhumanism.
• Ethical reasoning grounded in Christian doctrine.

Main Results:

• The Incarnation, not self-transformation, should guide Christian bioethics.
• Christian bioethics finds meaning in vulnerability and mortality through Christ's redemptive work.
• The cross and resurrection provide a framework for understanding suffering and eternity.

Conclusions:

• Christian bioethics must be shaped by the Incarnation, emphasizing redemption over self-enhancement.
• It offers a framework where finitude's vulnerability and mortality are embraced as gifts.
• This approach contrasts with medicine's pursuit of a posthuman future, advocating conformity to Christ.