There's No Harm in Talking: Re-Establishing the Relationship Between Theological and Secular Bioethics

Area of Science:

• Bioethics
• Theology
• Christian Anthropology

Background:

• Bioethics discourse is fragmented, with theological and secular viewpoints in separate silos.
• Reduced theological contribution to public bioethics and diminished receptivity to religious arguments in secular bioethics exacerbate this divide.

Purpose of the Study:

• To counteract the separation of theological and secular bioethics.
• To demonstrate the relevance of Christian anthropology to secular bioethics' concerns with inequality and injustice.
• To foster dialogue between theological and secular bioethicists.

Main Methods:

• Presents an argument drawing from Christian anthropology, avoiding a purely religious echo-chamber.
• Identifies core concepts from Christian bioethics for engagement with secular bioethics.

Main Results:

• Christian anthropology offers valuable insights into secular bioethics' concerns regarding inequality and injustice.
• The concepts of human dignity, sin, and the common good are presented as resources for addressing unresolved bioethical issues.

Conclusions:

• Christian anthropological insights can meaningfully inform and enrich secular bioethical discourse.
• Key theological concepts provide a framework for resolving complex bioethical challenges in a pluralistic society.