Science as a stimulus to Christian Ethical Thinking Flashcards
(5 cards)
Science as an aid to Christians
Science is morally neutral it is a method of understanding the world based on reason and evidence. Most argue that, from creation, God has ordered the world for the benefit of humans. Therefore, we should use science to understand it and develop ways to understand human nature.
For example, monasteries in the Middle Ages took a lead in caring for the sick. Christians have often been at the forefront of medicine, science and communication-especially when caring for the sick.
- In medieval Christian society, science was an aid to Christians, to find out the natural order, for example Aquinas’ Natural Moral Law, and to use it to care for God’s creation.
- Then, the rise of science led people to view it as its own authority, separate to Christianity.
- Then, science was used to alter God’s creation. The division between Christianity and Science widened.
- Secular modern society has seen Christianity and Science experience tension over many issues.
Moral Issues posed by Science: Modern Medicine
CAN BE RECONCILED WITH Christianity: Modern medicine has the potential to cure many illnesses such as Alzheimer’s, and improve the care for the sick. Joseph Fletcher argued that Christians should ‘sin bravely’ and embrace new tech.
CANNOT BE RECONCILED: Christians would need to abandon rule based ethics like in Natural Moral Law. There may be some areas that conflict with biblical verses, and this is a huge problem for those who believe in Biblical infallibility or sola scripture. Moreover, there are issues about sanctity of life. The strong sanctity of life principle seems to oppose medical advancements such as abortion or euthanasia.
Moral issues posed by science: Genetic Modification
Key Issues related to Genetic Modification include:
- Genetic modification could make us stronger and healthier, BUT it would be altering God’s creation, conflicts with when God saw his creation and said it ‘was good’.
- Science has the potential to merge human biology with computer environments that could be immortal. BUT this has major implications for Christian beliefs about the afterlife. Ethically, Christians may not be justified in seeking indefinite life extension, as this means they will never be held to account and judged.
Can moral thinking solve this dilemma:
YES-
- Fletcher’s SE argues that Genetic Modification can be used to improve the human condition, for example if space exploration becomes necessary to deal with overpopulation, genetic modification would be required to allow humans to live in different environments such as those with low oxygen.
NO-
- The particular issues posed by scientific developments today did not exist two thousand years ago. Therefore, the bible may not sufficiently address the specific issues. This means that Christian moral thinkers need to give a reasoned justification of their moral position.
Science and evolutionary ethics:
- Darwin’s theory of ‘survival of the fittest’ conflicts with the Christian idea of compassion. COUNTER: But is compassion always good- Nietzsche argued that compassion weakens the species. The Ubermensch (Superman) will be the next stage in evolution, so we need better answers than outdated ones.
Science and environmental ethics
- Scientific advances in agriculture and farming are arguably having a negative impact on the environment.
- Can Christian thinking solve this dilemma?
YES- belief in stewardship has led some Churches to adopt eco theology practices, and organisations like A Rocha UK which aim to protect and restore the natural world.
NO- Belief in dominion has led to harmful practices like industrial farming
Christian responses to controversial medical tech
Example of keeping someone alive in a vegetative state:
NML: Primary Precept of preserving innocent life would lead to support for this practice. This view is also taken by the Catholic Church.
Utilitarian: Would consider whether this action maximises happiness and minimises pain.
Protestant evangelical: Would refer to the bible because it is the ultimate authority. However, this tech was not around in Jesus’ time, so it is up to a reasoned estimate as to what Jesus would do.
