GOOD CONDUCT- sanctity of life principle

Question 1

concept of sanctity of life

Answer 1

• central to Christian thinking on many ethical issues
• for many it refers to only human life and gives intrinsic value so a disabled newborn or demented old person has same value for God and should be shown same level of respect as others
• based on Genesis 1:26 and 2:7 as first states humans created in image of God and second states when God breathed the breath of life into him man become living being

Question 2

forms it takes

Answer 2

• takes two forms - strong & weak
• strong principle: all humans have an absolute right to life that must never be taken away through abortion/euthanasia for example
• weak principle: all human life is sacred but not absolutely so as in exceptional circumstances that are potentially life-saving or preserving treatment may be withdrawn, often combined with quality of life principle which takes into account a person’s capacity for dignity of life etc
• weak form must consider the situation when deciding what to do

Question 3

applying sanctity of life
(embryo & unborn child) STRONG SOL

Answer 3

• often held by Catholics & some Protestants
• this view, personhood begins at conception because at point of fertilisation a new life comes into existence with complete genetic footprint and so from conception there is an absolute right to life & protection
• this view supported by scripture like when God told Jeremiah that he knew him before he was born
• whilst intentions of embryo research are good cannot justify an act that in itself is wrong
  considered sinful because: exploits inability of embryo to give consent, disobeys biblical teaching t protect most vulnerable, destruction of embryo equal to murder

Question 4

applying sanctity of life
(embryo & unborn child) WEAK SOL

Answer 4

• held by Church of England & many Protestants
• this view holds from fertilisation newly conceived being has right to respect due to potential of becoming a living human
• but it is a potential being not actual & right to life gets stronger as it develops
• Church of England teaches that embryo research is morally acceptable as it is an extension of Jesus’ healing ministry & a responsible use of our God-given skills & PGD acceptable as long as it is for medical reasons only (preventing transmission of genetic disease)
• Church of England views abortion as a great moral evil nut is lesser of two evils
• when woman’s life at risk/serious harm to health can be allowed or if the pregnancy resulted from rape or if child will have a life-limiting condition

Question 5

positives of sol

Answer 5

• promotes respect for human life
• encourages the protection of the vulnerable
• true to teaching of Jesus & agape
• weak form recognises moral-decision making is complex & abortion may be act of desperation

Question 6

negatives of sol

Answer 6

• ignores modern science which states humans are simply evolved animals
• its views on abortion even in weak form promote the patriarchal view of society where women do not have equal rights to that of a man
• in the strong form can seem unloving & lacking in compassion