THE LMS PLATFORM OF THE EUCLID INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY CONSORTIUM
MANAGED BY EUCLID UNIVERSITY AND EULER-FRANEKER MEMORIAL UNIVERSITY

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BIOETH-CHR: Christian Bioethics

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course provides a comprehensive and critical examination of bioethics from a distinctively Christian perspective. Students will explore how the Christian faith informs moral reasoning about the most pressing issues in medicine, biotechnology, and healthcare. The course integrates biblical and theological foundations with rigorous ethical analysis, engaging with the Christian moral tradition as a resource for navigating contemporary bioethical dilemmas. Key topics include the theological foundations of Christian bioethics, the sanctity and dignity of human life, the beginning of life (abortion, reproductive technologies, genetic intervention), the end of life (euthanasia, physician-assisted suicide, palliative care), and the church’s role in engaging bioethical challenges. Students will engage with leading Christian bioethicists and learn to articulate, defend, and apply a coherent Christian bioethical framework to real-world issues. The course is designed for students in theology, healthcare, pastoral ministry, and related fields who wish to integrate their faith with ethical practice.

COURSE TEACHING OBJECTIVES

  1. Analyze the theological and philosophical foundations of Christian bioethics, including the doctrines of creation, the image of God (imago Dei), the sanctity of life, and human dignity.
  2. Evaluate the distinctively Christian approach to bioethical reasoning in contrast to secular and other religious bioethical frameworks.
  3. Assess Christian ethical perspectives on the beginning of human life, including abortion, assisted reproductive technologies, and genetic intervention.
  4. Critically examine Christian bioethical positions on the end of life, including the definition of death, withholding/withdrawing treatment, euthanasia, and physician-assisted suicide.
  5. Synthesize Christian bioethical principles to address contemporary and emerging challenges, including genetic enhancement, healthcare justice, and public health ethics.
  6. Formulate a coherent, biblically grounded, and pastorally sensitive approach to a specific bioethical issue, integrating theological reflection with practical application.

COURSE STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

  1. Articulate the core theological convictions that shape Christian bioethics, including creation, incarnation, redemption, and eschatology.
  2. Apply the image of God (imago Dei) and sanctity of life principles to a range of bioethical issues.
  3. Critically evaluate the strengths and limitations of secular bioethical frameworks from a Christian perspective.
  4. Compare diverse Christian positions on beginning-of-life and end-of-life issues and articulate the reasoning behind each.
  5. Analyze the role of the church in engaging bioethical challenges and equipping its members for faithful decision-making.
  6. Construct a well-reasoned, theologically informed bioethical argument on a contemporary issue.
  7. Demonstrate the ability to integrate Christian bioethical principles into professional and pastoral practice.

ORGANIZATION OF COURSE STUDIES

The course is organized into five study periods (typically 2–3 weeks each, though self-paced). Each period includes intensive reading of the assigned textbook, viewing of the supplementary video, and a short response paper or reflective assignment (500–1,000 words) reflecting on the material and its application. Students must contact the instructor for feedback after each period.

Course Content

End of Course Student Feedback Form (all students must complete this form after receiving grade).

End-of-Course Student Feedback Survey
50

Course Instructor:

This is course is supervised by a primary instructor/faculty member and may also be served by a backup instructor.

The International Faculty Coordinator will confirm the assignment. Do not contact any instructor prior to LMS enrollment with faculty assignment confirmed.