evangelium vitae

english meaning of “evangelium vitae”

the gospel of life

author of evangelium

pope John Paul II

why evangelium vitae was written

to confront a growing “culture of death” in the modern world

what evangelium vitae calls all christians to do

build a “culture of life” rooted in truth, love, and respect for every human person

first principle of evangelium vitae

life is sacred from conception to natural death (womb to tomb)

key concepts of “life is sacred from conception to natural death”

every person, no matter their age, ability, or circumstance, has infinite worth, and no one has the right to destroy innocent human life

the second principle of evangelium vitae

the “culture of death”

key concepts of the “culture of death”

modern society often values convenience and personal freedom over the sanctity of life

the third principle of evangelium vitae

the “culture of life”

key concepts of the “culture of life”

John Paul II calls the Church to promote a culture that welcomes, protects, and defends every person, especially the weakest and most vulnerable. This begins in the family and extends to society through love, service, and solidarity

the fourth principle of evangelium vitae

the role of Jesus Christ

key concepts of the role of Jesus Christ

through His death and resurrection, Jesus conquers sin and death, showing that life has eternal value

the fifth principle of evangelium vitae

moral responsibility and law

key concepts of moral responsibility and law

not everything that is legal is moral, civil laws must respect the right to life, the most basic human right on which all others depend, and citizens and leaders have a duty to protect life at every stage

the sixth principle of evangelium vitae

the call to conversion and action

key concepts of the call to conversion and action

John Paul II invites everyone to examine their consciences and take active steps to defend life

scripture references to evangelium vitae

genesis 1:27, John 10:10, deuteronomy 30:19

the core message of evangelium vitae

every human life, without exception, is sacred and must be protected. To follow Christ is to be people of life and for life

the year evangelium vitae was written

1995

where the principle of double effect comes from

classical Catholic moral theology, particularly Thomas Aquinas in the 13th century

what did the main contributor formulate the concept of double effect in the context of

self defense

where has the principle of double effect been most widely applied

ethics, especially in medical ethics, war, and end-of-life decisions

principle of the nature of the act

the act itself must be morally good or neutral

the second condition of PDE

intentions

principle of intentions

the intended effect must be good

the third condition of PDE

means-end

principle of means-end

the good effect must not be produced by means of the bad effect

the fourth condition of PDE

proportionality

principles of proportionality

there must be a proportionately serious reason for allowing the bad effect; the good effect must outweigh the foreseeable harm

the four ways to analyze a scenario with PDE

act, intention, bad effect, proportionality

the first simplified rule of PDE

the action itself has to be good or neutral

the second simplified rule of PDE

only the good effect is intended

the third simplified rule of PDE

the bad effect is not the means to the good effect

the fourth simplified rule of PDE

a proportionately grave reason exists for permitting the bad effect