introdoction to christian ethics - exam three

Creation Care

Christian responsibility to protect, steward, and sustain God’s creation (humans, animals, environment).

Why should Christians care about non-humans?

Creation reflects God’s glory, humans are stewards (Genesis), and all creation has value beyond human use.

Instrumental Value

Valuing something for its usefulness (e.g., trees for oxygen or wood).

Intrinsic Value

Valuing something for its own sake, because it has worth simply by existing.

Biodiverse Ecosystems Provide

Clean air/water, food, climate regulation, medicine, and stability for life.

Big Ideas About Creation Care

• Humans are stewards, not owners

• Creation has value beyond humans

• Sin has affected creation

• Christians are called to restoration and care

Ecological Footprint

Measure of how much of Earth’s resources an individual uses.

Medical Model of Disability

Disability = problem to fix

Medical Model of Disability - Pro

promotes treatment

Medical Model of Disability - Con

ignores person’s dignity/social factors

Social Model of Disability

Disability = result of societal barriers

Social Model of Disability - Pro

focuses on inclusion

Social Model of Disability - Con

may ignore physical suffering

Theological Model of Disability

Disability = part of human diversity under God

Theological Model of Disability - Pro

emphasizes dignity and purpose

Theological Model of Disability - Con

can be hard to apply practically

Anti-Natalism

Belief that procreation is morally wrong.

Philanthropic Anti-Natalism

Having children is wrong because it causes suffering.

Asymmetry Argument

Pain is bad, absence of pain is good → better not to exist.

Deluded Gladness Argument

People think life is good but are deceived about suffering.

No Consent Argument

You can’t consent to being born → unethical to create life.

Misanthropic Anti-Natalism

Humans are harmful → fewer humans = less harm.

Pro-Natalism

Belief that having children is good.

Christian Response (Pro-Natalism)

• Life is a gift from God

• Humans are made in God’s image

• Suffering does not remove life’s value

• Procreation participates in God’s creation

Biomedical Parenting

Using medical technology to have children.

Sperm Donation

Use of donor sperm to conceive.

Egg Donation

Use of donor eggs.

Artificial Insemination (AI)

Placing sperm into uterus without intercourse.

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

Fertilization outside the body, then embryo implanted.

Surrogate Motherhood

Another woman carries a child for someone else.

Ethical Concerns (ART)

• Commodification of life

• Embryo destruction

• Identity issues

• Exploitation of women

Genome

Complete set of an organism’s DNA.

History of Genome Mapping

Human Genome Project mapped all human genes.

Genome Editing

Altering DNA to change traits.

CRISPR

Technology used to precisely edit genes.

Genetic Determinism

Belief that genes fully determine traits/behavior.

Gene Editing Case Studies

• Disease treatment (e.g., sickle cell)

• Designer babies

• lulu and nana

BEFORE YOU CAN HELP SOMEONE, BEFORE YOU CAN EMPOWER SOMEONE, BEFORE YOU CAN ADVOCATE FOR SOMEONE…

YOU HAVE TO SEE THEM.

CHRISTIAN ETHICS IS NOT JUST ABOUT RIGHT BELIEF, IT IS ABOUT RIGHT

PROXIMITY.

Educational Ethics

Study of moral issues in education (teaching methods, policies, access).

Paulo Freire

Education should be transformative, not just memorization (“banking model” is harmful).

Parker Palmer

Education often creates disconnection due to fear, competition, and systems.

Lois LeBar

Jesus’ teaching was relational and interactive, not just informational.

How Economics Influences Education

• Access to resources varies

• Wealth affects opportunities

• Systems can reinforce inequality

• Focus on performance over formation

Creation Care

The Christian responsibility to protect and take care of the earth and all living things as part of God’s creation.

Instrumental Value

When something is valued for what it can do or provide (its usefulness).

Intrinsic Value

When something is valued simply because it exists and has worth on its own.

Ecological Footprint

A measure of how much natural resources a person or group uses compared to what the earth can sustain.

Anti-Natalism

The belief that it is morally wrong to have children.

Philanthropic Anti-Natalism

The idea that having children is wrong because it exposes them to suffering.

Misanthropic Anti-Natalism

The belief that humans are harmful to the world, so fewer humans is better.

Pro-Natalism

The belief that having children is good and morally valuable.

Biomedical Parenting

Using medical technologies to help conceive or have children.

Sperm Donation

When a man donates sperm to help someone else have a child.

Egg Donation

When a woman donates eggs for someone else to use to have a child.

Artificial Insemination (AI)

A process where sperm is placed into a woman’s body without sexual intercourse to achieve pregnancy.

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

A process where an egg is fertilized by sperm outside the body and then implanted into the uterus.

Surrogate Motherhood

When a woman carries and gives birth to a baby for another person or couple.

Genome

The complete set of DNA (genetic material) in an organism.

Genome Editing

The process of changing or altering DNA in a living organism.

CRISPR

A technology that allows scientists to edit genes quickly and precisely.

Genetic Determinism

The belief that a person’s genes fully determine their traits, behaviors, and future.

Educational Ethics

The study of moral issues and responsibilities in education, including teaching methods, fairness, and access.