RTS 2820 - Bioethics & Healthcare: Theological Approaches

Credits: 4

This course considers medical and healthcare issues derived from new technologies and capabilities within the human sphere. Theological Bioethics aims to integrate the discipline of theology with the field of biomedical ethics to critically evaluate the goals of healthcare and practices associated with these goals. The course will involve an examination of the Theological sources and methods used for addressing biomedical and healthcare issues (e.g., End of Life Care, Physician Assisted Suicide, Abortion, Reproductive Technologies, Organ Donation, Genetics, and Social Justice concerns) in a contemporary context. In particular, emphasis will be placed on the ethics of the Hebrew and Christian scriptures, Christian moral tradition, and some nonreligious sources in their approach to a variety of issues facing the healthcare community. Attention will focus on foundations for religion, medicine, and spirituality as they intersect in care for the body and soul in the first half of the class while the second half of the course will turn to bioethical issues that involve religious and ethical discernment.
Fulfills: E in LS Core.