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On
Bioethics
A Korean university is cloning humans. Thousands die of HIV/AIDS daily throughout the world. The pre-born child is receiving official state recognition in courts throughout the country. Christopher Reeve testifies before Congress that stem cells will reverse spinal-cord injury. In one week of prime-time TV alone, two dramas feature end-of-life care and euthanasia. A few months ago, talk shows and newscasts were filled with reports of Terri Schiavo and her husband’s desire to discontinue tube feedings.* • What do these scenarios have in common, and why should we — as thoughtful Christians — care? Each of these
vignettes deals directly with bioethics. This term, coined in the
last 30 years, deals with subjects ranging from age-old controversies
to tomorrow’s scientific breakthroughs. How would John Wesley teach
Free Methodists to face difficult philosophical and religious decisions
like those presented above? What is our responsibility? Wesley taught
that difficult questions should be addressed with four guides: using our
God-given reason, we are to employ experience,
scripture and tradition to ponder these. The
mnemonic REST reminds us that God will provide guidance and rest
for our troubled minds as we prayerfully seek His wisdom. Reason
requires information. Much is available in standard print resources such
as The Book of Discipline. Additionally, as many issues change
rapidly, the Internet is a valuable source of information. Informed reason
must always be subject to Scripture, the experience of the
Holy Spirit revealing truth to us, and tradition. Free Methodists
have always believed in being a Spirit-filled people. We not only think
with our minds, but we also experience the Holy Spirit’s confirmation
or correction as we pray for guidance and are informed by the experiences
through which He directs us. Scripture
is always central. Luther and the reformers rallied to “sola scriptura.”
As Free Methodists, we firmly believe in the authority of Scripture. We
also believe that we are instructed by our old and evolving traditions
and by heeding the inner voice of the Holy Spirit. Besides classic
church traditions, godly philosophers, theologians, scientists, lawyers,
pastors, nurses and physicians grappling with these issues are creating
new traditions. Our traditions
arise from our (1) Free Methodist roots, (2) evangelical orthodoxy and
(3) new traditions. The Book of Discipline outlines our Free Methodist
roots, stating our positions on important worldview and bioethical issues
— see Chapter 3, “The Christian Life,” pages 44-47. Our
Free Methodist Web site (www.freemethodistchurch.org) offers both
free, continuous access to The Book of Discipline (under “Free
Resources”) and a free bioethics study plan for use in personal or
group study (“Free 13-week Bioethics Curriculum”). Evangelical
orthodoxy is delineated in a recent book, This We Believe, written
through the joint efforts of The Community on Evangelical Unity in the
Gospel (Zondervan, 2000). These truths inform our worldview, which molds
our bioethical thought. The Center
for Bioethics and Human Dignity in Bannockburn, IL, was founded and is
directed by John Kilner, a former Asbury Seminary instructor who is currently
a professor at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. His Web site (www.cbhd.org)
provides sound bioethical insights. The Christian Medical and Dental Association’s
Web site (www.cmdahome.org)
and Chuck Colson and Nigel Cameron’s Web site (www.pfm.org/WilberforceTemplate.cfm)
carry timely essays on emerging bioethics questions. These and other linked
sites articulate our new traditions. We cannot ignore these controversies. They will not go away. As Edmund Burke said, “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” If we do not enter into the public discussion, we may allow evil to triumph. We have a responsibility to REST in the Lord’s wisdom and strength, and enter the fray. * (See www.cbhd.org/resources/endoflife/cranston_2004-03-19.htm).
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written with assistance from
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