Overview

The aim of the book is to contribute to the development of Christian bioethics. Particularly, it constitutes a Christian critique of the sovereign bioethics - he kind of bioethics that shapes the relevant discussions in the public arena, and unjustifiably imposes particular values, boundaries and conditions on the discussion relevant to bioethical dilemmas - with special reference to the issues surrounding euthanasia. This critique is made, firstly, on the ground of the assumption that all theories of human existence, including sovereign bioethics share a common ground - all theories serve their own needs of self-presentation through presenting their subjective principles as objective and therefore as appropriate for power claims over human life. This is exemplified through a thorough analysis of the current discussion on euthanasia. Such a procedure is an innovative way on how current bioethics should be examined and evaluated. Such a critique of the sovereign bioethics is further developed on the ground of the patristic tradition and particularly the works of John Damascene and Symeon the New Theologian. Within such a context, the fundamental elements of a Christian anthropology regarding the constitution of man, the character of pain and death as well as the importance of the free will in man are discussed. This discussion is culminated in the presentation of the character of the Christian voluntary death along with its implications from a bioethical point of view.

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9780227176979

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Reviews

"""Both medical sciences and bioethical theories are neither neutral nor innocent - so at least it is claimed in this impressive book. Ioannis Bekos argues that modern bioethical theories often presuppose problematic anthropologies and mask power claims, which can and must be exposed with the aid of Christian theology and the Greek patristic tradition. This is a stimulating book that will help the reader re-examine their assumptions in critical and constructive ways."" Demetrios Bathrellos, Institute for Orthodox Christian Studies and Emory University ""This book offers a critique of the anthropological assumptions that give rise to bioethics and of the resulting collapse of ethics into the management and regulation of life and death. The historical investigation of Western thought is conducted with generosity and respect, whilst the author demonstrates an alternative understanding of the human person that arises in the work of two seminal Eastern theologians. Readers will be inspired by this fresh reading of basic elements of Christian faith."" Susan Frank Parson, editor of Studies in Christian Ethics This book is a window into the bewildering - for many Westerners - world of Eastern Christian ethics. Robin Gil,Theology 2020, Vol 123, pp.399"

Both medical sciences and bioethical theories are neither neutral nor innocent - so at least it is claimed in this impressive book. Ioannis Bekos argues that modern bioethical theories often presuppose problematic anthropologies and mask power claims, which can and must be exposed with the aid of Christian theology and the Greek patristic tradition. This is a stimulating book that will help the reader re-examine their assumptions in critical and constructive ways. Demetrios Bathrellos, Institute for Orthodox Christian Studies and Emory University This book offers a critique of the anthropological assumptions that give rise to bioethics and of the resulting collapse of ethics into the management and regulation of life and death. The historical investigation of Western thought is conducted with generosity and respect, whilst the author demonstrates an alternative understanding of the human person that arises in the work of two seminal Eastern theologians. Readers will be inspired by this fresh reading of basic elements of Christian faith. Susan Frank Parson, editor of Studies in Christian Ethics This book is a window into the bewildering - for many Westerners - world of Eastern Christian ethics. Robin Gil,Theology 2020, Vol 123, pp.399

Both medical sciences and bioethical theories are neither neutral nor innocent - so at least it is claimed in this impressive book. Ioannis Bekos argues that modern bioethical theories often presuppose problematic anthropologies and mask power claims, which can and must be exposed with the aid of Christian theology and the Greek patristic tradition. This is a stimulating book that will help the reader re-examine their assumptions in critical and constructive ways. Demetrios Bathrellos, Institute for Orthodox Christian Studies and Emory University This book offers a critique of the anthropological assumptions that give rise to bioethics and of the resulting collapse of ethics into the management and regulation of life and death. The historical investigation of Western thought is conducted with generosity and respect, whilst the author demonstrates an alternative understanding of the human person that arises in the work of two seminal Eastern theologians. Readers will be inspired by this fresh reading of basic elements of Christian faith. Susan Frank Parson, editor of Studies in Christian Ethics

Author Information

Ioannis Bekos lectures on Christian Ethics and Religious Education at the Theological School of the Church of Cyprus and the University of Cyprus, and is a member of the Cyprus National Bioethics Committee. He is the author of Which Ethics? Which Story? (En Plo, 2010), on the commentary of St Nicholas Cabasilas on the Divine Liturgy and the development of Christian ethics.

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