By Deonna D. Neal A few years ago the Journal of Military Ethics published a lively exchange on whether the use of drones (also known as unmanned aerial vehicles or remotely piloted vehicles) was morally obligatory in warfare. One author argued it was morally obligatory to use drones instead of manned aircraft, if possible, since the lives of the operators are never placed at … [Read more...] about Ethics: Drone Warfare Wounds Our Warriors
ethics
Finitude and Hope in Bioethics
Bioethics: A Primer for Christians, 4th ed. By Gilbert Meilaender Eerdmans, pp. 172, $19.99 As an Amazon Associate, TLC earns from qualifying purchases. Review by Gerald McKenny Bioethics textbooks typically have three characteristics. They are written for health care professionals. They focus on abstract moral principles. And they make for dull reading. On all three … [Read more...] about Finitude and Hope in Bioethics
Ethics: The Moral Issues of Aging
By Philip Turner Death is a fact of life that plays a significant role in the ideation of elderly people. I have in mind the moral probity of advance directives and refusal of treatment. These issues are of particular importance for Christians because in each case social thought and practice are moving in directions that, from a Christian perspective, appear problematic. In … [Read more...] about Ethics: The Moral Issues of Aging
Distinguishing Forgiveness and Reconciliation
Ethics By Stephen Crawford A friend once recommended a forgiveness exercise, which has since become fairly important to me, both personally and in my work as a priest. The exercise originally comes from The Steps to Freedom in Christ by Neil Anderson, but I have often adapted it to be done by itself, whether by individuals or by groups ranging from a handful to a hundred. … [Read more...] about Distinguishing Forgiveness and Reconciliation
The Secular Carnival of the Internet
Ethics By Kara Slade I remember well my early days on the internet. I was an undergraduate in engineering from 1990 to 1994, just at the time when students in general had access to it. Much of the interface was text-based, and I recall my wonder as I scrolled through the catalog of Cambridge University Library on a black-and-white terminal window. No matter that there … [Read more...] about The Secular Carnival of the Internet
Ethics: Forgiveness, in Three Parts
By Victor Lee Austin What makes forgiveness an ethical issue? Forgiveness is obviously central to Christian belief: God offers sinners forgiveness of sins. But what makes it a question of morals? The Lord’s Prayer asserts the connection in the petition that God forgive us our trespasses “as we forgive those who trespass against us.” In this prayer, Jesus makes the claim … [Read more...] about Ethics: Forgiveness, in Three Parts
Ethics: Begetting vs. ‘Making’ Children
Christians who are infertile face a tangle of ethical questions. By Deonna Neal How should Christians evaluate assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) that treat infertility? The most traditional ethicists reject ARTs outright. They teach that the biological integrity of marital sexual love is the moral standard: the natural link between sexual union and reproduction … [Read more...] about Ethics: Begetting vs. ‘Making’ Children
Ethics: The Challenge and Joy of Christ-like Hospitality
By E.S. Kempson Hospitality is not what it used to be. Because of COVID the hospitality industry has suffered, meeting friends or family is discouraged or forbidden, and even corporate prayer and worship have been curtailed. It’s difficult to find anyone who doesn’t long for the joy of hospitality. This longing – for a good time in the company of familiar people whom you … [Read more...] about Ethics: The Challenge and Joy of Christ-like Hospitality