Theological Bioethics

Is it really possible to promote a Christian bioethics today—or to meaningfully engage with secular bioethics from a place of theological conviction? For some, this sounds like a noble yet impossible dream—out of step with pluralistic societies and their ever-expanding moral landscapes. For others, it represents a necessary act of faithfulness in an age where technological power often outpaces moral wisdom.

Christian bioethics is an attempt to answer that question. It’s not a rigid system, but a way of seeing the world—a framework that asks us to consider human dignity, divine design, and the moral responsibilities we bear toward each other, especially the most vulnerable. It’s also a controversial project. Some say Christian bioethics is necessary. Others claim it’s impossible. Let’s walk through both sides.

When we talk about “defending life,” we start from this biblical truth: life is a divine gift for all. Often, this topic is polarized, limited to debates about abortion or the right to be born. But from a Christian bioethics perspective, defending life is much more than that: it means advocating for