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Frequently Asked Questions about The Center for Bioethics & Human Dignity

Q: What is The Center for Bioethics & Human Dignity?
A: The Center is a Christian bioethics research center of Trinity International University and is one aspect of the University’s Bioethics [at Trinity] initiative.  Our mission, “exploring the nexus of biomedicine, biotechnology, and our common humanity,” designates our commitment to anticipate, research, and analyze the emerging bioethical issues of our day. In this way, the Center exists to equip thought leaders to engage the issues of bioethics using the tools of rigorous research, conceptual analysis, charitable critique, leading-edge publication, and effective teaching.  Recognizing that Hippocratic and Christian values have exercised a profound influence on Western culture, especially medicine, the Center explores the potential contribution of these values as part of its work.

Q: How do our convictions empower our research?
A: Recognizing that Hippocratic and Christian values have exercised a profound influence on Western culture, especially medicine, the Center explores the potential contribution of these values as part of its work. Many people dismiss those with religious convictions as either naïve or fanatical. We believe that being informed by this worldview gives us the ability to understand these issues in a broader context than just the research lab or short term gains. We are committed to excellence in gathering and analyzing results of research, and at the same time we are concerned to clarify our assumptions regarding our common humanity and the values entailed by certain technological and medical outcomes.

Q: Is CBHD part of Trinity International University?
A: CBHD is a bioethics research center of Trinity International University (TIU) and is located on the main campus of the University in Deerfield, Illinois. We are privileged to partner with numerous aspects of TIU including the Trinity Graduate School MA and dual degree programs in bioethics.

Q: What resources are available through CBHD?
A: CBHD serves as a national and international leader in “scholarship with a purpose” producing a wide range of live, recorded, and written resources examining bioethical issues including books, podcasts, and online articles. We work with world renowned scholars, clinicians and researchers to bring together the very best information and scholarship available on the issues that impact a truly human future. We invite you to take advantage of an array of resources that we have compiled and continue to develop on this site.

Q: How long has CBHD been around?
A: CBHD has existed since 1993, when more than a dozen leading Christian bioethicists gathered to assess the noticeable lack of explicit Christian engagement in the crucial bioethics arena. This group sponsored a major conference in May 1994, “The Christian Stake in Bioethics,” and concurrently launched The Center for Bioethics & Human Dignity.

Q: Can I get a degree in bioethics at CBHD?
A: CBHD offers a variety of academic credit and continuing education opportunities in conjunction with its annual summer conference.  However, all bioethics degree programs are offered through Trinity International University.  The University offers a Master of Arts in Bioethics in the Trinity Graduate School as well as several dual degree programs such as the Bachelor of Arts/Master of Arts with Trinity College and the Master of Divinity/Master of Arts with Trinity Evangelical Divinity School.  CBHD is pleased to partner with the various schools of the University to offer high quality bioethics educational opportunities. For more information on the degree program options please visit the Graduate School website.

Q: How is CBHD funded?
A: As a center of Trinity International University, a 501(c)3 nonprofit educational institution, the Center is supported by gifts and grants from corporations, foundations, and individuals like you. The Center is directly responsible for the majority of its funding through event revenue, memberships, and charitable gifts. We would invite you to consider partnering with us to support our mission to provide responsible research and analysis of the cutting-edge issues of our day.  If you would like to make a donation or become a member, please follow the Support link.