Do Christian perspectives on the bioethical challenges of today matter? In one way, of course, the answer is obviously “Yes.” For the vast array of people who call themselves “Christian,” what the Christian faith has to say about matters of life, health, and death, among other key issues, is (or should be!) extremely important.
But in another way, the answer is far from clear. In public and professional discussions of bioethical issues, Christian perspectives receive far less attention than would seem objectively warranted by the percentage of the population who affirm a Christian outlook on life. In fact, in many settings, discussions of explicitly religious perspectives of any sort are actively discouraged.
If it is true that the Christian faith has much to offer to a world in need of all the wisdom it can get, how can we communicate Christian perspectives effectively? Never before has there been a greater need to grapple with this question. To answer it, we will need to gather together insightful analysts to explain how people’s views and actions on bioethical matters are shaped by the culture—e.g., by the media, law and public policy, educational institutions, the health professions, and the church. We will need to carefully consider how to constructively communicate Christian perspectives through these avenues. We will need to bring together experienced strategists who can describe and evaluate the best relevant models of communication to date. We will need to put our heads and hearts together to develop new initiatives to “make a difference.”
All this and more will be taking place at the Making a Difference conference this summer (see page 8). Do you want to make a difference? Please join us at the conference.