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Lucienne.pacifique:
Hi! love what you're doing here. Could you please give me some feedback on this essay i did for bioethics?
Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal, You shall not covet,” and any other commandment, are summed up in this word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. Romans 13:8-10
Describe Christian ethical teachings on ONE of the following;
- Sexual Ethics
- Bioethics
- Environmental Ethics
Christian ethical teachings have great importance for the adherents. As represented in Romans 13: 8-10 the scriptures are provided as the sources of ethical teachings and provide ethical guidelines for adherents along with the Authority of the Church. The ethical teachings also provide a guide when considering bioethical issues such as IVF, Stem Cell Research and Euthanasia.
Christian ethical teachings outline the reasons and provide a stance regarding Stem Cell Research. There are two types of stem cells that can be used to assist the treatment of medical conditions such as heart disease and neurological diseases and they are Embryonic Stem Cells and Adult Stem Cells. Embryonic Stem Cells involves harvesting of cells from an embryo. In order to harvest the cells, the embryo is destroyed; therefore all Christian churches are against this method of harvesting stem cells. The reasons for this are represented within the ethical teachings of Christianity. Firstly represented in the scripture, Jeremiah 1:4-5, which states “Now the word of the Lord came to me, saying, ”Before I formed you in the womb I knew you”. This is again represented in the Catechism of the Catholic Church #2270, which states, “Human life must be respected and protected absolutely from the moment of conception”. As a response the leaders from the main Christian churches, made a statement regarding this issue, “Our community must determine appropriate standards for medical research involving human subjects. We ask our political leaders to have regard for the sacredness of all human beings, of whatever level of maturity, dependency or ability. We ask them to support adult stem cell research and to reject a policy of destroying some to treat others”. The ethical teachings therefore oppose the action of embryonic stem cell research thus making the process immoral according to the Christian Church and all its variants. Therefore, Christian ethical teachings provide guidance when considering Embryonic Stem Cell treatment.
Moreover, the ethical teachings also relate to Euthanasia. All Christian churches reject Euthanasia, the argument being that God is the author of all life and to take life is to challenge the divine plan of the creator. This Christian ethical teaching is underpinned by the notion of the sanctity of life. This is primarily represented in the Ten Commandments, which gives evidence of the immoral nature according to Christians. The 5th commandment states, “Thou shall not kill”. Furthermore, Christ’s commandment of love: “If one loves one’s neighbour as oneself then the taking of life is not possible”, thus meaning that it is not appropriate to assist in Euthanasia. The Anglican Church’s response outlines the Christian churches overall response as the 2010 General Synod of Australia of the Anglican Church affirms the sanctity of life, that life is God’s gift and that our task is to protect, nurture and sustain life to the best of our ability. It also notes that, when adequate palliative care, symptom control and psychosocial support is available and accessible, only a tiny minority of those accessing such support express a preference for euthanasia. Thus, through the link of Christian ethical teachings, Euthanasia is opposed of.
Finally, through introspection of scripture, most Christian denominations oppose IVF. In vitro fertilization is the technique that fertilizes the woman’s egg outside of the body. Fertilised embryos are transferred 5 days later into the uterus in attempt to receive a successful pregnancy. This bioethical issue varies from other as only some Christian denominations are opposed to IVF. Variants such as Anglican are not completely opposed to IVF if it is within a marriage between a man and a woman and does not include a third party. However, the Roman Catholic Church verifies their stance through scripture. Firstly, in Genesis 1:27-28, which states, “Made in the image and likeness of God, be fruitful and multiply” and furthermore in Mark 10:9-10, “The two are no longer to but one flesh”. This text supports the sanctity of marriage and confirms the fact that interference in the marriage act by outsiders is not permissible. Within the variant’s responses, the Roman Catholic Church has adopted the strictest position, opposing all forms of IVF and artificial insemination within and outside the marriage relationship. It states three reasons for its position. This includes, removing conception from the sexual act of love separates the procreative and unitive purposes of married human sexuality, foetal manipulation and experimentation violate human dignity and right to life of the embryos that are either implanted in the mother’s uterus, or destroyed by foetal reduction and IVF procedures violate the principle of stewardship by entrusting the life and identity of the embryo to the power of medical professionals. Therefore concluding, that ethical teachings provide a stance on the bioethical issue of IVF.
In essence, ethical teachings are held relevant. As represented within Romans 13: 8-10, Christian ethical teachings hold relevance to the lives of adherents, whereby they must consider them when undertaking life decisions. Thus, Christian denominations have applied this when considering bioethical issues.
jamonwindeyer:
--- Quote from: Lucienne.pacifique on March 25, 2016, 08:55:56 am ---Hi! love what you're doing here. Could you please give me some feedback on this essay i did for bioethics?
--- End quote ---
Hey there Lucienne! Welcome to the forums, I'd love to give you some feedback! ;D I've attached it in a spoiler below with some comments throughout.
However, I want to start by saying that I'm not marking this with respect to the question. The question asks for a description, I would never expect you to have to write an essay on a describe question. Not enough to work with! You'll get something like explain or analyse, or perhaps even assess. So, I'm just going to read the essay and mark it on its merits, I hope that is okay! ;D
Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal, You shall not covet,” and any other commandment, are summed up in this word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. Romans 13:8-10
Describe Christian ethical teachings on Bioethics
SpoilerChristian ethical teachings have great importance for the adherents. As represented in Romans 13: 8-10 the scriptures are provided as the sources of ethical teachings and provide ethical guidelines for adherents along with the Authority of the Church. The ethical teachings also provide a guide when considering bioethical issues such as IVF, Stem Cell Research and Euthanasia.I love that you are clearly setting out the argument here! For questions requiring something more than description, you would require some more detail, perhaps an assessment for how relevant the teachings are for the modern adherent? This works great as a skeleton, add what you need to address a more complex question and you are set!
Christian ethical teachings outline the reasons and provide a stance regarding Stem Cell Research. I would be keen to see something more here, try linking to the adherent like you did in the introduction! There are two types of stem cells that can be used to assist the treatment of medical conditions such as heart disease and neurological diseases and they are Embryonic Stem Cells and Adult Stem Cells. Embryonic Stem Cells involves harvesting of cells from an embryo. In order to harvest the cells, the embryo is destroyed; therefore all Christian churches are against this method of harvesting stem cells. This description of embryo cells is a little unnecessary for the essay, keep the focus on the ethics themselves! The reasons for this are represented within the ethical teachings of Christianity. Firstly represented in the scripture, Jeremiah 1:4-5, which states “Now the word of the Lord came to me, saying, ”Before I formed you in the womb I knew you”. This is again represented in the Catechism of the Catholic Church #2270, which states, “Human life must be respected and protected absolutely from the moment of conception”. As a response the leaders from the main Christian churches, made a statement regarding this issue, “Our community must determine appropriate standards for medical research involving human subjects. We ask our political leaders to have regard for the sacredness of all human beings, of whatever level of maturity, dependency or ability. We ask them to support adult stem cell research and to reject a policy of destroying some to treat others”. The ethical teachings therefore oppose the action of embryonic stem cell research thus making the process immoral according to the Christian Church and all its variants. Therefore, Christian ethical teachings provide guidance when considering Embryonic Stem Cell treatment.You are incorporating teachings into your paragraph extremely well! Again, try linking to the adherent a little more. Your specific question didn't demand it, but almost every essay will, be sure to discuss in detail how the teachings impact on the adherent (EG - examples of how they could be used to resolve ethical dilemmas or more intricate details, would someone who undergoes stem cell treatment be forgiven by the Church community? What is the more important?).
Moreover, the ethical teachings also relate to Euthanasia. All Christian churches reject Euthanasia, the argument being that God is the author of all life and to take life is to challenge the divine plan of the creator. This Christian ethical teaching is underpinned by the notion of the sanctity of life. This is more like what I would like to see in paragraph one! You are doing more than just listing the teachings, you are EXPLAINING them, which is awesome! This is primarily represented in the Ten Commandments, which gives evidence of the immoral nature according to Christians. The 5th commandment states, “Thou shall not kill”. Furthermore, Christ’s commandment of love: “If one loves one’s neighbour as oneself then the taking of life is not possible”, thus meaning that it is not appropriate to assist in Euthanasia. The Anglican Church’s response outlines the Christian churches overall response as the 2010 General Synod of Australia of the Anglican Church affirms the sanctity of life, that life is God’s gift and that our task is to protect, nurture and sustain life to the best of our ability. It also notes that, when adequate palliative care, symptom control and psychosocial support is available and accessible, only a tiny minority of those accessing such support express a preference for euthanasia. Thus, through the link of Christian ethical teachings, Euthanasia is opposed of. This paragraph is fantastic! Great explanation of Euthanasia. Again, try to link to the adherent a little more. What ethical principles should the modern Christian apply when considering a situation involving Euthanasia? Are the teachings relevant, or somewhat ineffective?
Finally, through introspection of scripture, most Christian denominations oppose IVF. In vitro fertilization is the technique that fertilizes the woman’s egg outside of the body. Fertilised embryos are transferred 5 days later into the uterus in attempt to receive a successful pregnancy. Again, explanation not necessary (beyond perhaps that first sentence, very basic is okay! This bioethical issue varies from other as only some Christian denominations are opposed to IVF. Variants such as Anglican are not completely opposed to IVF if it is within a marriage between a man and a woman and does not include a third party. However, the Roman Catholic Church verifies their stance through scripture. I love that you are going into denominational differences, it is tough to do, but you are making nice comparisons!! Firstly, in Genesis 1:27-28, which states, “Made in the image and likeness of God, be fruitful and multiply” and furthermore in Mark 10:9-10, “The two are no longer to but one flesh”. What ethical principles do these relate to? This text supports the sanctity of marriage and confirms the fact that interference in the marriage act by outsiders is not permissible. Within the variant’s responses, the Roman Catholic Church has adopted the strictest position, opposing all forms of IVF and artificial insemination within and outside the marriage relationship. It states three reasons for its position. This includes, removing conception from the sexual act of love separates the procreative and unitive purposes of married human sexuality, foetal manipulation and experimentation violate human dignity and right to life of the embryos that are either implanted in the mother’s uterus, or destroyed by foetal reduction and IVF procedures violate the principle of stewardship by entrusting the life and identity of the embryo to the power of medical professionals. I like that you are bringing in the ethical principles (right to life, human dignity). Maybe try linking to the specific differences in ethics between Anglicans and Catholics which causes these different stances? Therefore concluding, that ethical teachings provide a stance on the bioethical issue of IVF.This conclusion could be stronger, maybe try linking to the adherent? "Therefore, the adherents of the various Christian denominations are enabled to make informed decisions through ethical principles relevant to their individual beliefs." Something like that?
In essence, ethical teachings are held relevant. As represented within Romans 13: 8-10, Christian ethical teachings hold relevance to the lives of adherents, whereby they must consider them when undertaking life decisions. Thus, Christian denominations have applied this when considering bioethical issues. A solid conclusion. Again, your conceptual base could be a little stronger, but this would come with specifically answering whatever question you were given/
This essay has awesome structure and great examples from sacred texts! You make comparisons between denominations really well (hard to do), and you've explained the teachings in places as well.
As I mentioned above, giving you places to improve here is hard, because you definitely answered the describe question. However, an essay will almost definitely ask you to do more.
I'd see two more areas in which you might need to add a little more detail. The first is explaining the teachings. This means, okay, we have a teaching on Euthanasia, but it is based on the ethical principles of the sanctity of life and human dignity. This shows that not only have you considered the teachings, but where they have come from. This would be necessary in an explain question.
Further, an essay question will quite often ask you to make an assessment or discussion of the importance of the ethical teachings for the adherent. You are already linking to the adherent in places, but be sure to make it the focus of your essay if necessary! This would simply be done by taking an ethical teaching, explaining the principle, and making an observation as to how it is applied in modern situations. EG - The Christian principle of agape, as preached by Christ in "INSERT SCRIPTURE", is notable in the more 'lenient' response of newer Christian denominations to abortion, such as protestant churches. I've identified a principle, shown where it appears, then how it manifests today. That is where you need to go next to push your essay higher.
These are the two areas I'd recommend exploring some more in your essay. Saying that, this is a fantastic base with some great examples. Well done! ;D
Scarlet:
Hi ! I have a not quite finished response here that I need some feedback on.
I'm not sure if i'm answering the question at all and I don't know if it will achieve 7/7 marks.
Also would it be better to focus on two ethical teachings on my two bioethics or should I have a range ?
P.S I'm pretty sure my response is way toooo long and i'm working on cutting it down.
Thanks !!
jamonwindeyer:
--- Quote from: Scarlet on March 26, 2016, 11:45:00 pm ---Hi ! I have a not quite finished response here that I need some feedback on.
I'm not sure if i'm answering the question at all and I don't know if it will achieve 7/7 marks.
Also would it be better to focus on two ethical teachings on my two bioethics or should I have a range ?
P.S I'm pretty sure my response is way toooo long and i'm working on cutting it down.
Thanks !!
--- End quote ---
Hi Scarlet!
Okay, so I’ve read over your response. Since you’ve password protected your file I’m going to assume that you don’t want it viewed by the public. I can give you some general feedback just this once, but to make full use of the service next time, you’ll have to allow everyone to view the response! Don’t worry, it is still definitely YOUR work, you are just contributing it as a tool for everyones learning, and in exchange, you get some awesome feedback! Win win ;D
So, now to feedback. This is a GREAT response, if only too long (which you’ve said you’ll work on, for 7 marks you are aiming for about 1-1.5 written pages). To help you with cutting some words out, remember the focus of the question is on EXPLANATION of ethical teachings. What this means is, for example, “WHY are the ethical teachings the way they are for abortion?"
The focus for this question is the PRINCIPLES, rather than the teachings. The core values of Judaism which are then applied to Bioethics; you are explaining WHY these core values have resulted in the current teachings.
You are already doing this, so yes, you are answering the question. For example, when you discuss the teachings of Tikkun Olam, and the “principles of Bioethics,” you are explaining the reasons behind the teachings. Brilliant! There were, however, one or two spots in the response where you give a teaching without touching on the reasons for said teaching. Instead of explaining, you are instead just describing. Taking out that sort of irrelevant information could help you cut back your word limit. You could also take out the introduction if necessary.
An alternative structure could be:
PARAGRAPH ONE: One major aspect of Jewish bioethics is the principle that “all life belongs to God.” This principle is enshrined in sacred text (insert quote), and manifests in a variety of ethical teachings. For example, the Jewish ethical stance on abortion…"
PARAGRAPH TWO: Another major aspect of Jewish bioethics is...
Doing this would cut some words and shift the focus to the principles. Totally not necessary, just an idea if this structure proves difficult to cut down. It would also allow you to include more issues, but I think this structure works well also. Much a personal preference.
All in all, an absolutely wonderful response. I'm be thinking it close to 7/7, but not quite, maybe a 6/7? Ensuring you focus on EXPLANATION of the REASONS for each ethical stance will push you to a 7/7. Great work! ;D
vwarner:
Hi, I was wondering if you could mark my religion essay on Maimonides.
I know my essay is too long so could I have help on cutting down my words?
Thank you so much! :)
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