B.H. Carroll’s Pastoral Theology
Southwestern Journal of Theology
Volume 58, No. 2 – Spring 2016
Managing Editor: W. Madison Grace II
By C. Ben Mitchell and D. Joy Reily. B&H Studies in Christian Ethics. Nashville: B&H Academic, 2014. 207 pages. Paperback, $24.99.
As American society progresses technologically, one of the areas affected greatly is the world of medicine. This progress has not only opened new doors to helping humankind but has also raised new questions about the interface of humanity with technology. As result, the issue of bioethics has become a serious concern not only for society at large but also for the church. Wanting to provide a guide for pastors and lay people, C. Ben Mitchell and D. Joy Riley attempt to expound upon the issues that Christianity now faces regarding bioethics.
Their book consists of three sections: taking life, making life, and remaking life. These sections represent the major categories of issues that bioethics has raised. Before looking at the issues, the authors ask what kind of doctor physicians should be since there is no universal ethical oath required for physicians (12, 16–17). Rejecting the notion that physicians are to be parent, warrior, or technician, the authors settle on the concept of trust as necessary to maintain a proper physician-patient relationship (20–21). Further, they argue that the Bible is the canonical revelation of divine commands and Christian virtues. It needs to be interpreted correctly using the right context and background in order to shed light on biomedical issues (31).
From here, the authors delve into the issues that face society and the church today. As a result, they derive certain biblical and ethical principles to shape a Christian bioethics. First, life is sacred since it is in the image of God. It is to always be respected no matter the circumstances (see discussions on abortion and human cloning, 54–55, 165). Second, death is the enemy of the Christian; however, we must learn to die well. Christian virtues give people a means by which to face death and ultimately to accept it because of what lies beyond. These virtues free people from fear, anger, and anxiety so that they can let go (100–03). Third, technologies that enhance life and facilitate conception are not in themselves bad but require great responsibility. We must always respect life as well as the nuclear family that God has designed. Further, people should be willing to accept the will of God as it pertains to these matters instead of trying to take control themselves (122–26). Lastly, aging is not something to be hated and removed but celebrated. It is the evidence of a welllived life full of wisdom instead of a life of perpetual youthful childishness (179–80).
Mitchell and Riley’s book does a good job of outlining the major issues of bioethics while providing some Scriptural background to help Christians think carefully about these issues. It is very easy to read and understand. Where the book tends to fall short is that it does not delve too deeply into the issues. Most of the book involves historical outlays of the issues and tends to be general rather than specific in regards to dealing practically with the issues. Many people will want to find answers to the hard questions of bioethics, such as whether or not abortion is permissible when the mother’s life is in danger or whether or not one may “pull the plug” on a dying relative. Unfortunately, this book does not deal with those issues or other hard questions that pastors and laypeople are likely to face. The authors wrote the book in a style which they hoped would invoke thought rather than provide hard-and-fast answers on every issue. As a result, it is likely to disappoint readers who are looking for such answers as well as more practical guidance on these issues. This concern ultimately raises questions as to how helpful the book will actually be as a guide to pastors and lay people.
Subsequently, Mitchell and Riley’s book serves more as a basic introduction to Christian thought on bioethical issues rather than as a full-fledged guide. It opens the mind to the subject of bioethics and the Christian response but does not necessarily fill it with substance. This book is best paired with a more substantial book on the subject that will provide more concrete answers and guidance on the issues.
