Religion and Bioethics

The conference seeks to explore the complex and evolving intersection between religious beliefs, ethical principles, and bioethical concerns that have become prominent in contemporary social discourse.

The burgeoning field of bioethics, which seeks to navigate complex and often controversial issues in medical practice, biotechnology, and public health, finds itself in constant dialogue with questions of moral and ethical responsibility. Religion, as a fundamental aspect of human life and culture, contributes richly to this discourse, offering frameworks that shape individuals’ ethical orientations and responses to bioethical dilemmas.

Historically, religious traditions have deeply influenced moral philosophy and ethical decision-making. From the Hippocratic Oath to modern-day debates on genetic engineering, assisted reproduction, and end-of-life care, religious thought provides vital insights and moral considerations.

Various religions have taken stances on the inherent dignity of human life, the moral limits of medical intervention, and the sanctity of the human body. These stances continue to significantly impact legislation, medical practice, and public opinion on bioethical matters.

As the Journal for Cultural and Religious Theory works toward a special issue on Religion and Bioethics, we aim to create an interdisciplinary forum to examine these pressing issues. This special issue seeks to facilitate a richer understanding by bringing together scholarly contributions that investigate how religious beliefs and ethical principles interact within the realm of bioethics. We encourage contributions from a spectrum of perspectives, approaches, and methodologies.

Thursday, Jan. 9

8:00 am

Welcome and Introductory Remarks

Carl Raschke, University of Denver

8:30 am

The Sacred End: Ethics and Practice of Sallekhanā in Jainism

Nisha Daga, Institute of Technology Jodhpur, India

9:00 am

Suffering and Dying in Modern Pandemics: A Parallel Reading of I. Illich, G. Agamben and B.-C. Han

Kyriaki Grammenou, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece

9:30 am

Religion, Bioethics, and the Juridification of the World: Legal Frameworks and Moral Dilemmas

Malwina A. Tkacz, Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski University, Poland

10:00 am

Chris Durante, Saint Peter’s University

10:30 am

Kev Grane, University of Denver/Iliff School of Theology

11:00 am

Bioengineering and Religious Mythmaking

J.C. Smith, University of Denver

11:30 am

What is Conscience Besides Integrity? Secular and Quasi-Secular Justifications for Conscientious Objection in Healthcare

Dennis Lunt, Bemidji State University, Northwest Technical College, University of Minnesota Center for Bioethics

13:00 pm

Panel Discussion: Religion and Bioethics – Foundational Issues for the Near Future

Wylin Wilson, Duke Divinity School; Michael Buratovich, Spring Arbor University; Carl Raschke, University of Denver, Moderator

14:00 pm

Collapse of Confucianism and Intellectual Suicides in Early 20th-Century China

Genn Ruann, University of California; Xiaoqian Zhang, Northeast Normal University

14:30 pm

AI and the Enabling of Violence? Identity, Gnosticism, and Language in the Technological Society

Matthew Vest, Center for Bioethics and Medical Humanities, Ohio State University

15:00 pm

Doxastic Neutrality in AI: A New Paradigm for Managing Uncertainty in Medical Decisions

Nesim Aslantatar, Indiana University (Bloomington)

15:30 pm

Eunkang Koh, Seoul National University of Science and Technology

Ethical Issues of CRISPR and Genome Editing through the Lens of Religious Values in South Korea

16:00 pm

Karey Harwood, North Carolina State University

Reconsidering the Significance of Biogenetic Ties

16:30 pm

Isabela Rosales, University of Denver/Iliff School of Theology

These two collaborative sessions will consist in plenary online discussions concerning the shaping of public agendas as well as public discourse about religion and bioethics that will draw on points or themes introduced in the conference presentations. All contributors and attendees are urged to be involved. A transcript will be produced and may be edited into some format for future publication.

8:00 am

Collaborative session I

9:00 am

Break

9:15 am

Collaborative session II

10:15 am

Break

10:30 am

Wrap up

11:00 am

Adjourn