Reestablishing connections between bioethics and Christianity : narratives and virtues in caring for a Christian patient

The purpose of this study is to argue that the bioethical implications of religious issues in health care need to be more fully explored, not only for the benefit of bioethics, but most importantly for the benefit of those patients whose personal contexts are defined by religious affiliation. Although this topic is relevant to religions in general, I will be focusing on Christianity. To this end I will argue that current thinking in bioethics can and should be complemented by a narrative methodology. This entails the inclusion of explicitly religious voices, not only in terms of the patient's expression from her point of experience, but also in terms of allowing religious perspectives to inform bioethical reflection. Not only can explicitly religious voices contribute positively to bioethics, but acknowledging the impact that one's religious context has on her ethical perspectives encourages patient-centered treatment and enhances bioethical reflection on what it is to care for the patient. Current bioethics reflects predominantly secular values. Religious views, per se, have not been widely nor sufficiently incorporated into mainstream bioethical thinking. They are regarded as subjective, private, and thus socially divisive. Therefore, due attention to how one's moral views are influenced by personal contexts is lacking. Personal contexts, e.g., those defined by religious beliefs, must be taken into consideration in confronting bioethical dilemmas if the patient is to be respected first and foremost as a person. This study will demonstrate that religious perspectives, considered through narrative methodology, can broaden the field of bioethics and patient care.