Exploring the consistent ethic of life

For broadcast on 2CH Sydney, 27 Apr 2014.

Conservative Christians have long been characterised for what they oppose. They are anti-abortion, anti-euthanasia, opposed to gay marriage, human cloning, and such like.

The fundamental principles underlying this approach to life and public policy is the biblical teaching on the sanctity of life.  But this applies to life at all stages, as political scientist Moira Byrne Garton observes:

Addressing economic injustice, such as poverty, fair work and wages, and providing accessible health care are important elements of a consistent life ethic. [It would also offer] care for women with unwanted pregnancies to make choosing life a viable alternative … pastoral care and support for victims of sexual abuse; support and inclusion for people with disability; concern and care for prisoners, including asylum seekers.

As U.S. Cardinal Joseph Bernardin said, “When human life is considered ‘cheap’ or easily expendable in one area, eventually nothing is held as sacred and all lives are in jeopardy.”

I’m Rod Benson for the NSW Council of Churches.