Antidote for Abortion and euthanasia Image of God

Introduction SOME LAWS AND STATISTICS

Culture of death? PRIMUM NON NOCERE… OR THE AGE OF “DO HARM” MEDICINE

The Issue QUALITY OF LIFE, SANCTITY OF LIFE, OR…?

Perception… Low Restriction Pain Disease High Happiness Mobility Choice Intellect

God created human beings Life is a gift from God Life is special / holy and should be respected

Image of God

A very old definition • “In the beginning God made the human race with the power of thought and of choosing the truth and doing right” (Justin Martyr, 2 nd century AD) • Image of God = intellect & volition?

A new definition introduced in a Christian curriculum

Think Communicate Choose Image of God Create Care

Biblical definition: created to be children of God… like Father, like children • Gen 1: 26 -27 • “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness…. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. ” • Gen 5: 1 -3 • “Adam fathered a son in his own likeness, after his image, and name him Seth” • Luke 3: 38 • “Seth, son of Adam, son of God”

Doctrine of Man: Four States Not only this state! Uniquely Excellent Man at Creation Utterly Sinful Man after the Fall And not only this state! Graciously Restored Man in Christ Gloriously Restored Man Consummation

Calvin’s relational definition: Sermons on Genesis (1559) Like Father, like son INTEGRITY Immortality Wisdom God who is Father Justice Goodness Mercy God who is King Truth Power Dominion over all creation Life + Adam & Eve who are son and daughter Soul + (to a degree) BODY Man who is prince INTEGRITY Immortal Wise Just Good Mercy Truth Power Life Dominion over creation below (not sun/moon/stars)

After the fall… Also to unbelievers… In reality of ethical issues like abortion and euthanasia But how does image of God as created apply…?

Unbelievers and Remnant of Image

Ruins of Imago: don’t underestimate! Remants of Imago: don’t deny! 1. Reason to distinguish good and evil (earthly realm? ) 2. Principle of religion 3. Social bonds (e. g. sanctity of marriage) 4. Regard for what is appropriate 5. Conscience 6. Social laws

Image of God

Variable and therefore limited defense Invariable and therefore stronger defense

Antidote for Abortion Down’s Syndrome, death, and human parents Down’s Syndrome, death, and Heavenly Creator • Sanctity of life defense… • And relationship, too! • Sanctity of life defense • And image of God / relationship, too!

Fifth commandment - Honour your father… also your Heavenly Father Focus: end suffering or glorify God? Objection: how does this work out for unbelievers? Hospice movement & Christian involvement Antidote for Euthanasia