Contemporary Issues: Life and Death

Session 1: The Christian as Citizen--This lesson explores the issues involving Christianity and the state. It helps to construct a Christian perspective that will help young adults deal with these issues without compromising their Christian faith. (Matt 22:15-22; Ac 4:13-20; 5:27-32; Rom 13:1-7; 1 Ti 2:1-4; 1 Pe 2:13-17).

Session 2: War: A Justifiable Issue?--This lesson examines the seemingly contradictory positions on war that the Old and New Testaments provide. It presents the five views toward war that Christians may take, and it challenges young adults to seek God's peace and fulfill their roles as peacemakers. (Ex 15:3; Deut 7:16; Ps 24:8; Is 2:4; Matt 5:9, 39; 24:6; Jn 15:18-19; 18:36; Rom 13:1-5; 2 Cor 10:3-4; Heb 11:32).

Session 3: Bioethics I: The Beginning of Life--This lesson presents the recent advances in reproductive and genetic technologies that have created ethical debates among Christians and non-Christians. This lesson guides young adults through biblical exploration on topics that are not explicitly mentioned in the Bible. (Gen 2:24; Ex 20:14; 1 Sam 1:5-20; Job 2:10; Ps 139:13-16; Ecc 3:1-3).

Session 4: Bioethics II: The End of Life--This lesson explores the bioethical issues surrounding death, specifically the issues of euthanasia, suicide, and the allocation of scarce medical resources. It guides young adults through scripture passages that deal with taking life. (Gen 1:26-27; 2:7; Ex 20:13; Job 1:21; 2:9-10; Ps 23:4; Rom 14:7-8; 1 Cor 15:55; Ph 1:21-24; Heb 2:14-15). Topics: Bioethics, Church, Death and Dying, Life, Peace, Peacemakers, Politics, Suicide, War