Respect for Human Life

• Human life is sacred because from its beginning it involves the creative action of God. Since God is the source of life, and because the person has a relationship with God, no person can claim the right to directly destroy another person.
• Legitimate defense of persons and societies is not an exception to the prohibition against the murder of the innocent that constitutes intentional killing. The act of personal safety is the intentional act… the killing of another person is the unintentional act.
• Another way to look at it is the respect for your own life… loving one’s self is a fundamental teaching; you can insist on respecting your right to life.
• In fact, following this train of thought, if you are responsible for other’s lives (family, or the state) it is incumbent upon you to defend yourself.
• Preserving the common good of a society requires rendering the aggressor unable to inflict harm; for this reason the Church has acknowledged as well-founded the right of a legitimate public authority to punish criminals by means commensurate with the gravity of the crime. In his encyclical letter, Pope John Paul II outlined that it is against the teachings of the Church to use the Death Penalty.
• The primary effect of punishment is to redress the disorder caused by the offence. It also has the effect of preserving public order. It has the final effect of rehabilitating the offender.

• The Just War Theory - Just as a society can control internal criminal acts; it is also right for a society to address international acts that are wrong. See handout.
• Intentional killing, homicide, is a grave sin… especially grave are sins that break the natural bonds (killing a loved one).
• Doing something that you know will have the indirect result of killing someone is a grave sin. (we will deal with social justice next week)

• Abortion – Abortion is the ending of a pregnancy via early termination of the fetus.
• It is considered murder… the unborn have the same right to life as the rest of us.
• "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I dedicated you…" Jeremiah 1:5
• "You have been my guide since I was first formed, … to you I was committed at birth, From my mother’s womb you are my God" Psalm 22:10-11
• Historical – Since the first century, the Church has taught that every procured abortion is morally evil.
• Formal cooperation in abortion is a Grave offense. The Church attaches the canonical penalty of excommunication for this offense.
• Prenatal testing/medical treatment – is absolutely fine as long as efforts are made to ensure the safety of the embryo.
• Any attempt to influence chromatic or genetic development are not medically therapeutic and contrary to the personal dignity everyone deserves.

• Euthanasia – killing of a person who is medically disabled
• Those who’s lives are diminished or weakened deserve special respect; and although motives may be good, the direct ending of a human life is morally unacceptable.

• Because a person in this situation deserves special respect, it is also morally unacceptable to passively let that person die.
• Yet, this is not to be construed as to meaning that overzealous treatment must be taken. Only reasonable measures are to be taken. This decision is the patients, or the legal guardian should the patient be incapacitated.

• Suicide – The killing of oneself.
• Everyone is responsible for his life before God, and we must preserve it for His honor and our salvation as it is not our life to dispose of, it is God’s.
• It contradicts the natural inclination to preserve and perpetuate life
• Suicide for the purpose of setting an example carries the additional sin of scandal.
• While psychological disturbances, anguish, and fear can diminish the gravity of the sin

• A person who gives scandal becomes a tempter… which is a grave offense.
• It is more grave when tempting someone whom the person is in authority over (father/son, etc)
• It is more grave when tempting someone whom the person is charged with teaching (teacher/student)
• Local laws can be a cause of scandal
• Business decisions can also be scandal

• Respect for Health
• Concern for the health of our brothers and sisters is important. (note we will talk about social justice next)
• Therefore, we must avoid every type of excess… including food, alcohol, tobacco, or drugs (*)
• Scientific and medical research can enhance public health
• But, research CANNOT legitimize acts that would by themselves be immoral
• The respect for the human dignity must be preserved during experimentation

• Respect for Bodily Integrity
• Kidnapping and hostage taking bring on terror which is morally wrong.
• Terrorism is morally wrong, a gravity against justice and charity
• Torture is morally wrong

• Respect for the Dead
• Dying should be given attention and care to help them live their last moments in peace.
• Their bodies should be treated with respect (one of the corporal works of mercy is bury the dead)
• Autopsies are permitted for legal and medical reasons
• Organ donation is a meritorious act
• Cremation is allowed as long as it does not demonstrate a denial of faith in the resurrection of the body

• Safeguarding Peace
• Anger – a desire for revenge – is illicit… everyone who is angry with his brother is liable to judgement (Mat 5:22)
• Hatred is contrary to charity… racism is contrary to charity in the same light (and also is additionally wrong when actions are taken because of anger/racism)

Discussion Points:

1. Euthanasia – give case examples of (grandmother in hospital / Medicare funding)
2. Abortion – give case examples of (accidental birth pre-marital teen / acc. birth family too large, financial troubles / sex selection / extramarital affair) (purpose to show the tough decision – hope to convey the reliance on the church)
3. Just War – WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Operation Desert Storm
4. Ask for volunteer questions.

REQUIRED readings for next week: Packet on Economic and Social Justice