One of my concerns yesterday was that the arguments in the House of Commons were about pragmatics. There was no serious attempt to debate the principle of assisted dying. I get the impression that many MPs, even those who disagree with assisted dying in principle have accepted that it is going to come in at… Continue reading Abortion and assisted dying … The link
Category: ethics
Pity as the enemy of compassion
The UK Parliament has just voted for a second reading of the bill to introduced assisted dying. I want to step back and reflect on the debate that was held in the House of Commons. I tuned in to the early stages of the debate and heard several of the speeches. What struck me was… Continue reading Pity as the enemy of compassion
1 Corinthians 7 and strawmen (Andrew Bartlett’s response)
This is a guest post. As promised, here is the first of Andrew Bartlett’s responses to my critique and engagement with his book. I will respond in a further article to his comments here. I don’t intend there to be a lenthy back and forth on each topic but there are some things worth picking… Continue reading 1 Corinthians 7 and strawmen (Andrew Bartlett’s response)
Both opponents and proponents of assisted dying need to be open about faith presuppositions
The other day, I responded to Lord Falconer’s complaint that some MPs were bringing their faith into the debate on assisted dying. Today, Esther Rantzen has argued that opponents of assisted dying need to be open about their faith reasons. Well as it happens, I agree with her (kind of). You see, I’ve persistently argued… Continue reading Both opponents and proponents of assisted dying need to be open about faith presuppositions
Missing the Gospel in a response to the dropping fertility rate
I was disappointed to read this article in Evangelicals Now about how Christians should respond to a drop in the fertility rate. Now, it certainly is the case that this has declined sharply over the years and that there are some reasons which we might be unhappy to hear. However, I don’t know whether that… Continue reading Missing the Gospel in a response to the dropping fertility rate
Who is imposing their religious views?
The Justice Secretary Shabana Mahood has come out strongly against assisted dying. She has made it known that she has religious views that underpin her position. Lord Falconer who has himself attempted to bring an assisted dying law into force through the House of Lords has complained that people should not impose their religious views… Continue reading Who is imposing their religious views?
Assisted dying bill – why I’m not signing the EA’s letter
The Evangelical Alliance have produced a letter signed by some of the key lobbying groups such as Christian Concern etc and invited church leaders to add their names. I won’t be signing the letter and I thought it might be helpful to explain why, especially given that I’ve been trying to get people’s attention in… Continue reading Assisted dying bill – why I’m not signing the EA’s letter
Talking to Andrew: The start (hopefully)of a conversation about complementarianism and egalitarianism
Earlier this week, I shared by review of Andrew Bartlett’s book “Men and Women in Christ.” AS I indicated in the review, I consider this book to be a good representation of a position differing to my own. I suggested that the best complement I could give it and the author would be to engage… Continue reading Talking to Andrew: The start (hopefully)of a conversation about complementarianism and egalitarianism
Assisted dying and the gagging of informed debate
The bill to introduce assisted dying is a private members’ bill , its recognised that the matter is an example of a conscience vote where MPs should be given a free vote. Parliamentary time has been freed up for the bill with the Prime Minister’s approval. Since the Bill was published, a number senior Labour… Continue reading Assisted dying and the gagging of informed debate
Assisted Dying: Fear or hope?
The Assisted Dying bill is due to be debated on the 29th November. I did eventually get a reply from our MP this week. She indicated that she is mindful to vote against and continue to push for better funding of palliative care. This reason is actually pretty crucial. There are a number of pragmatic… Continue reading Assisted Dying: Fear or hope?
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