Introduction to Bioethics: Medical and Theological approach to the issues

When we base Bioethics on Orthodox Theology and Christian Ethics, then we realize that the positions taken on all issues are not the result of logical and scholastic processing but of enlightenment and grace, experience and theology, truth and asceticism. And this is because the Orthodox bioethical scientist studies each case and forms positions and opinions inspired by the spirit and wisdom of the Holy Scripture and the teaching of the Holy Fathers. This is what the phrase and exhortation "following the Holy Fathers" means.

Bioethics is the science of the future. However, it cannot be independent of the experience of the past. For Orthodox Theology, the experience of the past refers to the teachings of the Fathers, the teaching of the Holy Scripture, the lives of the Saints, and the decisions of the Ecumenical Councils. If we differentiate or distance ourselves from all these, we will not have the prerequisites to reach any end.

This book by His Beatitude Archbishop Makarios of Australia humbly and simply attempts to demonstrate this reality.