ETHC 445 Week 2 Religion and Ethics

Student Name

Chamberlain University

ETHC-445 Principles of Ethics

Prof. Name

Date

Religion and Ethics

This paper explores two distinct ethical dilemmas that are deeply interwoven with religious teachings and personal values. The first scenario focuses on an 18-year-old lesbian woman whose sexual orientation conflicts with her religious upbringing. Her dilemma involves whether she should disclose her sexual orientation to her parents, knowing it contradicts her family’s beliefs. The second scenario examines a married couple who lost their child to a rare disease. Due to infertility, they wish to conceive through in vitro fertilization (IVF), even though their Catholic faith prohibits this practice. Both cases highlight the tension between religious convictions and ethical decision-making. The purpose of this analysis is to evaluate the ethical and unethical pathways available in each case, emphasizing how religion influences but does not wholly determine moral choices.

Ethics and Religion: The Lesbian Dilemma

Religious traditions and cultural norms hold diverse views regarding same-sex relationships. In numerous faith communities, homosexuality is considered sinful or unnatural. In this case, the young woman faces the difficult choice of whether to come out to her parents. From a Christian perspective, particularly in biblical teachings, homosexuality is condemned. Romans 1:26–27 warns against same-sex relations, framing them as contrary to God’s design (Gnuse, 2015).

This creates a conflict between the woman’s identity and her faith-based values. While she may accept her sexuality, her religious upbringing likely continues to influence her moral compass. Ethical theories, such as those rooted in religious ethics, emphasize adherence to divine commands, while secular perspectives may prioritize personal authenticity and psychological well-being (Rachels & Rachels, 2019).

Ethical and Unethical Paths for the Lesbian Woman

The most ethical course of action would be for the young woman to openly communicate with her parents. This approach aligns with the principle of honesty and allows her to live authentically, reducing inner conflict. Concealing her orientation or pretending to be heterosexual, on the other hand, would represent an unethical path since it requires dishonesty and self-denial.

From an emotivist perspective, the choice depends on personal conviction—whether to embrace her identity fully or conform to religious expectations. Natural law theorists might encourage her to seek divine guidance, as they believe every aspect of life has an intended purpose. Finally, divine command theorists would emphasize obedience to God’s word, which could mean suppressing her orientation to remain aligned with scripture (Rachels & Rachels, 2019).

Ethics and Religion: The IVF Dilemma

The second case involves Joe and Mary, a couple devastated by the loss of their only child to a rare illness. Now infertile, they long for another child through IVF. However, Catholicism strictly prohibits IVF, categorizing it as immoral due to its deviation from natural conception. According to Catholic doctrine, life should begin through natural marital intercourse, not through scientific intervention (Sallam & Sallam, 2016).

Catholic teachings place high value on protecting human life from conception onward and view medical interventions that bypass natural processes as violating divine order. The couple therefore faces a profound ethical conflict: adhere to their faith’s teachings or pursue a medical solution to fulfill their yearning for parenthood.

Ethical and Unethical Paths for the IVF Couple

Ethically, the couple may consider pursuing IVF based on their personal values and their profound desire to nurture a child. Choosing this option reflects self-determination and prioritizes their emotional well-being. Conversely, the unethical path would involve suppressing their desires solely to comply with religious doctrine, potentially causing long-term emotional distress.

From the lens of divine command ethics, IVF should be rejected, as it contradicts God’s will. Emotivists may differ, with some supporting IVF as a compassionate choice while others urge loyalty to religious conviction. Natural law ethicists may take a middle ground, acknowledging both the sanctity of natural conception and the legitimacy of using medical science as a tool to alleviate human suffering (Rachels & Rachels, 2019).

Table Representation of Ethical and Unethical Paths

Conclusion

Both dilemmas illustrate the profound struggle between religious doctrine and personal values. Religion provides a moral framework, yet ethical decisions are often influenced by individual experiences, emotional well-being, and personal authenticity. For the lesbian woman, honesty and self-acceptance are ethically preferable, while for the IVF couple, pursuing parenthood through medical means may provide fulfillment despite religious restrictions. Ultimately, ethical decision-making requires a balance of faith, personal values, and authenticity, demonstrating that what is religiously impermissible may not always be ethically wrong.

References

Gnuse, R. K. (2015). Seven gay texts: Biblical passages used to condemn homosexuality. Biblical Theology Bulletin, 45(2), 68–87. https://doi.org/10.1177/0146107915577097

Rachels, J., & Rachels, S. (2019). The elements of moral philosophy (9th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.

Sallam, H. N., & Sallam, N. H. (2016). Religious aspects of assisted reproduction. Facts, Views & Vision in ObGyn, 8(1), 33–48. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5096425/