Gilbert Meilaender Book order

Exploring bioethical issues through a humanistic lens, the essays invite readers to engage with profound questions that intertwine with religious and metaphysical themes. Drawing from personal experiences on the President's Council on Bioethics, the author examines the implications of Christian trinitarian teaching on personhood, addressing topics from the beginning to the end of life. This collection encourages thoughtful reflection on matters that hold essential significance for humanity.

In Should We Live Forever? Christian ethicist Gilbert Meilaender puzzles over the implications of the medical advances that have lengthened the human life span, wrestling with what this quest for living longer means for our conception of living well and completely. As he points out in his introduction, "That we often desire, even greedily desire, longer life is clear; whether what we desire is truly desirable is harder to say." The six chapters of this book take multiple perspectives on issues surrounding aging and invite readers to consider whether "indefinitely more life" is something worth pursuing and, if humans are created for life with God, whether longer life will truly satisfy our underlying hunger.

Christian vision -- Procreation versus reproduction -- Abortion -- Genetic advance -- Prenatal screening -- Suicide and euthanasia -- Refusing treatment -- Who decides? -- Gifts of the body: organ donation -- Gifts of the body: human experimentation -- Embryos: the smallest of research subjects -- Sickness and health.

Exploring the complexities of human dignity, this book delves into its implications for social and political discourse. It raises critical questions about whether dignity is a universal trait that mandates equal treatment for all or a distinguishing characteristic that elevates certain individuals. The text examines how varying interpretations of dignity can influence personal beliefs and public policies, urging readers to reflect on the role of dignity in shaping both private judgments and societal norms.

Exploring the profound concept of desire, the book delves into the idea that human hearts remain restless without God, as articulated by Saint Augustine. Gilbert Meilaender engages Augustine as a dialogue partner to examine enduring human struggles related to duty, politics, sex, and grief. His insightful analysis clarifies misconceptions about Augustine while drawing connections to C. S. Lewis and Catholic moral theology. Ultimately, it presents a vision of life marked by incompleteness, encouraging readers to seek fulfillment in God rather than despairing over moral shortcomings.

Focusing on C.S. Lewis's writings, this study delves into his vision of human community and understanding of morality, offering a rigorous analysis of his social philosophy. By avoiding unnecessary biographical details, the author presents a discriminating examination that highlights the intricate structure of Lewis's thought. This work serves as a thoughtful exploration of Lewis's contributions to social philosophy, providing insights into his moral perspectives and communal ideals.

Meilander explores from a Christian standpoint questions related to such issues as assisted reproduction, abortion, gene therapy, prenatal screening, euthanasia, organ donation and other bioethical matters.