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Bioethics and the Christian Life: A Guide to Making Difficult Decisions
Just about everyone will face a difficult bioethics decision at some point. In this book a theologian, ethicist, and lawyer equips Christians to make such decisions based on biblical truth, wisdom, and virtue. Though a relatively new discipline, bioethics has generated extraordinary interest due to a number of socially pressing issues. Bioethics and the Christian Life places bioethics within the holistic context of the Christian life, both developing a general Christian approach to making bioethics decisions and addressing a number of specific, controversial areas of bioethics. Clear, concise, and well-organized, the book is divided into three sections. The first lays the theological foundation for bioethics decision making and discusses the importance of wisdom and virtue in working through these issues. The second section addresses beginning-of-life issues, such as abortion, stem-cell research, and infertility treatments. The third section covers end-of-life issues, such as living wills, accepting and refusing medical treatment, and treatment of patients in permanent vegetative states.
256 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
33 people are currently reading
188 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
March 25, 2024
Builds a solid framework for making bioethical decisions based on biblical theology and Christian virtues. I also found his stances to be balanced.
June 5, 2022
Excellent roadmap
VanDrunen concludes by saying "... I have sought to set forth a way of Christian thinking and living that prepares believers to navigate through the modern world’s bioethics maze." I think he has succeeded in this endeavour. I like how he has defined life from the Scriptures and then ask questions base on that definition. He raised many questions I would have never thought of asking and brought some reflexion on issues I thought were a no brainer. Unfortunately this isn't a sexy subject and may very well finding itself at the bottom of the pile. But with the inevitability of death, we should, as he argue, be ready to face death and face it with the christian hope, and, so I believe every Christian should read it sooner than later.
VanDrunen concludes by saying "... I have sought to set forth a way of Christian thinking and living that prepares believers to navigate through the modern world’s bioethics maze." I think he has succeeded in this endeavour. I like how he has defined life from the Scriptures and then ask questions base on that definition. He raised many questions I would have never thought of asking and brought some reflexion on issues I thought were a no brainer. Unfortunately this isn't a sexy subject and may very well finding itself at the bottom of the pile. But with the inevitability of death, we should, as he argue, be ready to face death and face it with the christian hope, and, so I believe every Christian should read it sooner than later.
March 29, 2024
This is my favorite book that I have found on the topic. VanDrunen takes a virtue ethics approach grounded in reformed theology. The emphasis is on personal decision-making, although it touches on public policy issues as well.
February 10, 2025
This is a great book on the subject. I think what makes this book different from others is the author admits bioethics is often a gray area and emphasises the Christian's growth in godliness as the best way to approach these hard decisions. Very informative and useful book.
April 13, 2021
Very practical, useful, exegetically sound book. Something pastors should have on their shelves.
April 21, 2025
Incredibly well written. A good overview.
June 13, 2020
I am very interested in the topic of bioethics and think it is imperative for Christians to reflect more on questions of death and life, particularly related to procreation and end of life issues. This book took a slightly different approach compared to other similar books by focusing on the role of virtues in thinking about and pursuing ethical decisions. I found this helpful and insightful.
I found myself frustrated with this book at times because it tries to accomplish too much for its scope. The first third of the book reviewed a lot of basics in Christian theology/worldview- at times the author spent too much time summarizing various Biblical stories or theological concepts rather than referencing them for the purpose of bioethics. Readers totally unfamiliar with doctrines of imago dei or creation may find the overview helpful, but I found it too simplistic and redundant (as it was referenced throughout the book.)
Additionally, the writing style is very wordy. At times it felt like it was written to be a speech rather than a book, with many paragraphs summarizing or re-summarizing previous ideas and telling the reader exactly what would be discussed next. This filled up too much space without offering new ideas or insights.
There are some good ideas in this book and the focus on doctrine, virtue, and worldview is important, but overall I found it to attempt breadth at the expense of depth.
I found myself frustrated with this book at times because it tries to accomplish too much for its scope. The first third of the book reviewed a lot of basics in Christian theology/worldview- at times the author spent too much time summarizing various Biblical stories or theological concepts rather than referencing them for the purpose of bioethics. Readers totally unfamiliar with doctrines of imago dei or creation may find the overview helpful, but I found it too simplistic and redundant (as it was referenced throughout the book.)
Additionally, the writing style is very wordy. At times it felt like it was written to be a speech rather than a book, with many paragraphs summarizing or re-summarizing previous ideas and telling the reader exactly what would be discussed next. This filled up too much space without offering new ideas or insights.
There are some good ideas in this book and the focus on doctrine, virtue, and worldview is important, but overall I found it to attempt breadth at the expense of depth.
January 2, 2025
This book was the most helpful book on bioethics from a Christian perspective that I have ever read. I appreciate how the author begins with a discussion about what virtues a Christian should possess so that those virtues will help them make God-honoring decisions when the time comes for them to face ethical dilemmas. I appreciate the examples he gave for ethical situations and how he fairly evaluated possible decisions.
I disagree with some of his discussion on IVF, due to the things I know about it coming from a medical background. I also would have appreciated if he would have had further discussion on when death occurs. However, I understand that one book cannot possibly cover all the topics, so I really appreciate that he gave a list of further resources AND what topics those resources address from what perspective.
I would highly recommend this book for any Christian interested in bioethics. Also, I think that Christian medical professionals especially should read this book so that they can be prepared to answer questions from non-medical Christian friends and family who will likely ask some of these questions.
I disagree with some of his discussion on IVF, due to the things I know about it coming from a medical background. I also would have appreciated if he would have had further discussion on when death occurs. However, I understand that one book cannot possibly cover all the topics, so I really appreciate that he gave a list of further resources AND what topics those resources address from what perspective.
I would highly recommend this book for any Christian interested in bioethics. Also, I think that Christian medical professionals especially should read this book so that they can be prepared to answer questions from non-medical Christian friends and family who will likely ask some of these questions.
November 3, 2023
VanDrunen puts plainly the topic of bioethics in a user friendly, consumable way. Ethics are not simply a topic for those in the medical field or philosophers. Rather, all Christians should engage thoughtfully with ethical concerns and dilemmas and seek to answer these questions biblically and engage thoughtfully with issues one might face in this life. Throughout the book, VanDrunen also provides a biblical view of death and dying, engaging with suffering and other believers who suffer. A very helpful book for anyone in a medical sector, particularly those who work with end of life issues — and of course, for all Christians.
November 19, 2019
Much of it was great and insightful. However, I prefer Meilaender’s *Bioethics* simply because of its brevity on similar issues. While I probably agree more on some issues wiry Vandrunen than Meilaender, Meilaender is comfortable coming down on controversial positions and I felt Vandrunen was more content to let the reader decide. I’d rather read an author who takes a side even if I disagree.
Still, a fine book and a helpful one. His chapters on death (7) and suicide and killing/letting die (8) were particularly good.
Still, a fine book and a helpful one. His chapters on death (7) and suicide and killing/letting die (8) were particularly good.
September 26, 2025
The author argues for generally conservative evangelical views on issues in bioethics. Each chapter is well argued and considers the relevant issues pertaining to the debate. Particularly helpful is that the author does not neglect to consider the life-personhood distinction often brought up with regard to the embryo and its moral relevance to the ethics of abortion.
Overall, a good survey of a Christian view on bioethics.
Overall, a good survey of a Christian view on bioethics.
December 2, 2025
4/5 I would recommend.
If you want a reference book on a Reformed worldview of Christian bioethics, look no further.
I read it from front to back for class. If you are familiar with a Reformed view of redemptive history, you could probably skip to parts 2 and 3. I do not think anything in this book is particularly profound, but it could be useful for readers who are not aware of what is required in certain contemporary reproductive or fatal “medicinal” practices.
If you want a reference book on a Reformed worldview of Christian bioethics, look no further.
I read it from front to back for class. If you are familiar with a Reformed view of redemptive history, you could probably skip to parts 2 and 3. I do not think anything in this book is particularly profound, but it could be useful for readers who are not aware of what is required in certain contemporary reproductive or fatal “medicinal” practices.
May 28, 2024
Addressing a host of issues such as IVF, euthanasia, cloning, stem cell research, beginning, mid and end end of life care. The author of Bioethics and the Christian Life tackles the heavy burden of making medical decisions for ourselves and for our loved ones in light of our Christian ethic and understanding of being made in the image of God. Important and edifying. Highly recommended.
June 6, 2021
Between 3 & 4 stars. 3and a half.
Interesting topic and well written book on the topic. Though I enjoyed it not necessarily sure if I will heavily recommend this book and probably won’t read it again. Though its a good resource for pastoral ministry.
Interesting topic and well written book on the topic. Though I enjoyed it not necessarily sure if I will heavily recommend this book and probably won’t read it again. Though its a good resource for pastoral ministry.
May 1, 2022
Very clearly written, biblically based, and easy to understand. VanDrunen presents very well thought out arguments and this book is really practical for thinking about how we as Christians should be approaching ethically ambiguous situations and decisions.
July 31, 2011
If you’re into the practical applications of theology, doctrine, and life philosophy, you’ll enjoy reading this book by David Vandrunen. He gives a detailed and educated overview of several current bioethical issues, including fertility treatments, euthanasia, status of the human embryo, assisted nutrition and hydration, and birth control. Interestingly, Vandrunen doesn’t give exact answers to a few of the more gray issues. He does not presume to make a blanket statement about a topic when the Bible doesn’t do so. However, he does lay out a rock solid foundation of Biblical theological topics and Christian virtues in the book’s first section. He proceeds to use them as the guidelines Christians should use when making every decision they encounter, including difficult bioethical ones. He emphasizes the importance of living out these theological topics and virtues in our daily lives, and from that we will be equipped to make the best decision when a bioethical issue confronts us (which he asserts will happen to nearly every Christian at some point in this age of astounding medical advancements). Vandrunen’s expositions on Scripture are accurate and insightful; I recommend this book to any Christian who isn’t quite familiar with the various issues that arise in the field of bioethics. Just keep a dictionary close by while reading this haha.
January 29, 2019
Bioethics is a very complicated area, made only more complicated by advancements in medical technology. I felt that, as a Christian working in the medtech industry, I should seek to investigate the ethics of my line of work, and whether by seeking better healthcare for others, was I unintentionally not seeking the glory of God?
When I first started this book, I expected it to be a comprehensive resource that I could use to dialogue with co-workers, customers, and pro-choice advocates. While it is useful for this, the book was written very intentionally from a biblical, Christian worldview. Hence, it is assumed that the reader holds to a Christian perspective on life and death. "The Christian Life" part of the title is particularly important to know. It's also important to note that this book isn't as comprehensive as other books on bioethics, but is intentionally more practical. It won't cover everything, but it sufficiently addresses most scenarios in which we all may one day be required to make difficult decisions.
When I first started this book, I expected it to be a comprehensive resource that I could use to dialogue with co-workers, customers, and pro-choice advocates. While it is useful for this, the book was written very intentionally from a biblical, Christian worldview. Hence, it is assumed that the reader holds to a Christian perspective on life and death. "The Christian Life" part of the title is particularly important to know. It's also important to note that this book isn't as comprehensive as other books on bioethics, but is intentionally more practical. It won't cover everything, but it sufficiently addresses most scenarios in which we all may one day be required to make difficult decisions.
May 23, 2016
Important book for Christians to read about thorny medical situations that we increasingly face in today's world. I really appreciate the way the author lays out not only the theological issues (which he does masterfully), but also the character issues for Christians as they confront these issues as real people. I also really appreciate the way the author respects the liberty of Christians and does not say more than Scripture itself says. The book doesn't answer every question that arises from these complicated questions, but provides the basic framework from which a Christian may think through how they can pursue a wise and God-honoring path of obedience in the midst of difficult medical situations. Highly recommended.
November 25, 2015
Thought provoking and comprehensive, the author lays a strong foundation for considering a broad range of minor and major medical situations. Issues that are ignored or handled with pure emotion are considered rationally but with respect and understanding for the people affected by such adversity. As the author says repeatedly, one cannot answer every question ahead of time which is why it is important to develop a proper worldview.
January 24, 2011
Good introduction to bioethics. I particularly enjoyed chapter 3 on virtue and the need to cultivate the virtues of faith, hope, love, contentment, courage, and wisdom in order to guide our decisions.
April 2, 2012
nice set-up of what to consider when faced with difficult decisions.
April 16, 2017
'Bioethics and the Christian Life' is an excellent resource for tackling some of life's most difficult ethical questions. Dr. VanDrunen's writing style is clear and his reasoning is solid, yet lucid. I would recommend that every pastor add this to their personal library, as it a resource that will yield dividends.
My primary criticism and frustration is that there is not a single footnote or endnote in the entire book. The author's frequent reference to "some authors," without ever providing a source had me continually writing "Who?" in the margins.
My primary criticism and frustration is that there is not a single footnote or endnote in the entire book. The author's frequent reference to "some authors," without ever providing a source had me continually writing "Who?" in the margins.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews