Stewards of Life: Bioethics and Pastoral Care

by Sondra Ely Wheeler

In Stewards of Life, Sondra Ely Wheeler presents a compact, basic introduction to the language and principles of contemporary bioethics. Perhaps more importantly, by providing a theological explanation and critique of the language and principles of bioethics as applied in medical contexts, she positions bioethical issues firmly within the context of the biblical narrative that forms the church and shapes Christian understanding of human life. Wheeler uses sample cases to illustrate the ways in which bioethical principles, appropriately understood, inform Christian moral reflection. She further gives specific attention to pastors’ and chaplains’ roles in helping patients and their families confront medical crises as members of the community of faith.

128 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 1996

Reviews

[Dukwhan Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great introduction to the Christian perspectives on bioethics, as well as a primer on bioethics in general. Even if one is not a Christian, this at least gives a fairly thorough account of how Christians should and do perceive the realm of ethics as it relates to healthcare and medicine. A worthwhile read, if a little dated now in 2019.

[Edie · Rating 2 out of 5]

READ FOR ETHICS CLASS. People, I have thoughts about this book. On the one hand, I appreciated the use of story and narrative. Wheeler talks about Christians being part of a story and it is that specific narrative that shapes our perspective. Because we belong in this story, we see the world through a particular narrative lens. Neither death nor suffering are the greatest evils in this story. Being parted from one’s health nor one’s loved ones is not the eternal tragedy that being parted from God is. She lists the elements of this story as “creation, call and redemption” and fits the rest of her arguments around those basics. Another important point Wheeler makes repeatedly is that no amount of studying or thinking about this stuff (ethics, morality) will give us specific answers to specific questions in real world contexts. Studying and reflecting on ethical and moral concerns will give us tools to help us think about specific situations. We aren’t looking for answers when we explore ethical questions, we are acquiring tools to aid us in times of need. I appreciated her use of the words prudence and clarity. On the other hand, one of my frustrations throughout the book is a lack of sources or notes indicating where to go to find more information on a claim. For example, on page 56, Wheeler states a difference between how men and women are treated vs reality. I am not doubting what she says but would very much like to know where to go to find more information. What does she mean by “statistically higher” – 2%? 20%? Turn the page and on page 58 she makes an observation about “most contemporary philosophers” – I would like to know who she is referring to specifically. I am a bit more doubtful about her claims here because they are so generalized. I would appreciate a source which would give me more detail on this observation. The lack of sources led to a generalized skepticism. Throughout the book, I have scribbled notes in the margins asking “source?” and “who?”. Another frustration throughout the book, is the author’s lack of acknowledgement re: differences within the Christian faith. Her blithe assumption that all Christians would share her view of Christianity is both wrong and annoying. Perhaps the most egregious is on page 21 when she claimed we are unworthy of divine grace. While this is a common theme in many Christian circles it is by no means universal. Again, the margins of the book are scribbled with “ugh!” and simply “no!”. On page 39, Wheeler explicitly states, “the convictions that Christians share” – not leaving room for disagreements or diverse voices. This lack of acknowledgment makes me wonder how much the author has looked at these issues from perspectives other than her own, which leads me to question all of her Christian assumptions.