Free Essay Example on Science vs. Theology: Human Origin & The Supreme Being

Introduction

Science and theology have often conflicted, particularly on matters of the origin of humans and the existence of a supreme being, God. Specifically, science claims that humans are subject to evolution, an aspect that has over the years changed owing to the rapidly changing adaptations and more so environmental conditions. However, despite the explanations and justifications science offers, theology affirms that humans are special creatures, considering their attachment to the supreme being and, more importantly, because they were created in God's likeness and image (Clauson, 2015).

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In other words, there is much more to what it means to be human than what science offers. Besides, according to Christians, the question pertaining to the nature of human beings is fundamentally more of a theological than a scientific question (Clauson, 2015). Therefore, in the Christian worldview, human beings are intrinsically special and valuable and worthy of respect and dignity since, as mentioned earlier, they are created, physical and spiritual, in God's image (Clauson, 2015).

The Compatible Theory of Moral Status

Notably, although science and theology often conflict on the nature of the human person, the latter also seems to be more of a philosophical question. This is because individuals, including healthcare practitioners, are often known to assign persons higher moral statuses chiefly based on particular capabilities and characteristics (Clauson, 2015). As such, philosophers, among other individuals, embrace moral status's robust and unique theories to assign a degree of moral status while complementing the distinct characteristics and capabilities.

The theory based on the human properties best suits and complements the Christian worldview and particularly on the nature of the human persons (Liao, 2008). The theory states that it is only nature and human properties that confer moral status on human beings (Liao, 2008). Further, the theory based on human properties asserts that humans have a full assignment to moral status. However, for one to be considered human, he or she has to fulfill the theory's set requirements, including possession of a human genetic code and be a product of human reproduction.

How Is the Theory Related to the Intrinsic Human Value and Dignity?

The theory based on human properties is highly related to the intrinsic human value and dignity chiefly because it acknowledges the human properties and uniqueness (Liao, 2008). In other terms, the theory based on the human properties recognizes humans as special creatures in their physical and spiritual states (Liao, 2008). Considering the two critical characteristics that fulfill the theory based on human properties, human confer their moral status not only in their actual physical state but also in pregnancy.

The Embraced Theory to Determine the Fetus’ Moral Status

As mentioned earlier, it is common for individuals to lower or even lower a person's moral status based on the embraced theory. In the case study, different theories are evident as applied by different entities justifiable through their stands and opinions. Typically, Jessica, Marco, and Maria are inclined to keep the pregnancy despite the hurdles and commitments that come with it. Jessica, Marco, and Maria’s decisions are justified by the theory based on human properties (Liao, 2008). On the other hand, upon assessing the pregnancy scan results, Dr. Wilson understands the situation and commitment that come with raising a child diagnosed with a rare condition. As such, he recommends an abortion, which justifies the use of the cognitive properties’ theory (Liao, 2008).

Justification of the Chosen Theories

In the case study, Jessica is torn between compromising her socioeconomic freedom and the sacred nature of human life. While giving birth to a child diagnosed with a rare condition comes at a hefty cost, aunt Maria convinces Jessica and Marco to keep and go through with the pregnancy. In particular, Maria claims that issues regarding the nature of human life are God's to solve and that He makes things right even when to the human eyes, everything seems impossible. Based on the embraced decision, Jessica, Marco, and Maria adopted the theory based on human properties, considering its acknowledgment of the nature of the human person.

The theory based on human properties confers moral status to elements that are products of human reproduction and those that have a genetic code (Jaworska & Tannenbaum, 2018). In other words, despite the fetus’ medical condition, it should be accorded the full moral status for possessing a genetic code and being a product of the human reproduction. Dr. Wilson uses the theory based on cognitive properties. The latter holds that it not any sort of biological criteria or species membership that confer human beings with moral status. Instead, it is the cognitive properties that confer moral status upon humans (Jaworska & Tannenbaum, 2018). In other words, Dr. Wilson argues that considering Jessica’s fetus cannot think or even engage its mind, its not worthy of the respect and dignity that morals award.

Conclusion

As a Christian, I believe life at all levels is sacred and should only be treated as such, considering we are all created in God's likeness and image. Therefore, I agree with the theory based on human properties since it acknowledges the nature of human persons based on their basic biological features and characteristics that denote the uniqueness of each individual. Ultimately, the theory based on human properties would influence Jessica's decision chiefly by demonstrating each individual's uniqueness based on the genetic code.

References

Clauson, M. (2015). Human Nature and the Christian. Digitalcommons.cedarville.edu. Retrieved 12 August 2020, from https://digitalcommons.cedarville.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1164&context=history_and_government_publications#:~:text=Most%20theologians%20have%20said%20that,Genesis%20text%20(dominion%20in%20Gen.

Jaworska, A., & Tannenbaum, J. (2018). The Grounds of Moral Status (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy). Plato.stanford.edu. Retrieved 12 August 2020, from
https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/grounds-moral-status/.

Liao, M. (2008). The Basis of Human Moral Status. Smatthewliao.com. Retrieved 12 August 2020, from http://www.smatthewliao.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/moralstatus.htm.