Drawing on multiple interconnected scriptural and spiritual sources, the Jewish tradition of ethical reflection is intricate and nuanced. This book presents scholarly Jewish perspectives on suffering, healing, life, and death, and it compares them with contemporary Christian and secular views.

The Jewish perspectives presented in this book are mainly those of orthodox scholars, with the responses representing primarily Christian-Catholic points of view. Readers unfamiliar with the Jewish tradition will find here a practical introduction to its major voices, from Spinoza to Jewish religious law. The contributors explore such issues as active and passive euthanasia, abortion, assisted reproduction, genetic screening, and health care delivery.

Offering a thoughtful and thought-provoking dialogue between Jewish and Christian scholars, Jewish and Catholic Bioethics is an important contribution to ecumenical understanding in the realm of health care.

Edmund D. Pellegrino, MD, is the chairman of the President's Council on Bioethics, and professor emeritus of medicine and medical ethics, Center for Clinical Bioethics, Georgetown University Medical Center. He is the author of numerous books, including Helping and Healing: Religious Commitment in Health Care and The Christian Virtues in Medical Practice (both published by Georgetown University Press).

Alan I. Faden, MD, is a professor of neuroscience, neurology, and pharmacology at the Georgetown University Medical Center. He is coauthor of Medical Harm: Historical, Conceptual and Ethical Dimensions of Iatrogenic Illness.

Issues In Biomedical Ethics

Comparison of Jewish and Christian Perspectives Alan I. Faden, MD

Section I

Spinoza and Judaism Tom L. Beauchamp

Section II

Jewish Reflections on Life and Death Decision Making Baruch A. Brody

Jewish Teaching on the Sanctity and Quality of Life Ronald Green

The Jewish Approach to Living and Dying Shimon Glick, MD

The Sanctity of Human Life Doctrine David C. Thomasma

Section III

The Meaning of Suffering: A Jewish Perspective Avraham Steinberg, MD

The Meaning of Suffering? James Keenan, SJ

Section IV

The Imperative to Heal in Traditional Judaism Fred Rosner, MD, FACP

On the Interface of Religion and Medical Science: The Judeo-Biblical Perspective Rabbi Moshe Tendler

Healing and Being Healed: A Christian Perspective Edmund D. Pellegrino, MD

A Catholic Christian Perspective on Early Human Development Rev. J.D. Cassidy, OP

Epilogue

Religion and Bioethical Discourse Edmund D. Pellegrino, MD