Religion and Bioethics (Conferencee)

When: Jan. 9-10, 2025 Where: Online Register Now Sponsored by the The Whitestone Foundation dba The Journal for Cultural and Religious Theory in collaboration with the University of Denver. The conference seeks to explore the complex and evolving intersection between religious beliefs, ethical principles, and bioethical concerns that have become prominent in contemporary social discourse. The burgeoning field of bioethics, which seeks to navigate complex and often controversial issues in medical practice, biotechnology, and public health, finds itself in constant dialogue with questions of moral and ethical responsibility. Religion, as a fundamental aspect of human life and culture, contributes richly to this discourse, offering frameworks that shape individuals’ ethical orientations and responses to bioethical dilemmas. Historically, religious traditions have deeply influenced moral philosophy and ethical decision-making. From the Hippocratic Oath to modern-day debates on genetic engineering, assisted reproduction, and end-of-life care, religious thought provides vital insights and moral considerations. Various religions have taken stances on the inherent dignity of human life, the moral limits of medical intervention, and the sanctity of the human body. These stances continue to significantly impact legislation, medical practice, and public opinion on bioethical matters. As the Journal for Cultural and Religious Theory works toward a special issue on Religion and Bioethics, we aim to create an interdisciplinary forum to examine these pressing issues. This special issue seeks to facilitate a richer understanding by bringing together scholarly contributions that investigate how religious beliefs and ethical principles interact within the realm of bioethics. We encourage contributions from a spectrum of perspectives, approaches, and methodologies. Program All times given are Mountain Standard Time (Denver) Thursday, Jan. 9 8:00 am Welcome and Introductory Remarks Carl Raschke, University of Denver 8:30 am The Sacred End: Ethics and Practice of Sallekhanā in Jainism Nisha Daga, Institute of Technology Jodhpur, India 9:00 am Suffering and Dying in Modern Pandemics: A Parallel Reading of I. Illich, G. Agamben and B.-C. Han Kyriaki Grammenou, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece 9:30 am Bioengineering and Religious Mythmaking J.C. Smith, University of Denver 10:00 am A Multicultural Approach to Moral Diversity in Religious Bioethics Chris Durante, Saint Peter’s University 10:30 am Faith and Transitions: Religious Notions of Accountability and Gender Affirming Care for Youth Kev Grane, University of Denver/Iliff School of Theology 11:00 am Religion, Bioethics, and the Juridification of the World: Legal Frameworks and Moral Dilemmas Malwina A. Tkacz, Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski University, Poland 11:30 am What is Conscience Besides Integrity? Secular and Quasi-Secular Justifications for Conscientious Objection in Healthcare Dennis Lunt, Bemidji State University, Northwest Technical College, University of Minnesota Center for Bioethics 13:00 pm Panel Discussion: Religion and Bioethics – Foundational Issues for the Near Future Wylin Wilson, Duke Divinity School; Michael Buratovich, Spring Arbor University; Carl Raschke, University of Denver, Moderator 14:00 pm Collapse of Confucianism and Intellectual Suicides in Early 20th-Century China Genn Ruann, University of California; Xiaoqian Zhang, Northeast Normal University 14:30 pm AI and the Enabling of Violence? Identity, Gnosticism, and Language in the Technological Society Matthew Vest, Center for Bioethics and Medical Humanities, Ohio State University 15:00 pm Doxastic Neutrality in AI: A New Paradigm for Managing Uncertainty in Medical Decisions Nesim Aslantatar, Indiana University (Bloomington) 15:30 pm Eunkang Koh, Seoul National University of Science and Technology Ethical Issues of CRISPR and Genome Editing through the Lens of Religious Values in South Korea 16:00 pm Karey Harwood, North Carolina State University Reconsidering the Significance of Biogenetic Ties 16:30 pm Isabela Rosales, University of Denver/Iliff School of Theology Faith, Policy, and Reproductive Healthcare in Colorado: In the Wake of a Forced Migration Crisis Friday, Jan. 10 These two collaborative sessions will consist in plenary online discussions concerning the shaping of public agendas as well as public discourse about religion and bioethics that will draw on points or themes introduced in the conference presentations. All contributors and attendees are urged to be involved. A transcript will be produced and may be edited into some format for future publication. 8:00 am Collaborative session I 9:15 am Break 9:30 am Collaborative session II 10:45 am Break 11:00 am Wrap up 11:30 am Adjourn