Theological theses on the ethics of organ transplantation and on a law concerning the transplantation.
The message of the resurrection from the dead is relevant to human beings living and dying in the unity of body and soul. The personality of man is inseparable connected with this unit--even beyond death. Brain death only marks a (decisive) point during the process of dying, and it cannot be defined as the death of a human being (in general). Theological ethics object to this definition and to a new dualism of brain and body as well as of body and personality (i.e. soul), because this dualism socialises the organs of individuals and denies the personal dignity of disappearing life. Therefore, the explantation of organs must depend on a personal declaration of consent given by the adult sponsor himself. Each information given on organ transplants must clarify that the explanation of organs means an interruption of dying.
Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institut für Religionssoziologie, Germany.
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Jörns
D001926:Brain Death; D002835:Christianity; D004992:Ethics, Medical; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D016377:Organ Transplantation / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D012068:Religion and Medicine