The Meaning, Value and Sanctity of Human Life

Gresham Lecture, 25 April 2019

Recent advances in medical science have brought complex ethical dilemmas, particularly around the beginning of human lives (abortion, embryo research, IVF, gene therapy, stem cells) and its ending (switching off ventilators, persistent vegetative state (PVS) and ‘dying with dignity’ or assisted suicide).

Although none of these topics occurs directly in the New Testament, references to ‘life’ abound, and healing was the centre of Jesus’ earthly ministry. Can our approach enable the Biblical material to assist contemporary medical debates?

See this lecture on the Gresham College website

Richard was elected Visiting Gresham Professor in Ethics and Theology in 2018, a prestigious appointment at the oldest centre of higher education in London (founded in 1597).