A Study Guide for Holy People, Holy Lives: Law and Gospel in Bioethics

Holy People

Law and Gospel in Bioethics

Study Guide by Andrew Packer

A Study Guide for

Holy People, Holy Lives:

Law and Gospel in Bioethics

By Richard C. Eyer

Study Guide by Andrew Packer

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How to Use This Study Guide

This study guide will be used in Sunday School class as we study Holy People, Holy

Lives: Law and Gospel in Bioethics by Richard C. Eyer. This will be a 12 week study. There are

10 chapters in the book so this gives us two additional weeks which allows us some flexibility as

we discuss issues in the book. Along with Eyer’s book you will need your Bible, your LSB

hymnal, and Luther’s Small Catechism.

Each lesson begins with a hymn stanza that is connected to some of the topics and themes

that are in the chapter to be studied. Next there is a collect to begin the study of each lesson.

Then there is an introduction to each chapter to prepare you for what is in the lesson. Then there

are the questions. This study guide contains two sets of questions for the introduction and every

chapter. The first set of questions are review questions which are designed to help you focus in

on key points and terms from each chapter. These are included to help guide you through the

reading so that you do not “lose the forest for the trees”. The second set of questions are

intended to stimulate more in depth thinking and spark discussion. In particular, we want to see

how different concepts and ideas from each chapter relate to our foundational beliefs as

expressed in Luther’s Small Catechism. Finally, there is a section with some concluding thoughts

on the chapter.

This book will certainly get you thinking about a lot issues that are being discussed every

day in the news. The book and this study guide should help you think through many of these

issues and give you the tools to think through other bioethical issues that come up.

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Introduction and Chapter 1

Hymn for the Lesson

So use it well! You are made new - / In Christ a new creation!/ As faithful Christians live and do/

Within your own vocation,/ Until that day when you possess/ His glorious robe of righteousness/

Bestowed on you forever! (LSB 596 “All Christians Who Have Been Baptized” stanza 6)

Collect for the Lesson

Almighty and everlasting God, you have made us holy in our baptisms. Grant that we who are

baptized would gain a deeper understanding of these difficult bioethical issues, so that we who

are your holy people may lead holy lives in all things; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Introduction for the Lesson

Bioethics is a topic that is in the news nearly every day. There is a constant battle in our

culture over the meaning of life, death, suffering, over what is ethical or moral versus what is

legal. It is easy for anyone to become confused by the debates that are out there. Eyer’s

Introduction will help you understand why you should be studying this topic and also get you

think about what it means to be holy. In chapter 1 you will see begin to see what has become the

foundation for the ethical decision making of people in our time and why this is so dangerous.

Introduction

Review Questions

1. What is bioethics and why should Christians study it? (7)

2. The Bible does not directly address the issue of new technologies. What does it address? (8)

3. What does human nature do in times of suffering? What is our “new perspective”? (8)

4. What makes us as Christians holy? (9)

Chapter 1

Review Questions

1. How do many families make ethical decisions? (11-12)

2. What is missing from their decision process? (12)

3. What does it mean that medical ethics has been reduced to the measure of its utilitarian and

emotive values? (13)

4. What leads to naïveté and sentimentality? (13)

5. What is the single most important factor in decision making in our generation? (14)

6. What happens when objective moral standards are removed from the discussion? (15)

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Further Reflection and Discussion Questions

1. Why is it important to keep in mind what makes us holy as we look into questions surrounding

bioethics?

2. Explain the phrase “Christians are not called to success in convincing the world to think

differently. We are only called to be faithful…” (18) What does this mean for you in your

various vocations? How does the Table of Duties in the Small Catechism help you understand

how you do this in your vocations?

3. Review The Ten Commandments, The Creed, and The Lord’s Prayer and their explanations in

the Small Catechism. Explain how these form an objective standard for us and how we view the

ethical decision making process in light of them.

Concluding Thoughts on the Lesson

All of us have been or will be confronted with having to make a tough decision regarding

bioethics. It is important that we remember that for the Christian ethics is always seen in light of

what God has already done for us in His Son. Keep this central truth in mind as you continue

this study.

Chapter 2

Hymn for the Lesson

You have this Law to see therein/ That you have not been free from sin/ But also that you clearly

see/ How pure toward God life should be./ Have mercy, Lord!

Our works cannot salvation gain;/ They merit only endless pain./ Forgive us, Lord! To Christ

we flee,/ Who pleads for us endlessly./ Have mercy, Lord! (LSB 581 “These Are the Holy Ten

Commands” stanzas 11 and 12)


Gracious and Heavenly Father, we thank you that you have given us your Holy Word. Grant us

wisdom and understanding that we may rightly distinguish your Law and Gospel, so that we may

study these ethical dilemmas with clarity; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Introduction to Lesson

You have heard the quote, “Those who cannot learn from history are doomed to repeat

it.” Chapter 2 traces the history of ethical decision making to show you how we have gotten

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where we are today. This is extremely important for understanding not only understanding why

our culture views ethics the way it does, but also to see how even your own views have been

influenced by these different trends in ethics.

Review Questions

1. What approaches to ethics are covered in this chapter? (20)

2. What approach do the vast majority in our country follow? (20)

3. What was the foundation for Plato’s ethics? (21)

4. What does Plato mean by “absolutes”? (22)

5. According to Aristotle what do all people look for in this life? How is it achieved? (24)

6. What distinguishes modern from classical ethics? (28)

7. What have we inherited from Kant? (28)

8. What did Hume mean when he said morality was more properly felt than judged? (29)

9. What did Hume say was the only thing that could be trusted? (29)

10. What was Kierkegaard’s focus in ethics? (32)

11. How did Nietzsche view ethics? (34)

12. How does Nietzsche divide morality between public and private spheres? (34)


1. Compare and contrast the approaches to ethics covered in this chapter and which aspects you

see evident in people you come in contact with regularly.

2. Luther saw all the commandments as flowing out of the First Commandment. How do the rest

of the commandments flow out of the First Commandment? How does leaving the First

Commandment out of the discussion negatively impact the ethical views discussed in this

chapter?

3. How does the truth that Jesus Christ has redeemed you a lost and condemned creature impact

your thinking concerning ethics? (See Small Catechism on the 2nd Article of the Creed)

Concluding Thoughts

It should be clear by now that none of these ethical positions can be foundational for the

Christian. Understanding these views is important though as we seek to live as Christians in this

fallen world. Many of your family members, neighbors, coworkers, will hold one or more of

these positions (knowingly or even unknowingly), hopefully this chapter has better equipped you

to lovingly help them work through these issues as well.

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Chapter 3

Hymn for the Lesson

We all believe in Jesus Christ,/ His own Son, our Lord, possessing/ An equal Godhead, throne,

and might,/ Source of ev’ry grace and blessing./ Born of Mary, virgin mother,/ By the power of

the Spirit,/ Word made flesh, our elder Brother,/ That the lost might life inherit;/ Was crucified

for all our sin/ And raised by God to life again. (LSB 954 “We All Believe in One True God”

stanza 2)


Heavenly Father, you have given us the Bible as Your story and through our baptisms made us

part of that story. We thank you and praise you for this and ask that we would understand more

and more what this means for us who have been called to live as your holy people; through Jesus

Christ our Lord. Amen.


Chapter 2 showed the problems with various positions on ethics that have been influential

in our society. It also showed that all of these are lacking in one way or another. Chapter 3 will

show how the story of the Bible is our foundation for ethics.

Review Questions

1. What truth does the marriage analogy illustrate? (38-39)

2. In what sense does the author speak of the “Bible as story”? (40)

3. What is the difference between a mystery and a secret? (41)

4. How does the author summarize the story of the Old Testament? The New Testament? (42)

5. Explain the how the Divine Service relates to ethics? (44-45)


1. Explain how justification by faith is central to the story of the Bible and why this is important

for any discussion of ethics.

2. It is often said that the Small Catechism provides a map to the story of the Bible. How does

the Small Catechism do this?

3. Look through Divine Setting Three in LSB. In what ways do you see the story of the Bible

evident in the liturgy? How does the liturgy equip you for service to the neighbor?

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Concluding Thoughts

You were brought into God’s story in your baptism and in the Divine Service the Lord

gives you His good gifts week after week. And week after week we pray that He would

strengthen us through these gifts in faith toward Him and fervent love toward one another. This

gives us our framework for ethics, for living holy lives as His holy people.

Chapter 4

Hymn for the Lesson

O Christian, firmly hold this gift/ And give God thanks forever!/ It gives the power to uplift/ In

all that you endeavor./ When nothing else revives your soul,/ Your Baptism stands and makes

you whole/ And then in death completes you. (LSB 596 “All Christians Who Have Been

Baptized” stanza 5)


Merciful Father, through Holy Baptism You called us to be Your own possession. Grant that our

lives may evidence the working of Your Holy Spirit in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness,

goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, according to the image of Your only-

begotten Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior. Amen. (From the Pastoral Care Companion 629)


Chapter 4 is a pivotal chapter in this book. For in this chapter we begin to really

understand how we as Christians are to understand ethics. You will learn the importance of the

question “What is man?’ and the importance of a proper understanding of what holiness is.

Review Questions

1. What is the question that determines how we think about ethics? (48)

2. How do Catholics and Protestants answer the question from question 1? (49)

3. How do Matthew 12:33 and 5:8 relate to the question of who man is and ethics? (49)

4. How does the Bible define holiness? How are you made holy? (51-52)

5. How does a human’s being become meaningful? (52)

6. Explain what the Bible means by “goodness”? (53)

7. How has a loss of confession and absolution hurt medical ethics? (54)

8. Why are people so hesitant to make moral judgments today? (55)

9. Explain how understanding original sin helps in discussions of ethics? (56ff.)

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1. Read Psalm 8 and Luther’s explanation to the First and Second Article of the Creed as you

think about the question “What is man?”

2. Review the Small Catechism on Baptism. How being baptized relate to holiness as discussed

in this chapter?

3. Review the 1st and 2

nd petitions of the Lord’s Prayer in the Small Catechism. Explain how

these relate to holiness and ethics.

4. Review the section on Confession and Absolution in the Small Catechism. The book discussed

how a loss of confession and absolution has hurt medical ethics. After reading the Small

Catechism, discuss how this understanding of confession and absolution impacts medical ethics.

Concluding Thoughts

Original sin often has consequences we don’t think about. One of those consequences is a

distorted view of the ethical decision making process. Sins are the product of Sin. A good tree

produces good fruit and a bad tree produces bad fruit. The fruit does not make the tree, but the

tree produces the fruit. This truth that Christ gave us is often ignored in the discussion of ethics,

and has devastating consequences. Understanding the difference between Sin and sins helps us

see the root of the problem.

Chapter 5

Hymn for the Lesson

The law of God is good and wise,/ And sets His will before our eyes,/ Shows us the way of

righteousness,/ And dooms to death when we transgress. (LSB 579 “The Law of God is Good

and Wise stanza 1)


Almighty and Everlasting God, You speak to us in the Law that kills and the Gospel that makes

us alive. Grant us Your Holy Spirit who writes the Word into our hearts to that we may receive it

and believe it, and be gladdened and comforted by it in eternity. By Your power fulfill the Word,

for the sake of Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord. Amen (modified from Luther’s prayer to

receive the Word)


Building on the last chapter 4, chapter 5 lays out the distinction between Law and Gospel

and what that distinction means for ethics. This chapter puts the last piece into place so that

chapters 6 - 10 can discuss specific ethical issues.

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Review Questions

1.What does it mean that “we are all by nature conscientious Pharisees”? (62)

2. Explain what it means for the Law to function as a curb, mirror, and guide. (65)

3.What is ethics primarily about for the Christian? (69)

4. What is our ethic in light of the Gospel? (69)

5. How is faith active? (70)

6. Explain the tension that comes from living this life as sinner and saint? (73)

7. Is spiritual self improvement possible for the Christian? (74)

8. How do Christians make ethical decisions? (75)


1. Read Romans 7:1-13. In what sense is a Christian dead to the law?

2. One of the problems with relying on feelings is that we still live out life in our sinful flesh.

Read Romans 7:14-25 and explain how this passage relates to how Christians make ethical

decisions.

3. How does Luther’s last question and answer in the section on the Ten Commandments help is

in our understanding of the Law’s functions?

4. The morning and evening prayers and the mealtime prayers in the Small Catechism form a

framework for the Christian’s day. How do these prayers help form a framework for working

through these difficult bioethical decisions?

Concluding Thoughts

As a Christian you live out your life as both sinner and saint. The Christian’s life is one

of daily contrition and repentance. This means you continually live out your life in confession

and absolution. This also means that the Christian knows that the Old Adam within still plagues

all of our decision making, and so live their lives in humility trusting in the grace of God alone.

Chapter 6

Hymn for the Lesson

Though he will shed My precious blood,/ Me of My life bereaving./ All this I suffer for your

good;/ Be steadfast and believing./ Life shall from death the vict’ry win,/ My innocence shall

bear your sin;/ So you are blest forever. (LSB 556 “Dear Christians, One and All, Rejoice”

stanza 8)

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Heavenly Father, You sent Your beloved Son to suffer all things on our behalf. Grant that we

may view all of our suffering in the light of His holy, innocent suffering and death upon the cross

for us; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.


Suffering to one degree or another is something we all experience. Chapter 6 explores

the meaning of suffering in light of the cross of Christ. This chapter also lays out the important

distinction between the theology of glory and the theology of the cross.

Review Questions

1. How do alarmists deal with suffering? (79)

2. How should the Christian view suffering? (79)

3. What is suffering the result of? Is suffering inevitable? (81)

4. Explain the difference between the theology of glory and the theology of the cross. (82ff.)

5. How does the theology of the cross relate to ethics? (84-86)


1. Read Hebrews 12:1-3. How does the author of Hebrews understand Jesus’ attitude as he went

to suffer on your behalf? How does he relate this to your present sufferings?

2. Read Hebrews 2:18. What is another way in which Christ’s sufferings help us in our

suffering?

3. Review the 6th and 7

th petitions of the Lord’s Prayer. How is the theology of the cross evident

in these petitions? How does this further shape your view of suffering and the cross?

4. Discuss suffering in light of Romans 5:1-5.

Concluding Thoughts

A Christian view of suffering is desperately needed in our culture today. As Christians

we take great comfort knowing that in the midst of our suffering there is present the Savior who

suffered and died because of our sin so that we may have forgiveness, life, and salvation.

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Chapter 7

Hymn for the Lesson

To God the Holy Spirit let us pray/ Most of all for faith upon our way/ That He may defend us

when life is ending/ And from exile home we are wending./ Lord, have mercy! (LSB 768 “To

God the Holy Spirit Let Us Pray” stanza 1)


Transcendent Comfort in our every need,/ Help us neither scorn nor death to heed/ That we may

not falter nor courage fail us/ When the foe shall taunt and assail us./ Lord, have mercy! (LSB

768 stanza 3)


Chapter 7 is all about death and dying. While there are many debates surrounding end-

of-life decision making, this chapter clearly and succinctly walks you through the difficult issues

that confront us all.

Review Questions

1. What is the difference between a Living Will and Durable Power-of-Attorney? (87-88)

2. What are three problems with medical directives? (88ff.)

3. What are some of the problems with the phrase “quality of life”? (89)

4. In what ways are medical directive unrealistic? (90)

5. Explain our obsession with control. (90)

6. What is the difference between withholding care and withdrawing care? (91)

7. Explain the concept of something being “burdensome”. (91)

8. What is THE practical question Christians need to ask? (92)

9. What is death? Is it a friend? (94-95)

10. Explain direct fear of death vs. indirect fear of death. (95)

11. What is the difference between assisted suicide and euthanasia? (97)

12. What is the difference between an aim and a goal in this discussion? (97)


1. Read I Corinthians 15:51-58. How does this view of death impact your understanding of

ethical decisions related to end-of-life decisions?

2. In the Creed you confess the resurrection of the dead that is that the Holy Spirit will raise you

and all the dead (see Small Catechism). How does this confession give you hope and comfort in

the midst of end-of-life decisions?

3. Review the 7th petition of the Lord’s Prayer in the Small Catechism. What are you praying for

in this petition that relates to end-of-life decisions?

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4. Read Romans 14:7-9 and Job 1:21. What does these say about both death and life?

Concluding Thoughts

Death is our enemy, but death has been defeated in the death and resurrection of our Lord

and Savior, Jesus Christ. “The Gospel addresses our Sin so that we Christians do not need to

grasp at suicide or euthanasia. The Gospel is the Good news that although we are helpless and

without control over our lives before God, this is not bad.” (100)

Chapter 8

Hymn for the Lesson

In this union I have joined you/ Husband and wife/ Now, My children live together/ As heirs of

life:/ Each the other’s gladness sharing,/ Each the other’s burden’s bearing,/ Now, my children,

live together/ As heirs of life. (LSB 922 “Go, My Children, with my Blessing” alt. stanza)


O God, our dwelling place in all generations, look with favor upon the homes of our land.

Embrace husbands and wives, parents and children, in the arms of your love, and grant that each,

in reverence for Christ, fulfill the duties You have given. Bless our homes that they may ever be

a shelter for the defenseless, a fortress for the tempted, a resting place for the weary, and a

foretaste of our eternal home with You through Jesus Christ Your Son, our Lord, who lives and

reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. (From the Rite of Holy

Matrimony)


The estate of marriage is constantly under attack in our culture. The womb is not a safe

place for unborn children in our country. What is a Christian to do? Chapter 8 covers the

important topics of marriage and conception focusing on what the “one flesh” union of marriage

means for the issues facing us today.

Review Questions

1. Define marriage. (104)

2. What is the “mystery of marriage”? (105ff.)

3. What is the difference between equality and complementarity? Why does it matter? (107)

4. How is the one flesh union expressed in marriage? (108)

5. Why is abortion in the case of rape wrong? (112)

6. How does Christ’s birth impact the way we think about abortion? (111)

7. Explain how abortion is a spiritual issue. (113)

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1. Read Genesis 2:25-31 and Ephesians 5:28-33. Explain what this “one flesh union” is and how

it shows forth Christ’s relationship with the Church.

2. Read Ephesians 5:21-28 and explain how this passage relates to the idea of complementarity.

3. Read the Fifth Commandment and explanation in the Small Catechism. In what ways can you

help and support your neighbor that is still in the womb? Can you think of any other verses that

speak about life in the womb?

Concluding Thoughts

Understanding what it means that God has made a couple “one flesh” has far reaching

ramifications on many ethical decisions. This “one flesh” union also reveals the great mystery

that is Christ and His Church. It is also important to see that the incarnation of Christ, that He

became man, and was born of the Virgin Mary should shape the way we view life at all stages

from womb to tomb.

Chapter 9

Hymn for the Lesson

Gracious Savior, grant Your blessing/ To this husband and this wife,/ That in peace the live

together/ In Your love throughout their life./ Christ, defend them from the tempter/ And from all

that would destroy/ Love’s foundation You have laid here,/ And its threshold paved with joy.

(LSB 860 “Gracious Savior, Grant Your Blessing” stanza 1)


Almighty and merciful God, You are the giver and creator of all life. Grant that we may learn to

see and value all life through the Life, Your Son, whom You have given us in the Gospel;

through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.


Procreation has been and will continue to be a debated issue in our culture. Reproductive

technology has continued to advance with very few people asking whether or not what is being

done is good and right. Chapter 9 will show how virtually all of the reproductive technologies

violate the “one flesh” union covered in chapter 8.

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Review Questions

1. What are the problems with artificial insemination? (118)

2. What are the problems with in vitro fertilization? (119ff.)

3. What are the problems with surrogate motherhood? (121ff.)

4. Why is procreation a better term than reproduction? (123)

5. How is the one flesh relationship defiled by reproductive technologies? (123-125)

6. Why is their unholiness with a demand for a child? (126-127)

7. How should we view children born of reproductive technology? (127)


1. Chapter 7 discussed our obsession with control. How is this evident with these various

“reproductive” technologies? How is this a First Commandment issue?

2. Look at Psalm 78:18 - 35. What is revealed about us when we demand God to give us

something to satisfy our desires? What is the real issue when we demand such things?

3. How do the First Article of the Creed and the 4th petition of the Lord’s Prayer (and their

explanations) help us understand what it means for God to give us all things versus us

demanding them from Him?

4. What do these reproductive technologies reveal about our culture’s view of life? How are the

terms reproduction and procreation related to this issue?

Concluding Thoughts

As embryos and unborn children increasingly are viewed as property with no value as a

person it is important that Christians speak clearly and with one voice on these issues. We must

set forth with clarity the difference between demanding a child, and receiving one joyfully from

the Lord as well as explaining how the one flesh union of husband and wife is violated by such

practices.

Chapter 10

Hymn for the Lesson

Ah, Lord, who hast created all,/ How weak You are, so poor and small/ That You should choose

to lay Your head/ Where lowly cattle lately fed! (LSB 358 “From Heaven Above to Earth I

Come” stanza 9)

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O God, our Maker and Redeemer, You wonderfully created us and in the incarnation of Your

Son yet more wondrously restored our human nature. Grant that we may ever be alive in Him

who made Himself to be like us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You

and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. (Collect for First Sunday after Christmas)


Eugenics and cloning are issues that used to be relegated the world of science fiction.

Now as these issues are debated and discussed on the nightly news it is important for Christians

to wrestle with what the morality of these issues. Chapter 10 gives a brief overview of eugenics

and cloning as seen in the light of the Gospel.

Review Questions

1. Discuss the benefits and problems with eugenics. (130ff.)

2. What does being created in the image of God say about what it means to be human? (134)

3. What is genetic engineering trying to offer that only the Gospel? (136)

4. What are the problems with any kind of embryo research? (137)

5. What are the problems with cloning? (138ff.)


1. Read Genesis 1:26-31 and discuss what it means to be created in God’s image.

2. Read 2 Corinthians 5:16-21. What does it mean to be a new creation in Christ? How does

understanding this help address some of the problems evident with the various issues covered in

this chapter?

3. Now that you have finished this book discuss how the Small Catechism helps shape your

bioethical decision making.

4. What kind of tensions are always going to be present as you make bioethical decisions in this

life?

5. How has this book helped you work through these various bioethical questions?

Concluding Thoughts

The ethics of a Christian should not be formed by the world or by a majority vote. The

ethics of a Christian should be shaped by God’s Holy Word, and especially by the Gospel.

These issues are too important for us to ignore. This study of these issues is just the beginning.

As medical technology continues to improve there will be more and more issues that need to be

addressed. May the Lord grant you the wisdom and grace necessary to work through all the

ethical decisions you are faced with.

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A Study Guide for Holy People, Holy Lives: Law and Gospel in Bioethics

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