Discussion Board

Research Ethics and a Christian Worldview

We will focus on the Christian Worldview towards the end of this paper. For now, let’s consider how ethics in research developed over the years. In the history of human research, the treatment of some human participants was appalling. In fact, the Tuskegee syphilis experiment led to the Belmont Report, Office of Human Research Protections, and institutional review boards (IRB). Three fundamental ethical principles were identified for human research subjects in the Belmont Report: (a) respect for persons, (b) beneficence, and (c) justice (Boston University, 2016; Liberty University, n.d.).

Consider the meaning of each principle. Respect is the moral responsibility to acknowledge autonomy and to protect those who have diminished autonomy. Beneficence means to protect from harm and to secure the well-being of people, and to maximize possible benefits and minimize potential harm. Last is Justice. In the light of justice in research is providing the benefits of research to the participant(s); to give them what they deserve (Boston University, 2016; Liberty University, n.d.).

Today, human researchers must consider several ethical issues: (a) protection from harm, (b) informed consent, (c) right to privacy, (d) participant voluntariness, (e) how participants are selected, and (f) honesty in reporting the study findings. There are several other issues. Human researchers and IRB’s must analyze the factors in a study and ensure the ethical treatment of all participants (Boston University, 2016; Liberty University, n.d.).

Unfortunately, the Tuskegee syphilis experiment was not the only unethical study. Type the bulleted words below in your search engine to find three more. Conduct other your own research to locate other studies like these.

· Syphilis study Guatemala

· Willowbrook State School on Staten Island and infected children with hepatitis

· Brooklyn Jewish Chronic Disease Hospital and injected with live cancer cells

Whether one measures by a Christian worldview or other ethical standards, these examples are extremely horrific. Although you may agree with that statement, these researchers somehow justified their actions in their own minds.

Consider this. Ethics are rules and standards governing peoples conduct. Ethics between people can vary significantly. Ethical elements may support Biblical views, while some conflict and differ. This is why it is important to consider the Christian Worldview. There are numerous verses in the Bible that apply to research.

Contemplate the three fundamental ethical principles, and support them with a Christian Worldview. Some scholars have used the term Christian ethics. Kim, Fisher, and McCalman (2009), explain Christian ethics as a common platform or moral standards founded on Scripture to judge between right and wrong. Applying the Scripture, Kim, Fisher, and McCalman (2009) turn to the Ten Commandments and the life and teachings of Jesus for a foundation for laws and moral guidance. While there are numerous biblical verses and teachings that apply, let’s take a quick screenshot.

Exodus 20:13, 15, 16 (KJV)

Thou shalt not kill… Thou shalt not steal… Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.

1 John 2:3-6 (KJV)

And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.

One verse that clearly applies to all three ethical principles is the great commandment.

Mark 12:31 (KJV)

And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.

It would be difficult for a researcher to violate the fundamental ethical principles if they followed this commandment alone. However, the Scripture provides various other verses that form a sound foundation for moral guidance in human research. These are a few that clearly apply.

Ephesians 4:25 (KJV)

Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.

Matthew 7:12 (KJV)

Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.

Proverbs 6:16-19 (KJV)

These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.

Matthew 5:16 (KJV)

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Take a moment to locate other verses that apply. “Scripture has much to say about human nature and behavior that is consistent with what we observe in ourselves and others…” (Kim, Fisher, & McCalman, 2009, p.120). Thus far, this paper has focused in ethical treatment and a Christian Worldview as it relates to human research. Now reflect on your CJUS601 assignments. Apply a Christian Worldview to your discussion responses and paper topics.

References

Boston University. (2016). Institutional review boards and the Belmont Principles.

Retrieved from http://sphweb.bumc.bu.edu/otlt/MPH-Modules/EP/EP713_

ResearchEthics/EP713_ResearchEthics3.html

Kim, D., Fisher, D. & McCalman, D. (2009). Modernism, Christianity, and business

ethics: A worldview perspective. Journal of Business Ethics, 90, 115-121.

doi: 10.1007/s10551-009-0031-2

Liberty University. (n.d.) Institutional review board handbook. Retrieved from

https://www.liberty.edu/media/9997/IRB_Handbook.pdf

Cite this document as:

Whitehurst, F. T. (Liberty University). (n.d.). Ethics and Christian worldview. Retrieved

from Liberty University CJUS 601 Module/Week 1 Reading and Study.