Canonical and Theological Perspectives on Abortion and Incest Cover Image

Canonical and Theological Perspectives on Abortion and Incest
Canonical and Theological Perspectives on Abortion and Incest

Author(s): Emilian-Iustinian Roman
Subject(s): Christian Theology and Religion
Published by: Editura Universităţii »Alexandru Ioan Cuza« din Iaşi
Keywords: incest; abortion; Christian morality; legislation; genetics; penal code; canon law

Summary/Abstract: This research intends to review contemporary issues such as incest, abortion, from several points of view: penal code, bioethics and genetics, theology and canon law, with emphasis on the latter. Due to the heated debate on these issues, generated by the Romanian new penal code which no longer sees as punishable immoral deeds such as incest or prostitution, the author sees fit that the position of the Romanian Orthodox Church should be taken into account. Along with presenting a short review of their civil law evolution, genetic and bioethical arguments against these deeds, the study reinforces the position of the Church on incest and abortion as an attack on human dignity, as morally and spiritually abominable acts, by appealing to the canons of St. Basil or those of the Ancyra and Trullo Synods. Given the fact that not everything that is legal is also moral, these cannon laws further support the necessity of treating legal changes on such issues with responsibility and awareness.

  • Issue Year: 2009
  • Issue No: 2
  • Page Range: 125-138
  • Page Count: 14
  • Language: English