This book is an outstanding Christian theological engagement with biomedical ethics at the intersection of policy and ethics. It will interest advance students of Christian theology and ethics.

CHOICE

Where Goundrey-Smith is most salient in this book is in advocating that Christians as citizens, and as participants in a long and thoughtful tradition, should contribute to public policy. This reviewer says a hearty “yes” to that summons, especially for such a formative set of challenges as we find in the title's reference to “biomedical innovation.”

Perspectives on Science and Christian Faith

Scientifically acute, theologically rich, ethically alert. This is a book for our era of biomedical advance. As an experienced pharmacist and theologian, Goundrey-Smith is well-placed to navigate for the reader some of the most challenging questions of human flourishing today. How can the future biomedical technologies be socially just? When is the status of the person undermined? What about cultural diversity and the responses of different societal groups? A fine example of practical wisdom in action, this book is informed about the science and the law. Its ethical deliberation is steady and sound. Highly relevant to students, teachers, clergy, and citizens of liberal democracies asking questions about biomedical innovation.

Esther D. Reed, University of Exeter

The Reverend Stephen Goundrey-Smith is a delightful anomaly: a pharmacist with a strong healthcare background, an applied theologian, and an ordained minister in the Church of England. This text thoughtfully reflects on new and future biomedical technologies from the perspective of theological ethics and healthcare policy.

Many treatises on healthcare ethics focus on the moral propriety of specific treatments for individual patients. Dr. Goundrey-Smith examines the larger question of how new healthcare technologies might support human flourishing in our world. He asks: “How can we all live well technologically in a complex, pluralistic society?” His surprising answers from Christian theology will give encouragement and hope to people of all faiths.

Dennis Sullivan, Cedarville University