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 PrintableVersion Playing GodTalking about ethics in medicine and technologyDoctors’ dilemmasPLAYING GOD The stated aim of this series of books is bold and admirable — ‘to help Christians to engage with today’s issues, whether we are standing at the front of the church, or talking casually with our friends’. To achieve this Tony Watkins, the editor, has drawn together chapters from seven different authors, who approach ethical issues in medicine and technology from a number of different and interesting angles. Dilemmas surrounding individuals who have been in the news such as Charlotte Wyatt and Terri Schiavo are helpfully discussed and analysed, and an overview of how biblical theology and modern technology relate to one another is provided by Dr. Trevor Stammers. The largest section of the book uses the medium of film to encourage the reader to think through modern ethical dilemmas. The logic is sound. Films can introduce and illustrate an issue — such as abortion (Vera Drake) or euthanasia (Million Dollar Baby) or artificial intelligence (I, Robot), more often than not within a godless framework. By understanding the issues of the particular film, readers are prompted to work through biblical ethics in a human setting and, in doing so, are better placed to connect in conversations and discussion with others, who are perhaps familiar with the particular film. Some chapters attempt a review of a particular genre, such as, ‘Docs on the box’ and are possibly less useful because of the requirement to be more broad-ranging. Another chapter skillfully unpacks and critiques the ethical teaching of Peter Singer — the man whose ideas have fuelled the worldwide animal rights movement. As well as plot descriptions, there are study guide chapters which pose helpful discussion questions on the main films that are featured, and the book is generously laced with thoroughly referenced quotations throughout. Overall, I felt that although each contributor varies in style and approach, the book does work. It has left me better informed with regard to ethics in medicine and technology, and about the films that take up such questions. More importantly though, it has highlighted again the need to work at engaging with those around us on the questions society is trying to answer. Whether read by an individual or used as material for a small group, this book will provide useful tools for the Christian who wants to be able to contribute intelligently and biblically to current debate. Klaus Green,
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