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SOME ETHICAL AND THEOLOGICAL
CONSIDERATIONS
Brad F. Mellon, Ph.D.
The Immortality Institute (hereafter the Institute) is dedi-
cated to the goal of achieving physical immortality through its
stated mission to overcome involuntary death. [1] This paper
will explore some of the ethical and theological considerations
that, in my view, need to be clearly understood in undertaking
such an ambitious project. When exploring ethical concerns,
I will appeal to the classic Georgetown principles of modern
bioethics, namely autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence
and justice. I will also consult more specific formulations such
as the four interests of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (to
preserve life, prevent suicide, protect third parties, and uphold
the integrity of health care facilities). Theological consider-
ations for the present study are taken from the Judeo-Chris-
tian tradition, including the Hebrew and Christian Scriptures
and theological reflection by noted scholars. Finally, we will
need to take into consideration Delkeskamp-Hayes correct
observation that ethics can be viewed as an essential ingre-
dient of theology.[2] The result is that ethical implications
are often included or embedded in theological concerns, and
should be applied together, not separately.