Theologische Ethik zwischen lehramtlicher Moralverkündigung und staatlicher Gesetzgebung – am Beispiel der Suizidbeihilfe

Abstract

Repeatedly discrepancies arise between regulations of state legislation and the moral teachings of the Catholic Church. Against this backdrop, this paper seeks to define the role of theological ethics or moral theology. The discussion of the legal regulation of assisted suicide in Germany after the BVerfG ruling of 26. 2. 2020 will serve as an example. First, the current legal situation in Germany and the reaction of the churches with their respective justifications will be presented. Subsequently, the self-understanding of theological ethics, as it developed after the Second Vatican Council is considered. One question concerns how the relation between revelation and moral norms is defined in this new self-understanding, in order then to present the associated normative justification theory in contrast to corresponding traditional models of argument. This clarifies the independent role of theological ethics vis-à-vis the educational institutions, which role enables unreserved opening up to social reality. Finally, the question of assisted suicide is addressed, using the principle of proportionality as a fundamental ethical principle. Accordingly, wherever possible, means milder than suicide should be chosen first to solve the underlying problems. Nevertheless, from a theological-ethical point of view, assisting another person’s suicide does not always seem to be unlawful and culpable.