Consistent life ethic facts for kids
The consistent life ethic is a belief that all human life is important and should be protected. It's also called the consistent ethic of life. People who follow this idea believe that life is valuable from the very beginning until its natural end.
This idea means being against things that harm or end human life. For example, it opposes the death penalty, which is when the government executes someone. It also opposes euthanasia, which is ending someone's life to stop their suffering. And it opposes war, though some people who believe in the consistent life ethic only oppose wars that are unfair or wrong. Others are full pacifists, meaning they are against all war.
Origins of the Idea
The term "consistent life ethic" became well-known in 1983. It was made popular by Joseph Bernardin, who was a very important leader in the Catholic faith called a Cardinal. He taught that if you believe life is sacred, you should protect it in all situations.
Why "Consistent"?
The idea is called "consistent" because it applies the same belief about life to many different situations. It's about being steady and unchanging in protecting life, no matter the circumstances. This means protecting life from when a person is conceived until they die naturally. It also means protecting life from violence, poverty, and other things that can harm people.
Protecting Life
The consistent life ethic teaches that laws should protect human life. This means working for a society where everyone's life is valued and safe. It's about making sure people have what they need to live well, like food, shelter, and healthcare. It also means working to prevent violence and promote peace.
Related pages
Images for kids
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The Consistent Life Network and other member groups protesting in Washington, D.C., calling for an end to war
