This presentation explores the theological and ethical implications of humanity’s intrinsic value from a biblical perspective, challenging contemporary hierarchies of human worth. Through exegesis of key Scriptures (e.g., Luke 15:20–24, Ezekiel 18:23, Psalm 116:15) and analysis of modern societal attitudes, it argues that God’s unwavering compassion for humanity—exemplified in the Parable of the Prodigal Son—stands in stark contrast to human tendencies toward conditional valuation. The study critiques utilitarian perspectives on life’s worth, advocates for the preservation of life in all stages and conditions, and frames hope as a divine imperative.
Introduction
The belief that some lives hold greater value than others is a persistent societal lie, one that contradicts the heart of Judeo-Christian revelation. Scripture repeatedly affirms that God’s regard for humanity transcends human merit, as demonstrated in Christ’s sacrifice and the Father’s relentless pursuit of the broken (Romans 5:8). Yet this truth is often obscured by cultural narratives that prioritise productivity, health, or social utility over inherent dignity.
This presentation examines three pillars of the sanctity of life from God’s perspective:
- Divine Compassion as the Foundation of Human Worth(Luke 15, Ezekiel 18)
- The Illusion of Conditional Value (Critique of modern bioethics and materialism)
- Hope as the Sustenance of Life (Theological and practical implications)
- Divine Compassion: The Prodigal Son and the Heart of God
The Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:20-24) dismantles the assumption of a wrathful, transactional deity. The father’s response—running to embrace his son before hearing his confession—reveals a God whose love precedes repentance. This mirrors Ezekiel 18:23, where God declares no pleasure in the death of the wicked, and Psalm 116:15, where the death of His faithful is “precious” yet never trivialised.
Theological Insight: God’s valuation of humanity is rooted in His character, not human virtue. This challenges modern ideologies that tie dignity to cognitive ability, economic contribution, or physical vitality (e.g., arguments for euthanasia or infanticide).
- The Illusion of Conditional Value
Human societies frequently stratify lives into hierarchies: the young over the elderly, the healthy over the terminally ill, the “productive” over the “burdensome.” Such judgments often stem from materialist worldviews that equate personhood with utility (cf. Singer, 1993; debates on “after-birth abortion”).
Counterargument:
- Biblical View: Life’s sanctity derives from imago Dei (Genesis 1:27), not utility.
- Ethical Implications: To deem any life “unworthy” of preservation is to usurp divine authority (Job 1:21; Deuteronomy 32:39). Even suffering has a teleological purpose (Romans 5:3-5).
Case Study: The terminally ill or comatose are frequently marginalised, yet their lives remain sacred. Miraculous recoveries (e.g., cases documented by the NIH) and the transformative power of caregiving testify to hope’s tangible impact.
- Hope as the Sustenance of Life
Life is what drives a person’s physical body, making it more than just an unusable lump. Without life, the body loses its purpose. Even if someone remains in a coma indefinitely, their life should be preserved because there is always hope. While sustaining life can be expensive, it is worth every cost since life holds greater value than money. Miracles can happen, and maintaining hope is the key to giving them a chance.
Paul’s assertion that “the body is dead because of sin, but the spirit is life” (Romans 8:10) underscores a tension: the physical body’s decay does not negate the soul’s eternal significance. Jesus’ resurrection affirms that death is not an endpoint but a transition (1 Corinthians 15:55).
Practical Theology:
- Compassion vs. Convenience: Caring for the vulnerable (e.g., dementia patients) reflects God’s patience (2 Peter 3:9).
- Capital Punishment: Execution, even of the guilty, risks mirroring the very violence it condemns (John 8:7). Divine justice alone holds absolute jurisdiction over life and death (Genesis 9:6).
Conclusion
Without knowledge and purpose, life can feel empty. Countless people have lived, worked, died, and been forgotten, with hope being their only driving force—the desire to live longer. Without hope, life often loses meaning, leading many to despair. Struggling with the mystery of life’s purpose, some fall into hopelessness, even to the extent of ending their own lives. Tragically, others may commit even worse acts, like harming fellow humans, all stemming from ignorance.
The parable of the Prodigal Son is more than a story of redemption—it is a cosmic declaration that no life falls beyond God’s redemptive gaze. In a world increasingly comfortable with discarding the “unworthy,” the Church must champion a radical ethic: all life is sacred because all life is loved. To dismiss the least among us is to forget that we, if truly committed to His teachings, too, were once “far off” (Ephesians 2:13).
Andrew Masuku is the author of Dimensions of a New Civilisation, laying down standards for uplifting Zimbabwe from the current state of economic depression into a model for other nations worldwide. A decaying tree provides an opportunity for a blossoming sprout. Written from a Christian perspective, the book is a product of inspiration, relieving those who have witnessed the strings of unworkable solutions, leading to the current economic and social decay. Most Zimbabweans should find the book to be a long-awaited providential oasis of hope, in a simple conversational tone.
The Print copy is now available at Amazon.com for $13.99
Also available as an e-copy at Lulu.com for $6.99