This article describes peace in history until modern times as a peace derived from the authority of government. The modern idea of peace is based on the agreement of partners contracting self-confidently. The Christian contribution to peace contains the strong will to make peace through the believing in God as the permanently inspiring spirit of reconciliation. With regard to the humanitarian interventions which are controversially seen according to international law the article shows cause, reason, conditions and aim to justify ethically (...) the procedure of interventions. (shrink)

Because genetic engineering greatly accelerates the cultivation of new breeds of plants and animals and because in nature all life is part of an integrated whole, great responsibility rests upon those pursuing genetic research. No one can know with certainty what might develop as the result of genetic manipulation. One therefore cannot merely assume that only negative or catastrophic developments are to be expected. Rather, uncertainty remains, and it is necessary to learn to work with this uncertainty, that is, to (...) work carefully, one step at a time, open to correction and trusting that God is able to bring about good even from efforts that have gone away. Then nature remains a living whole and retains its own dynamic despite human intervention. (shrink)

The right is founded in the freedom of the individual and cannot be considered as something collectively made up. It has no extemal reason. The positive law which enables the public realization of freedom and therefore can be understood as a gift of God is compulsory upon everybody. At the same time it depends on the consent of the individual. There is no right without consciousness of right and so without conscience.

This article deals with different kinds of family life and parenthood that have developed. It is pointed out that for their own and their child's sake the parents should regard their relationship as a Iasting commitment, so that a spirit ofreliability, mutual trust and love can grow. The ethical task in this respect is not so much that ofmeeting a mere demand but- since what is demanded for is, in the first place, a gift-tobe truly aware of one's commitment. The (...) article also reflects upon legal aspects and describes the law's task to support and stabilize the relations people undertake by becoming partners and parents. (shrink)

On the basic of a critique of the conventional theological ethic it is shown that the unconditional dignity of every human being, independent of status, thought and religion is grounded theologically in the freedom offaith. Human dignity, however, is wholly inconceivable ifit does not include the right oflife and human rights for every human being also. From this principle a theological term of modern )formal< law is developed and a critical comment is given on the current debate on the various (...) charters of human rights. (shrink)

The study inquires into the difference between the juridical and the theological understand of punishment and guilt. In a religious-ethical view the idea of repentance and forgiveness is determinative. In this perspective the author points out, that repentance excludes furthermore punishment, forgiveness offers and opens new prospects of human life.