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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.