Healthcare reform, bioethics and the economy were the hot topics discussed by Frank Pastore and Scott Rae, chair of the department of philosophy of religion and ethics at Talbot School of Theology, on Pastore’s radio show Dec. 7, 2009.

As an expert in medical and business ethics, Rae questioned culture’s influence on people’s thoughts and behaviors. He believes that greed and distrust are factors that contributed to the struggling economy.

“Virtue and trust is necessary for the market economy to work,” Rae said.

Rae explained when people give in to greed and only follow their interests, institutions have higher costs due to the need to monitor people. Therefore, he believes that trust and ethical values are vital to economical success.

Rae also discussed his opinion on the decision to reverse funding restrictions for stem cell research. Rae feels that the reversal is a cause for concern because people are letting culture define what constitutes life.

“Distinctions between human being and persons are continually being made by culture,” said Rae. “The stem cells are living, human and entities.”

Rae provided insight into some of the content that is presented in his new books The Virtues of Capitalism and Business as Transformational Service soon to-be released in Spring 2010. The Frank Pastore Show is aired on KKLA 99.5 weekdays from 4 to 7 p.m. providing Christian perspectives on current topics.

Scott Rae earned his Ph.D. from the University of Southern California and his Masters in theology from Dallas Theological Seminary. He has authored six books on ethics and his work has also appeared in academic journals.

Written by Jennifer Thach, Media Relations Intern. Jenna Bartlo, Media Relations Coordinator, can be reached at (562) 777-4061 or through email at jenna.l.bartlo@biola.edu.