The Hypostasis of the Logos and Informed Consent

In the field of hioethics, freedom and autonomy assume the ability of self-regulation and determination. If one has the ability to make one 's own decisions, then one represents an autonomous and free person. Such a view of autonomy faces many difficidties, because it idtimately limits those who can be considered autonomous. Tlie Orthodox theology of the one Hypostasis of Jesus Christ presents an alternative to such a notions of autonomy, freedom and personhood. A person can be said to possess freedom and autonomy not when she or he can make decisions for herself or himself, but when she or he is perfected in Christ. Wlien people begin to live in com-mimion with one another and with God, their freedom increases. In this essay, the author introduces the Orthodox theology of the two natures of Christ, united to the Divine Hypostasis of the Logos at the moment of the Incarnation, and its implications for human freedom and autonomy.