The Challenge of Biotechnology 1
Cloning, stem cells, artificial intelligence, abortion, euthanasia. Biotechnology is the social issue of our times, and is moving at pace that leaves any ethical consideration way behind. Christians simply must address this issue, but many have no idea what is even going on. These sessions provide an introduction to the emerging technologies, and clear concise teaching on the key foundational issue of personhood and what makes humans valuable.
The Challenge of Biotechnology 2
Cloning, stem cells, artificial intelligence, abortion, euthanasia. Biotechnology is the social issue of our times, and is moving at pace that leaves any ethical consideration way behind. Christians simply must address this issue, but many have no idea what is even going on. These sessions provide an introduction to the emerging technologies, and clear concise teaching on the key foundational issue of personhood and what makes humans valuable.
Stem Cells
Well versed in the field, Dr. Michael Buratovich of Spring Arbor University addresses the ethics and problems surrounding embryonic stem cell research. After outlining the more technical aspects of embryonic and fetal development, Dr. Buratovich then explains the different types of embryonic stem cells and how they can be used. This leads him into eight major problems that are associated with this field of therapeutic medicine, which he follows with scientists’ responses (or lack thereof) to these problems. Finally he points to the uses of adult/somatic stem cells and their track record, concluding that science needs to focus on what has already been proven to work.
What Is Human? (via Equip)
Debates over embryonic stem cell research and human cloning have forced us to address the question: What does it mean to be human? If embryos are intrinsically valuable as human beings, then embryonic stem cell research and human cloning are problematic, for both involve the instrumental use of human embryos, and if postnatal children are employed, that would be clearly immoral. The facts concerning embryology and fetal development support the argument that an individual human being, with its own genetic code, comes into existence at conception and remains the same human being throughout its lifetime to adulthood. Some object that twinning proves that an individual human being does not begin at conception. Their objection is faulty, however, because early embryonic cells function as parts of a single organism even though they are unspecialized and have the potential to become another being if separated. Others object that the preborn, while human, are not intrinsically valuable because they lack certain presently exercisable capacities. This argument, however, cannot account for clearly valuable human beings, such as those who are asleep, unconscious, or comatose and who also presently lack certain capabilities; moreover, if intrinsic value is based on the degree of capabilities, then it cannot account for equality among human beings since some have more capabilities than others (e.g., the ability to reason).
Is John Kerry Listening?
After graduating Summit's Summer Conference, Vickie Tarleton was able to put her training into action, authoring an editorial that appeared in the Jackson Progress Argus on October 20, 2004. Vickie has given us permission to use her article with slight emendations to all our readers...
The Stem Cell Research Debate
A week after graduating Summit's CO 4th Session Worldview Conference, Stephanie Lincoln was able to put her training into action. A lead article appearing in her local paper referred to the fetal tissue research debate as one between "science and religion." The original article appeared in Nebraska's Lincoln Star, as of yet Stephanie's reply has not been published...
