Stem Cell research

[tamedlion]

Anyone have an opinion on what the Christian viewpoint should be regarding stem cell research?

 

[heron]

Ha ha, you're setting this up for a battle!

IMO...

Starting with the respect for life, seeing needless killing as bad, one wouldn't want to stop the life of a fertilized egg... because at this point, life has formed.

Stem cells can come from several places in the grown body, so there's plenty of opportunity to take little bits from morally safe places, but apparently the embryonic cells are better, making the process more efficient.

There's also discussion now of removing cells from embryos now and letting the growth continue, which I think is the worst of all -- cells multiply to form organs, so removing one cell would probably lead to deformity.

And when you get down to being just plain considerate and decent, who would justify saving an adult's life while creating deformity in a child? That's a no-brainer. (Hopefully not literal.)

 

[Harlan Norris]

Anyone have an opinion on what the Christian viewpoint should be regarding stem cell research?

I'm a Christian.My view is that it is not necessasary.This life was never ment to go on forever.I thank God that it doesn't.I feel certain it never will no matter what we do.What exactly do you think are the benefits of stem cell research?

 

[Citizen of the Kingdom]

I'm a Christian.My view is that it is not necessasary.This life was never ment to go on forever.I thank God that it doesn't.I feel certain it never will no matter what we do.What exactly do you think are the benefits of stem cell research?

I really think there comes a time for just letting God do what He does best and that's take care of us.
When we think He's not moving at all we just stand still and He moves the whole world around us.

 

[ForHisGlory]

Did they not find out that there are tons more stem cells in the umbilical cord?
If this is fact, then maybe that would be a suitable way to go, for the research for finding cures for illness's....IF that is what God's will is...just as He created Dr's, so He created Scientists who do the research.
Just my opinion

 

[Citizen of the Kingdom]

First, I would think, we need accountability in the medical profession.

 

[heron]

Did they not find out that there are tons more stem cells in the umbilical cord?

Really? That would be convenient. Thousands (millions?) of those are thrown out daily. I like how a resistance (to embryonic) could lead to finding something better!

Part of the Christian stance should include Harlan and LfC's comments on allowing life to end naturally. The OT is full of verses about humility --admitting we are dust to dust, measuring our days, celebrating others' successes (not trying to outlive others)... seeing God's plan as wiser than ours.

 

[ForHisGlory]

Really? That would be convenient. Thousands (millions?) of those are thrown out daily. I like how a resistance (to embryonic) could lead to finding something better!

Part of the Christian stance should include Harlan and LfC's comments on allowing life to end naturally. The OT is full of verses about humility --admitting we are dust to dust, measuring our days, celebrating others' successes (not trying to outlive others)... seeing God's plan as wiser than ours.

I sure agree with that!

 

[Trigger]

If what I have read is correct, almost no viable research or cure for anyting has come from pre-birth stem cells. On the other hand, a multitude of diseases have become curable or treatable because of the other kind.

 

[heron]

I haven't looked at the numbers, but that might be due to funding of one and not the other. Some research is approved overseas (from the US).
...I don't know what the results are. But gee, if we can avoid pre-birth with cords -- even if it's simply for the reason of avoiding a domestic battle, we should start on it!

 

[GoodNewsJim]

Adult stem cells have cured some things, and don't kill anyone.

Embryonic stem cells haven't cured much if anything, and killed a bunch of Embryos.

There was a story that Embryonic stem cells could be used and not damaged. But it turns out that was a fraud.

 

[carrymeaway06]

Embryonic Stem Cell research is wrong. I'll tell you why outside of what was already said. In addition to killing the now fertilized egg, If it is found to cure things such as cancer and alzheimer's disease that will be the foundation for excuses on abortions. "Well, I don't want the baby AND PLUS it might help cure [insert disease here] "

-SM Carry Me Away

 

[musicalmeg20]

I think stem cell research is good for more than just living longer. Some people have mental...handicaps...that create problems with life but not how long that life will last. If stem cell research can help with the quality of life so that someone can find it in themselves to find God rather than living in insanity, than I support it all the way.

As far as where they come from, that's difficult. I, too, heard of the great advances with adult stem cells. That is fantastic. Also, if they must use embryonic stem cells then I think it should only be from fetuses that were already going to aborted by stupid people (or those who really needed it due to health reasons). True, some may use that as an excuse to get an abortion, but if some good can come from such a tragedy it seems to be not the worst idea.

Stem cell research should be about improving the quality of life, not the length of it. Of course, the final answer is up to God.

 

[carrymeaway06]

Also, if they must use embryonic stem cells then I think it should only be from fetuses that were already going to aborted by stupid people (or those who really needed it due to health reasons). True, some may use that as an excuse to get an abortion, but if some good can come from such a tragedy it seems to be not the worst idea.

If you had cancer and the stem cells of an aborted baby would cure it... would you want that? Not me. No way. Alot would compare it to that of an organ donor... but that child's right was taken away by force. No choices and that innocent life didn't have those bold blue words beneath his picture on his driver's liscence that said organ donor either.

 

[musicalmeg20]

If you had cancer and the stem cells of an aborted baby would cure it... would you want that? Not me. No way.

Just because you personally wouldn't, doesn't mean it shouldn't be an option.

Think about this:
You or your wife is pregnant and has a condition that threatens the health of the mother and/or the child; it's not a 50% chance of death, it's more like an 80% chance. Whether or not you would get the abortion, wouldn't you at least want to have the option? Wouldn't it make you feel better knowing that people in that kind of condition had the option to save their life?

Or this:
You don't have cancer; you have a mental disorder that causes extremely vivid frightening hallucinations and very real reliving of memories, along with extremely unstable moods. There is no medicine that can make a big difference, and the only medicine that can make even a little difference causes constant nausea and memory lapses. They just found a way to correct the problem in the brain that causes this disorder, but the process requires embryonic stem cells. Even if you personally wouldn't take advantage of this technology, wouldn't you feel better knowing you had the option?

I, honestly, would feel better knowing that people in these kinds of situations have those options.

(And just so you know, I'm not trying to be mean, so please try not to take this too personally.)

 

[carrymeaway06]

I brought this topic up last night at home after logging out and discovered another great point while debating it...

Once these embryonic stem cells are discovered to have properties that cure things such as cancer, or alzheimers.... THAN abortion would get so unbelievably out of control. WHY??? Well, Grandma has cancer and we want to save grandma. So let's get pregnant and abort the baby and donate the stem cells to cure her.

Hmm... Abortion rates would skyrocket and a whole lot less children would be born.