Hope for the Future or an Ethical Slippery SlopeOver the last decade regenerative medicine, the replacement of defective or diseased tissue of human beings with healthy human tissue from stem cells has topped the list of bioethical issues facing this modern day culture. The issue of using stem cells in the fight against disease is not likely to go away. Therefore it is an issue the Black Church must intelligently address for the sake of our people and our future as a people. From my window, the Black Church is obligated to help our people understand this complex issue from a socio-Christian perspective if we are going to form a biblical and ethical opinion that helps us see the issue clearly and weigh its merits.
The first step in the “tedious journey” is to understand the science and terminology that defines stem cell research. In order to approach the subject we must refrain from viewing the idea of science with a jaundiced eye. Increasingly the correlation between science and religion are apparent. With this in mind let’s first answer the question of what a stem cell is.
Stem cells are types of cells in human beings that have the ability to divide and become other cells such as skin, brain, muscle, etc. Often referred to as unspecified (non-tissue specific) master cells, these cells maintain their totipotent (potential for developing in various specialized ways) or their pluripotent (potential for developing in a multitude of specialized ways) characteristics. Whether these cells are unspecialized or pluripotent, they are capable of long term self-proliferation thereby qualifying them as stem cells.
While there are 3 major types of stem cells currently under scrutiny, embryonic stem cells are by far the most controversial. The other two; adult stem cells and hematopoietic stem cells are both extracted from stem cells in the bone marrow, blood, brain, skin, cornea, retina, gastrointestinal tract, liver and pancreas. While embryonic stem cells are extracted from the 4 to 5 day development stage of an embryo called the blastocyte. This is the impetus where the moral and ethical debate arises; because once these cells are extracted the embryo is no longer capable of developing into a fetus.
As a preacher of the gospel who believes the principles upon which the bible was written are applicable to every area of life. I wrestle with this issue that has the potential to discover cures and provide treatments for diseases like: diabetes, heart disease, sickle cell, cancer, parkisans, Alzheimer’s and others. The evangelical conservative view of stem cell research would have us to believe that stem cell research is against the will of God, plain and simple. I personally don’t subscribe to this line of thinking. I do believe however that once stem cells are extracted from a human embryo that embryo has nochance of developing into a fetus. But neither does a human embryo in a frozen state in a petri dish or test tube. Further, and more importantly there can be no human life form until the embryo is attached to the wall of a uterus.
While there are many Christians who believe the sanctity of life and the right to life is absolute at any cost, they fail to see a correlation between semen and life. Where is the concern for discarded sperm from fertility tests? Why is the emission of semen solely for analysis, as part of the process of procreation in those infertile, acceptable while unused embryos used for research considered murder. Is not semen reproductive cells?”
I think it is important to interject here that the issue of embryonic stem cell research might not be the issue it is today if the process of in vitro fertilization (IVF) had never been developed. It is my contention that IVF “birthed” the question of what to do with unused embryos not implanted in the uterus as part of the first cycle of in vitro fertilization. Should they be used or should they remain frozen indefinitely is the debate. I am inclined to believe the 400,000 plus unused IVF cell lives (frozen embryos) should not be discarded or held indefinitely, but used for research. Research with the potential of providing relief of human suffering and providing cures for disease.
I am aware of the “right to lifers” who have formed a group for the express purpose of identifying couples who would adopt those frozen embryos and allow them to be implanted in a uterus all for the sanctity of human life. I for one do not see this as a viable alternative – if they really want to do something helpful – why not adopt the thousands of children already in need of adopting.
Finally, I regard stem cell research as acceptable, provided that it is done within the window of embryonic life before implantation would occur and done only on embryos that cannot be used for the reproductive purposes for which they were created. I also believe stem cell research to be acceptable if the embryos are to be discarded.
As a Christian, I believe society has a commitment to help better human life and stem cell research has that potential. Which is better? Letting an embryo remain frozen in a Petri dish without guarantee of implantation to form human life or extract stem cells for the purpose of developing a cure for diabetes and sickle cell. It seems to me that I recall Jesus encountering such a question in Luke Chapter 14, when he was asked if it was lawful to heal on the Sabbath.
Even if you do not agree with my views on stem cell research don’t remain ignorant on the subject and for heaven’s sake don’t take the attitude that stem cell research is just scientific murder. Seek out study materials on the subject for education, discussion and theological reflection about the ethical issues on developments in the area of stem cell research.
The Rev. Dr. James T. Morris is Senior Pastor of the Lane Tabernacle Christian Methodist Episcopal Church (CME), President of the CME Ministerial Alliance, President of Missouri ACORN Clergy Association and Vice-President of Metropolitan St. Louis Interfaith Partnership.
Pastor Morris’s Response to IP FBW role in Religion, Politics and Social Justice................
I welcome discussion regarding the involvement of IP/FBW in social justice or political issues. I believe that there’s a thin line between politics and social justice. Most social justice issues are only addressed in contexts of politics, i.e. rallies, protests, sit-in, etc. What, then, is the role of Religion vs. Politics or either Faith vs. Politics? Faith/Religious traditions have incorporated a deep yearning for social justice that can inspire the debates of today. Faith/Religious traditions also embrace the idea of human dignity; in the biblical idea of the creation of all human beings in the image of God, or the Koranic idea of all human beings as called upon to act as khalifa (God’s deputies on Earth, as some translate this concept).
In practice, of course, religious communities have not always supported democracy and human rights. The Roman Catholic Church was long opposed to human rights in general and religious liberty in particular. In official documents of the nineteenth century, religious liberty was condemned as leading to everything from indifference over questions of religious truth, to an erosion of authority and even the destruction of the moral fabric of society. It was only in the 1960s that the Catholic Church officially endorsed human rights and religious liberty. This shows that religious communities are part of society and have to undergo the same learning processes that society as a whole has to tackle.
In the case of Islam, many Muslims have found ways to reconcile the requirements of religion with a commitment to democracy and human rights. In America, we live in a democracy. Through the voting process, democracy is realized. However when the voting process is under attack, what do we do? Historically, the voting process has been a social justice and political issue. The process of voting and the results of any particular vote may be either social or political. Which ever the case our political leaders control the purse strings that effects the distribution of wealth, poverty, education and many other issues. As we keep the aforementioned in mind, let’s candidly discuss our role in these matters in a practical and “real” manner.
I hope this discussion gives us the opportunity to tackle the question of how to cope with the pluralism of different concepts, on the basis of mutual respect. Let me conclude these initial remarks by saying that there is no clear idea of social justice in America – but there are some basic requirements that allow us to cope with the pluralism of various ideas of what social justice is. Human rights epitomize these basic, normative principles.
PRESS RELEASE REV. DR. JAMES T. MORRIS, SENIOR PASTOR OF
THE LANE TABERNACLE CHRISTIAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL (CME) CHURCH OF SAINT LOUIS, MISSOURI
OFFERS CONDOLENCE AND REFLECTIONS
UPON THE PASSING OF
THE REVEREND NATHANIEL COLE.
WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 15, 2006 AT 11:00AM CST.“PASTOR MORRIS EXTENDS CONDOLENCES TO FAMILIES OF PERSONS INOLVED IN THE TRAGIC DEATH OF REVEREND NATHANIEL M. COLE”
Rev. Dr. James T. Morris offers his condolences to the family and friends of Rev. Nathaniel M. Cole upon his passing. Condolences are also extended to the family of Robert E. Smith.
Incidents such as these are very difficult for everyone including the families of the alleged suspects. We must also be sensitive and compassionate with all families (victim and suspects). The family of Robert E. Smith is also grieving and should not have to be subject to criticism and rage because of his actions.
Although, officers have to respond to threats on their own lives and others, they must use prudence on when to halt pursuits. If good judgment is utilized than many lives might be spared. Let us continue to fight for peace, civil rights and equality for ALL.
For more information, please contact Pastor James T. Morris by phone: (314) 533-0534, fax: (314) 531-8611, email: jimmytm@swbell.net or mail: 910 North Newstead Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63108
Press Release Rev. Dr. James T. Morris, Senior Pastor of the Lane Tabernacle CME Church of Saint Louis, Missouri gives response to alleged incident of Police Brutality and encourages citizens to remain calm. Monday January 30, 2006 6:30 pm. cst.
“Today on January 30, 2006, the nation witnessed what appeared to be excessive force of an African-American male (Edmond Burns,33 of Saint Louis County, Missouri) by three officers (3) of the Maplewood, Missouri (a municipality within the St. Louis, Missouri Metropolitan area) and one (1) officer of the St. Louis Metroplitan Police Departments. Although there will probably be an investigation by the Maplewood Police Department. The Rev. Dr. James T. Morris, Senior Pastor of the Lane Tabernacle CME Church of Saint Louis, Missouri along with members of the local NAACP branch of St. Louis County are calling for an independent investigation of this incident from national officials and local citizens not associated with the Maplewood Police Department. Pastor Morris believes that the police are incapable of policing itself and if the investigation yield excessive force was rendered the officers should be punished to the fullest extent of the law. In addition, more training must take place to ensure that all officers understand that excessive force and brutality will not be tolerated within our communities.
