For a limited time, Concordia Publishing House is offering a free, downloadable, 1-2 session Bible study on embryonic stem cell research (ESCR). The study was written by the Rev. Dr. Robert W. Weise, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, and myself a few years ago. From the study:
While ESCR offers many promises to those suffering from a variety of debilitating diseases and conditions, it also raises the troubling specter of destroying human life at its most fragile beginnings. As Christians, when we need sure guidance and wisdom to help us navigate complex and confusing issues, such as those arising from science or medicine, we go to God’s authoritative and inerrant Word.
While Scripture does not specifically mention the phrase “embryonic stem cell research,” it does guide us to see all children—from conception to birth and beyond—as God’s gift. And, through its teachings about original sin, Christ’s incarnation, and God’s will that we speak up for the weak and helpless, we come to see that ESCR is incompatible with the Bible and thus the Christian faith. Nevertheless, in Christian love for our suffering loved ones and neighbors, we can affirm ASCR that does not require the destruction of developing human life, but rather utilizes donated cord blood, discarded placentas, or adult human cells.
You can download the study here. Make as many copies as you like for you and your Bible study group.
