Stem Cell

Research and the Christian

Power to Influence

• MO - Michael J. Fox goes to work in election

• IA - Allows SCR obtained from human cloning

• IL - Banned human cloning but allows Embryonic SCR

• MI - Authorized all types of stem cell research

Defining Stem Cell Research

• Stem cells - the cells from which all other cells/organs are made

• Embryonic stem cells - form all the parts of the body; they’re undifferentiated

• Somatic/adult stem cells - found in and repairs specific tissues throughout the body; they’re differentiated

Stem cells, directed to differentiate into specific cell types, offer the possibility of a renewable

source of replacement cells and tissues to treat diseases including Parkinson’s and

Alzheimer’s diseases, spinal cord injury, stroke, burns, heart disease, diabetes,

osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis

Where Are Stem Cells Obtained?

1. Somatic/adult SC - harvested from children thru adults without harm

2. Cadavers - unpleasant but available

3. Abortions, with consent

4. Invitro fertilization leftovers, frozen, 4-5 days old, harvesting kills the embryo

5. Cloning - making embryos for destruc.

6. Amniotic SC - fluid, placenta, umbilical

Objection / NO Objection

X

X

X

X

X

X

We don’t object to all stem cell research.

Shall we create life so that we can destroy it?

Shall we decry abortion and then use the

product of it?

Objections to our Objections

• Cloning and testing have been going on for years

• We’re losing the brain drain to Europe

Matthew 10:37

"He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of

Me; and he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not

worthy of Me.

Proverbs 14:34

Righteousness exalts a nation, But sin is a disgrace to any people.

Objections to our Objections

• Cloning and testing have been going on for years

• We’re losing the brain drain to Europe

• My sister has diabetes, my mother has alzhiemers, my father has heart …

Romans 3:8

And why not say (as we are slanderously reported and as

some claim that we say), "Let us do evil that good may come"?

Their condemnation is just.

Objections to our Objections

• Cloning and testing have been going on for years

• We’re losing the brain drain to Europe

• My sister has diabetes, my mother has alzhiemers, my father has heart …

• Leftover invitro embryos are going to be destroyed anyway

Isaiah 5:20-21

Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who substitute darkness for light and light for

darkness; Who substitute bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!

21. Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes And clever in

their own sight!

Three Principles to Live With

• Life begins at conception. There is no place between conception and birth to start “life.”

James 2:26

For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith

without works is dead.

Galatians 1:15

But when God, who had set me apart even from my mother's

womb and called me through His grace, was pleased

Luke 1:15

"For he will be great in the sight of the Lord; and he will drink no wine or liquor, and he will be

filled with the Holy Spirit while yet in his mother's womb.

Psalm 139:13

For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother's

womb.

Jeremiah 1:4-5

Now the word of the LORD came to me saying,

5. "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, And before

you were born I consecrated you; I have appointed you a prophet

to the nations."

Three Principles to Live With

• Life begins at conception. There is no place between conception and birth to start “life.”

• Taking innocent life is sinful. This moral law pre-dates the 10 com- mandments yet ESCR demands it.

Genesis 9:5-6

"Surely I will require your lifeblood; from every beast I will require it. And from every man, from every

man's brother I will require the life of man.

6. "Whoever sheds man's blood, By man his blood shall be shed, For in the image of

God He made man.

Proverbs 6:16-17

There are six things which the LORD hates, Yes, seven which

are an abomination to Him:17. Haughty eyes, a lying tongue,

And hands that shed innocent blood,…

Three Principles to Live With

• Life begins at conception. There is no place between conception and birth to start “life.”

• Taking innocent life is sinful. This moral law pre-dates the 10 com- mandments yet ESCR demands it.

• “Potential good” is a slippery slope. ESCR is one step closer to harvesting children for “parts.”

1 Corinthians 4:6

Now these things, brethren, I have figuratively applied to myself and Apollos for your sakes, so that in us you may learn not to exceed

what is written, so that no one of you will become arrogant in

behalf of one against the other.

Everything that

pertains to life and

godliness is given… are you

listening?