Righteous Indignation, Ch. 15 (p 110-119)

Righteous Indignation, Ch. 15 (p 110-119)
A Jewish View of Embryonic Stem Cell Research -- Elliot Dorff

(1) "In the Jewish tradition, our bodies belong to God; we have them on loan during our lease on life. God, as owner of our bodies, can and does impose conditions on how we use them. Among these conditions is the requirement that we seek to preserve human life and health (pikuakh nefesh). As a corollary to this, we have a duty to seek to develop new cures for human diseases" (p 110).

What do you think about the view that our bodies are not ultimately our own, that we are responsible to God for them? What ramifications does this have on how we live regardless of the stem cell debate?

(2) "All human beings, regardless of their levels of ability and disability, are created in the image of God" (p 111).

In what ways are humans "created in the image of God?" What human characteristics or capacities are in God's image? How does this inform the stem cell research discussion?

(3) Three sources of embryonic stem cells are outlined on page 114--aborted fetuses, frozen embryos destined to be discarded, and stem cell "farms" (p 114).

Does the source of the stem cells affect your opinion of stem cell research? Why is this important to you?

(4) "When used in research to cure diseases, embryonic stem cell research is definitely permitted" (p 119).

Do you agree with this? Why or why not? What other uses for embryonic stem cell research may be more problematic?

(5) "In some ways, giving the homeless food, clothing, and shelter and providing basic health care for everyone in the world are more important goals to pursue. But to the extent that we devote money to medical research... both adult and embryonic stem cell research should be high on our list of priorities" (p 119).

What are your highest priorities for dollars spent on preserving and promoting life? What factors influences your values regarding priorities?