Why Do Religious Community Use Stem Cell Research?

Embryonic stem cell research is important for further development in the medical field. It strongly supports the idea that every life has value, an idea known as human dignity. Human beings are created in the image and likeness of God, and thus, are all equal. The idea of radical equality before God leads us to think no less of someone regardless of their physical appearance, religious beliefs, cultural background, or anything else. It is through virtues such as charity, mercy, and justice that our human dignity is preserved. By living through these virtues and realizing how to effectively instill them within us, we are able to live a virtuous life. This paper argues that although issues involving embryonic stem cell research are controversial, research in this area is typically permissible for further development in the medical field when looking to preserve human dignity. In order to defend this thesis, this paper will be structured into three sections as followed: the description of embryonic stem cell research, the development of a moral lens, and the moral argument and analysis of this case.

The studying of stem cells is a very controversial issue that has been around since 1998 when the research of the use of embryonic stem cell treatment began. The main issues surrounding the discussion of treating people with life-altering disabilities through the use of these pluripotent cells is the ethicality of the matter and whether or not it is a savage act against a fetus. Many who oppose the use of these stem cells derived from excess embryos use the formerly stated opinion to support their argument, while those who are pro research argue that the destroying of one life could save another. The core complications that arise in studying stem cells lies in many Christian-like ethics and morals, otherwise called Christian bioethics. These are rooted in the modern day controversies arising due to advancements made in biology and medicine, mixed with religious views that argue against it. The conflicting interests of the polar opposites which are scientists and those with religious views have caused many complications along the way to discovering new treatments and cures for diseased cells. This bumpy road which has refrained scientists from making tremendous breakthroughs must smooth itself out, and the only way possible is through coming to an agreement that certain stem cell research should be practiced, such as the IPSC and adult stem cells, and others like the

In order to understand arguments against the use of stem cell technology in the United States, it is crucial to understand the sociopolitical background of its constituents. America is well known for having a varied and diverse ethnic background composing of immigrants from around the world, but in 2012, 73% of Americans claimed Christian affiliation (3). This overwhelming majority of Christianity means that its accompanying religious beliefs emerge in many aspects of our sociopolitical ideology. Much of the opposition to stem cell technology is grounded in the Christian tenet of anti-abortion, which is the source of embryonic stem cells. Although embryonic stem cells are still the gold standard in research and therapeutic use, use of non-embryonic stem cells such as induced pluripotent stem cells is rapidly increasing and does not require

In recent years, stem cell research has become a prominent way of treating: heart disease, cancer, HIV/AIDS, spinal problems, and much more ; moreover, in recent years as Stem cell research became more popular, it has sparked controversy over the religion aspect of stem cell research. Stem cell research begins with culturing an embryonic cell and then injecting the stem cell into the area of concern(Robertson). Pluripotent stem cells are gathered and used to treat the areas, pluripotent stem cells are those that are in the earliest stages of development ; in addition, at this stage, cells can learn the jobs and take shape of cells that did the job once before (Robertson).

Stem cell research is currently being conducted in numerous countries around the world. There are two main types of stem cells currently in use for research, adult and embryonic. This report will discuss the theological aspects of embryonic stem cell research in the United States. As the name implies an embryonic stem cell is harvested from a human embryo. Embryonic stem cells are obtained in two separate ways. One way is to use discarded embryos from in vitro fertilization, where fertilized eggs are donated for research. The second way is when embryos are created specifically for stem cell research. As a Christian it is my view that obtaining stem cells for research from discarded embryos should be encouraged and continue, whereas

Stem cell research has been a hot topic for debates all over the country. People from every major religion and walks of life are always trying to find the morality behind stem cells. However, not all religions have the same opinions.

Embryonic Stem cells have led to a very long line of discussion. Whether to see it as immoral not to pursue research or immoral to pursue research, it is nonetheless very difficult to discuss. Questions are uncovered during this debate, for example, Is killing possible life (Embryos) lesser or greater than saving the already living, such as people with incurable diseases? The debate goes deeper and deeper into moral judgment and it doesn't matter whether you are religious or not in this argument because in both cases it is a life. But what if it didn't have to be a life? Further forms of research may be used to help save lives both from people who have incurable diseases and the embryos. If such research can be formed without a moral block, performance of such research should not be delayed. The possibility to save loved ones is incredible, to do so without victimizing women for embryos and killing those embryos, which could possibly behold life, only to maybe

Stem cells get their name from the fact that they are basic cells that other cells develop from. They are capable of developing into a wide range of cells. Stem cells could potentially be used to grow new cells to replace the cells that were destroyed or damaged by

A brief introduction to stem cells; Stem cells are cells that are undifferentiated, or, simply put, a cell that has not yet been given a job, such as cells that create molecules. In recent years, scientists have discovered the potency that stem cells contain, due to their versatility. For example, stem cells could be studied and used to cure a man of liver disease, a child’s handicap, a woman’s breast cancer, etc…, etc…. One may now be asking themselves? “That’s great… then why are so many people against stem cell research? What could possibly be the drawback? “. You see, stem cells are acquired by human embryos, or, in Layman’s Terms, unborn fetuses. Take for

I think that my religious beliefs has helped to form this idea that embryonic stem cell research is unethical and immoral. My position on this topic will never change because someday I may be a parent, an aunt, or even a grandmother, I cannot begin to imagine losing a relative or child due to research. Will it eventually help society and create cures we otherwise would not have? Yes; however, killing unborn, defenseless babies is something that I will never agree with. Embryonic stem cell research, while it has its benefits, is immoral and unethical to do in today’s time. This major issue in today’s society, does not force us to make a choice between science and ethics or science and religion. Rather it gives us a choice as to how we go forward in scientific and medical progress (Embryonic Stem

Stem cell research is one of the most promising and controversial topics is the past few decades. Stem cells were discovered by a group of scientists in 1981 by deriving embryonic stem cells from mouse embryos. The discovery of stem cell derived from mouse embryos then progressed to the discovery of deriving and creating stem cell from a human embryo is 1998. In 1998 when scientists discovered a way of deriving stem cells from a human embryo is when the controversy began. The main controversy of stem cell research is the destruction of an embryo for sceintific and medical purposes. Other controversies are whether federal governments should fund and support research is ban the use of stem cell for medical and research purposes. Various religions

“While we must devote enormous energy to conquering disease, it is equally important that we pay attention to the moral concerns raised by the new frontier of human embryo stem cell research. Even the most noble ends do not justify any means.” This quote comes from former president George W. Bush during a radio conference where he discussed his decision to allow federal funds to be used for stem cell research only in cases where the embryos were not harmed. While still in the beginning stage of exploration, stem cell research, and more specifically embryonic stem cell research, has become a topic of great debate. The ethics and procedures involved have come into question not only by the Catholic Church, but also by many citizens and even our presidents. The morality of this new scientific development lies in the way these stem cells are obtained. For scientists to acquire embryonic stem cells they must be removed from a destroyed embryo. For some this is just a small obstacle or nuisance in technicalities as to what a human being is, while for other it is seen as murder and the taking of a life before it even had a chance. Another reason the use of embryos is frowned upon is because of the alternate and successfully proven approach of using somatic stem cells, which do not require any human life to be harmed. The Catholic Church, being an institution of God and supporting all life, for obvious reasons cannot be a supporter of embryonic stem cell research because of the

Again, this is because the real points of contention that surround the issue surpass the scope of science or even reason more generally; they touch on people's fundamental beliefs about what it means to be human. For example: One side may argue that embryos are not humans and that it is thus acceptable to destroy them in order to relieve the suffering of actual humans. The other side may argue that embryos are in fact humans and that under no circumstances can their destruction be acceptable Both positions would be cogent within the context of their own assumptions; and it would be difficult if not impossible to rationally discredit either set of assumptions. In addition, it is worth pointing out that even adult stem cell research is controversial, insofar as stem cell research in general has the potential to lead to human cloning. The basic point here would be that human beings are engaging with a dangerous power that may be intimately connected with the very origins of life itself. Again, whether this is problematic would depend entirely on one's religion and/or broader worldview. If there were no God, then there would naturally be no problem with human beings pushing their knowledge to the limits. On the other hand, if one did believe in God, then it would be possible to argue that stem cell research is an attempt by humans to usurp His role. As with the morality of the destruction of embryos, this question can be expected to remain open for a quite long

A cell that has the ability to develop or duplicate into any other type of cell the body may have whilst still alive, whether it be a specialised cell or other stem cells, by using the cell-division cycle, is what we call a stem cell. Stem cells can be uncovered from various sites around the body, such as amniotic fluid, which can be retrieved during a pregnancy, placenta and cord tissue during the development of embryos, umbilical cord blood that is saved after the umbilical cord is cut, teeth, embryos that are willingly donated during the blastocyst stage (4-5 days after fertilization), and adult bone marrow. Each of these stem cell types, wherever their source might be, holds the priceless competence to work as a huge medical advantage,

Embryonic Stem Cell Research (ESCR) and In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) has been under fire for quite some time and has be questioned by religious, scientific, and political leaders as to what is right or wrong and what is for or against mankind and their beliefs as scientist and religious followers (Lawton, 2001). I read from different several religious views on the subject Christians, Lutherans, and Judaism, are just a few that hold a strong disbelief and are not for stem cell research for they believe that life begins at conception, and a human has begun (Lyon, 2006). The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod and the Southern Baptist Convention are also opposed, for the same reason. Human embryos, says the SBC, are the tiniest of human beings. They believe that it is “immoral,