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Stamselnavorsing en terapie: ’n voorlopige teologies-etiese beoordeling
In die Skriflig/In Luce Verbi | Vol 42, No 4 | a288 |
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/ids.v42i4.288
| © 2008 A. L. Rheeder
| This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 27 July 2008 | Published: 27 July 2008
Submitted: 27 July 2008 | Published: 27 July 2008
About the author(s)
A. L. Rheeder, Skool vir Kerkwetenskappe, Potchefstroomkampus, Noordwes-Universiteit, South AfricaFull Text:
PDF (117KB)Abstract
Stem cell research and therapy: a preliminary theological- ethical evaluation
Researchers have already created wonderful and fascinating therapeutic results with stem cells. Human beings and animals have been cured of a variety of ailments through the use of stem cells. For a large number of human beings the possibility of a cure through stem cell research and accompanying therapy has tremendous possibilities. The aim of this article is a theo- logical evaluation of this medico-technological phenomenon in general. What does the Bible teach us about the cure of sick people? Can Christ’s teaching and life aid us in this regard? In answering this question the meaning of the escatological ethics will be examined as well. Various arguments for and against this technology are examined. The most important ethical ques- tion concerning research and therapy in particular is the un- avoidable destruction of human embryos. Human embryos are donated and sometimes created with the aim of harvesting cells. Numerous arguments for and against the destruction of embryos are treated. The ethical argument that human embryos may be destroyed for the purpose of possible cure is evaluated philosophically in the light of the Scripture.
Researchers have already created wonderful and fascinating therapeutic results with stem cells. Human beings and animals have been cured of a variety of ailments through the use of stem cells. For a large number of human beings the possibility of a cure through stem cell research and accompanying therapy has tremendous possibilities. The aim of this article is a theo- logical evaluation of this medico-technological phenomenon in general. What does the Bible teach us about the cure of sick people? Can Christ’s teaching and life aid us in this regard? In answering this question the meaning of the escatological ethics will be examined as well. Various arguments for and against this technology are examined. The most important ethical ques- tion concerning research and therapy in particular is the un- avoidable destruction of human embryos. Human embryos are donated and sometimes created with the aim of harvesting cells. Numerous arguments for and against the destruction of embryos are treated. The ethical argument that human embryos may be destroyed for the purpose of possible cure is evaluated philosophically in the light of the Scripture.
Keywords
Embryo; Prenatal Life; Stem Cell; Stem Cell Research; Theological-Ethical Evaluation
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