The Religious Battle behind Stem Cell Research

1555 Words4 Pages

The Religious Battle behind Stem Cell Research

Abstract: Religion has played a key part in the battle for embryonic rights. Pope John Paul II has spoken out against stem cell research; however, Buddhist leaders and the Episcopal Church have taken a stand for stem cell research. Different religions have different opinions about stem cell research. However the controversy can never really be solved because it is so hard to define the line of morality when talking about stem cells and embryos.

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. Catholicism, Buddhism, different divisions of Christianity and governments all over the world, have very different views of what rights embryos have. Some support the research and some oppose it. But there is also a whole group of people that do not know what to think about the issue.

Religion has always played a major role in the controversy over the lives of embryos. Catholicism is one of the major religions against pro-choice and stem cell research. “Humans as co creators with God have a special responsibility or mission that requires ‘accepting and serving life’ especially life ‘when it is at its weakest.’ This weakness and vulnerability is especially evident in human life at its beginning and its end. Thus, the embryo is in special need of protection,” says Aline H.Kalbain the author of Stem Cells and the Catholic Church (pg. 241). In his essay, he lays down the five main arguments that the Pope has made when confronted with the morality of stem cell research and abortion. He says that from the mome...

... middle of paper ...

...ontroversy. Ser. 11. Amherst, NY: Prometheus Books, 2006. 1 vols.

Kalbain, Aline H. Stem Cells and the Catholic Church. Vol. 1. The Stem Cell Controversy. Ser. 19. Amherst, NY: Prometheus Books, 2006. 1 vols.

Bush, George W. "Stem Cell Research." 19 July 2006.

Bush, George W. "President Discusses Stem Cell Research." 9 Aug. 2001.

Holm, Soren. The Ethical Case Against Stem Cell Research. Vol. 1. The Stem Cell Controversy. Ser. 15. Amherst, NY: Prometheus Books, 2006. 1 vols.

Tierney, John. "Are Scientists Playing God? It Depends on Your Religion ." The New York Times: Science. 20 Nov. 2007. The New York Times. 23 July 2008 .

Davies, Mathew. " Episcopal Church leaders praise new stem cell research bill." . 25 May 2005. Worldwide Faith News. 23 July 2008 .

Open Document