A third letter

A third letter, published in the 2 May editon of Christian Renewal magazine, responding to my five-part series on stem cell research:

I have been noticing that there have been a few letters to the editor regarding the articles that Mr. Brian Douglas wrote on stem cells, IVF and the adoption of frozen embryos. It seems that the underlying tone of these letters suggest that Mr. Douglas and his wife have tinkered with creation and have somehow justified IVF by adopting frozen embryos.

First, I would like to know if those who have written have a firm, convinced and unswerving view of when life actually begins and when it ends. One writer mentioned that they believe that life begins at conception, yet they question sarcastically what to do with "the bins of frozen embryos". For argument sake, let's say these embryos were placed in a surrogate mother and brought to full term birth. After that they are placed in the adoption process. Do they only now have value? Has life begun after birth or after conception? Or do we still frown upon the couples who with eager and willing hearts adopt them and bring them to a loving home?

Secondly, I question whether these same writers believe that those who adopt children from single teenagers, alcoholic or abusive families are enabling society to live promiscuously without penalty. One writer asked if it would have been better if the embryos had not been created in the first place. Would it not have also been better if the drug addicted prostitute didn't get pregnant? It would be a wonderful world if we did not have to deal with sin on every side, but sadly we do. Clearly, there is an obvious need for Christians to step up and let our light shine before men.

I believe that life begins at conception and ends at natural death. I believe this because the Bible says it. Do I agree with IVF? No. Do I think that frozen embryos are any less human in a dish than in the womb? No. Science is tinkering with creation because our society says human life is disposable. How do we respond as Christians? Certainly not by looking down our noses with no compassion for the lost. I become very nervous when we use our righteousness as an excuse not to help those in need.

Lastly, as I read the articles, under no circumstances did the Douglas's physical and emotional battle with infertility weaken their faith. On the contrary, much prayer as well as research brought them to their decision. There is no reason to doubt their happiness and contentment, because that is coming very close to doubting the Douglas's faith which is not something we have been commissioned to do. I applaud the Douglas family whose faith spurred them into action on this issue. I'm glad that they wrote about their ordeal so that we could all have our eyes opened. I pray that the Lord continues to bless the Douglas family.

(signed)
Dunnville, Ontario