Speaker to Examine Stem Cell Research

A leading authority on medical ethics and stem cell research will give two presentations at Eastern Mennonite University.

Gilbert Meilaender Gilbert Meilaender, a philosopher and teacher at Valparaiso (Ind.) University, will lead a science and Christian faith forum on “The Moral Problem of Stem Cell Research” 4:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 17 in the Suter Science Center Auditorium (S-106) at EMU.

Dr. Meilaender, who holds the Phyllis and Richard Duesenberg Chair in Christian Ethics at Valparaiso University, will also speak and field audience questions at a special lecture on “vocation” at 8 p.m. Nov. 17 in Martin Chapel of the seminary building at EMU.

“While embryo research is not a new topic in public debate within the U.S., interest in stem cell research and regenerative medicine brought new attention to the subject in the late 1990s,” noted Roman J. Miller, Daniel B. Suter professor of biology at EMU.

Moral Problems

“Meilaender’s talk will develop the two major moral problems raised by such research – the use and destruction of human embryos and the role of human cloning,” Dr. Miller said. “Even more central to the argument, however, is the way in which possible relief of suffering is used to justify embryo destruction and human cloning. Seen in that context, the issue of embryo research forces us to examine some of our most deeply held beliefs about human life.”

The speaker has published ll books and numerous articles, including “Friendship: A Study in Theological Ethics,” “Faith and Faithfulness: Basic Themes in Christian Ethics,” “Bioethics: A Primer for Christians,” “Body, Soul and Bioethics; The Way that Leads There,” “Augustinian Reflections on the Christian Life” and “Working: Its Meaning and Its Limits.”

Meilaender is co-editor of the “Oxford Handbook of Theological Ethics” and has served on the board of directors of the Society of Christian Ethics, as associate editor of “Religious Studies Review” and as associate editor of the “Journal of Religious Ethics.” He is also a Fellow of the Hastings Center and has been a member of the President