The question of whether scientific experimentation with and medical applications of embryonic stem cells is ethical confounds many, but generally polarizes across religious affiliations. Since Apologia is designed to approach difficult questions from differing perspectives, it has been used to tackle this ethical question by engaging in a multi-stage discussion.

At issue are not only the scientific realities of stem cell biology, but also the very conception of humanity itself. Our current understanding of science shows us that the development of human life is a continuum, from the production of germ cells in the parent all the way through and beyond birth.

Most Christians are of the opinion that the Bible supports the idea that humanity is conferred at conception. There are two verses that are often cited to support this idea:

Psalm 139:13 - You created my inmost self, knit me together in my mother's womb. For so many marvels I thank you; a wonder am I, and all your works are wonders. You knew me through and through, my being held no secrets from you, when I was being formed in secret, textured in the depths of the earth. Your eyes could see my embryo.

Jeremiah 1:5 - Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; before you came to birth I consecrated you; I appointed you as prophet to the nations.

Although these verses clearly support the idea that humanity is conferred sometime prior to birth, it's not clear when this actually takes place. In addition, an analysis of the scientific understanding of conception shows the process to be a continuum, with no convenient demarcation between human and non-human status. Further complicating the situation is the following verse, which suggests a moral distinction between the unborn child and other individuals.

Exodus 21:22 - If people, when brawling, hurt a pregnant woman and she suffers a miscarriage but no further harm is done, the person responsible will pay compensation as fixed by the woman's master, paying as much as the judges decide. If further harm is done, however, you will award life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burn for burn, wound for wound, stroke for stroke.

Unfortunately, the Bible does not give clear instructions for decisions about the use of embryonic stem cells for research purposes. However, the ethical discussion regarding the use of embryonic tissue crosses into much the same territory as is dominated by the abortion debate. Although there is some degree of heterogeneity within Chrisitanity on both these issues, the majority of orthodox Christians are, at the very least, extremely reluctant about the use of embryonic tissue for research purposes.

To help resolve this issue, Zach has given a scientific presentation about the characteristics of stem cells, as well as the potential for stem cell research. Following that, Kevin has given a theological presentation about the Chrisitan conception of humanity. After these two sides were presented, Zach and Kevin sat down at the Apologia table to try to find some common ground.