HAROLD KELLER

Say no to stem cell research One of the important issues facing Congress at the present is should the federal government finance embryonic stem cell research? It’s a simple question that should deserve a simple answer – yes or no. Either you support it, or you oppose it. The problem with Congress, and like many Christians, they have a way of complicating anything. If you are pro-life and believe what the Bible says in Psalms 139:13 – “For You have formed my inward parts; You have covered me in my mother’s womb,” it is perfectly clear, according to God, that life starts at conception. On the other hand, if you believe than an embryo is just a thing to be used, I can then understand a person supporting such research. I think that the majority of people (Christians included) do not really know or care about this procedure that will experiment with an embryo. The experiment, some believe, could aid in research to alleviate the pain and suffering and preserve the lives of people with Parkinson’s disease and other sicknesses. Sounds logical? That’s what supporters of this research are trying to convince President Bush and Congress. However, logic is not always the right thing. President Bush is said to be undecided but will make a decision soon. The question to him, and to all of us, is – “Is this a godly thing to do?” The supporters of the research are using all angles to pressure the president. Wednesday, Sen. Bill Frist, R-Tenn., the only physician in the Senate, testified that he is in favor of the legislation. I respect the medical profession, but have known many doctors to be wrong. If it’s a choice between Sen. Frist’s word and God’s word, I’ll choose God’s every time. Sen. Sam Brownback, R-Kan., said: “The central question to this debate remains: Is the young human a life or mere property? Destructive embryo research – research which requires the destruction of living embryos – is deeply immoral, illegal and unnecessary.” The same people who support this research to prolong the life of some sick people will be some of the same ones who will support euthanasia, the killing of people who seem to be too old, sickly or just not needed. Other questions to be asked: Is there a limit to human experimentation? How far will government and science go? In the July 9 Newsweek, writer Sharon Begley labels people who oppose stem cell research, like myself, “pro-life purists.” Columnist Cal Thomas wrote that a little purity about humanlife would be a good in a change when humanity suffers from so many impurities that if life were water or air, the Environmental Protection Agency would do something about it. I pray that President Bush and Congress will make a godly decision. HAROLD KELLER writes this column as part of his affiliation with the Get High on Life religious motivational group. Call him at (985) 652-8477, or write to P.O. Drawer U, Reserve, La. 70080