Abstract
Stem cells promise to treat diseases in ways not before possible. However, the use of human embryonic stem (hES) cells raises important issues that must be dealt with before development of clinical therapies proceeds too far. Key themes from a Reformed Christian perspective are used to frame the issues surrounding hES cells in order to address the central question: Can we obediently develop hES cell technology in order to heal the broken world? These themes include creation-fall-redemption, stewardship, human worth, the kingdom of God and social justice. It may be possible to view hES cell technology as something that promotes redemptive/stewardship roles as long as steps are taken to promote justice for the embryo and society.