Abstract
This paper uses a dialogical approach to develop a Christian community ethic of human embryonic stem cell (HESC) research. The first part describes HESC research and differentiates it from other forms of stem cell research. Seven possible policy options are outlined and then used to delineate several non-Christian and Christian religious positions. After this survey familiarizes the reader with various religious arguments, the paper turns to an investigation of some Old Testament (OT) texts. The OT discussions of conception, conception and birth, and the interruption of pregnancy are each considered in their ancient Near Eastern culture. This investigation determines that both the sovereignty of God and his immanence in community determine the ancient Jewish community's attitudes toward conception and birth. Conception is always considered in the context of the community, a community which includes God as its guiding member. This paper argues that the concept of conception in community remains valid, and therefore that today embryos are also created in a community context. For us, the most appropriate community grouping is the nation. As a result, if HESC research is carried out over the objections of even a minority of community members, violence has been done to those members. In consequence, a current Christian community ethic would reject all HESC research, while recognizing the importance of other forms of stem cell research.