Abstract
The use of embryonic stem cells for medical research raises difficult ethical questions for many Christians. Robert Boomsma's article in the March 2004 issue of PSCF presents one popular perspective for justifying its use. This paper is a critical response to that view and attempts to show that there are sound reasons for opposition to embryonic stem cell research. The arguments presented are shown to be consistent with the Reformed Christian world view which recognizes the significant worth of the human being because of God's will. Human beings are to be respected and protected in their life and dignity at all stages in their development from conception to natural death for the reason that we are predestined by God for his purposes and also are created in his image. To allow such research that requires the destruction of human embryos, however noble the purpose may be, is to treat the human person as merely a means to serve ends unrelated to the well-being of the embryos in question. We argue that such actions would be disrespectful, which in essence, constitute a direct attack on human worth and dignity and therefore, on God's image and will.