Embryonic stem cells no longer needed?

Michael J. Fox, in an opinion published at cnn.com on September 8, 2010, advocated the “scientific freedom to pursue all promising paths to finding” treatment for neurodegenerative diseases, “move beyond political agendas and advance the promise of stem cell research.” [1] He noted that, two weeks earlier, a federal judge in the U.S. granted a preliminary injunction to halt federal funding for embryonic stem cell research.

The promise of stem cell research is very encouraging for those with a variety of physical conditions including Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, spinal cord injuries, diabetes, and others. However, the progress of this research seems to be discouragingly slow. The crucial issue involves whether an embryo is a human being – if so, then how can we justify using a live human for laboratory experiments.

Fortunately, whether life begins at conception may be a moot point in regard to stem cells. Numerous recent studies have shown that adult cells can be transformed into stem cells with the same regenerative capability as embryonic stem cells. Adult cells reprogrammed to become undifferentiated are called induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), the word “pluripotent” indicating the ability to become almost any of the other 220 cell types in the body.

One such study in the April 25, 2010 issue of the journal Nature reported that mice were able to be cloned from adult iPSCs. This is significant because, previously, only embryonic cells were capable of this. Investigators from the Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Regenerative Medicine and the Harvard Stem Cell Institute found that a segment of chromosome 12 containing genes important for fetal development were turned off with most iPSCs. By closely comparing profiles of cell lines in embryonic and adult stem cells, the researchers identified the chromosome that was hindering the process. Once this was identified, the adult stem cells were just as effective as embryonic cells. The researchers found that “those iPSCs (with chromosome 12 activated) were as successful in producing live animals as embryonic stem cells have been”. [2]

This is only one of many research experiments involving stem cells. A number of recent studies have successfully produced adult pluripotent stem cells with the same capabilities as embryonic cells. An article, already written, with several of these studies highlighted will be posted soon to the informationaboutgod.com website. The bottom line: It is not necessary to create and destroy embryos - an early stage of human development - for scientific research. We sincerely hope, for Michael J. Fox and millions of others, that medical technology progresses expeditiously to the point of regenerating damaged cells and curing these debilitating diseases.

[1] Michael J. Fox, Special to CNN, “Michael J. Fox: Keep funding stem cell research”, CNN Opinion, 8 Sept 2010.
[2] Massachusetts General Hospital. "Gene Silencing May Be Responsible for Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells' Limitations."ScienceDaily, 29 April 2010. Web. 7 November 2010. .

trapped

“The 33 graves we never needed” was a name given to the site where the Chilean miners were spectacularly rescued on October 13, 2010. At the San Jose copper and gold mine, the last of the miners was rescued from a shaft 2,041 feet underground after surviving 69 days. This was the longest anyone has survived while trapped underground. No expense was spared in bringing top of the line drilling equipment and estimates were around $22 million for the entire operation [1]. For the first 17 days, no one on top knew they were alive and in fact feared the worst. This joyous rescue has gained the attention of the entire world as well as international cooperation, including Canadian workers, NASA specialists from the United States, a drilling consultant from Australia, and even a specialized drill bit from a Pennsylvania based company [2].

One of the rescued miners, 50 year old Yonni Barrios, had his romantic dalliance with Susana Valenzuela revealed on the international news, not exactly to the delight of his cheated wife Marta, who stated “she’s welcome to him”. Then there is 27 year old miner Carlos Barrios, who has a five year old son with his wife as well as a girlfriend who is seven months pregnant. So, an overwhelmingly joyous occasion is not without a little social drama.

Another group of people were trapped underground that you probably did not hear about. They too were separated from fresh air and the light of the sun. In fact, many in this group had been underground so long, they became accustomed to it and, for the most part, did not even try to escape. Occasionally, one would get out, but the others quickly forgot about him or her and returned to their “normal” lives. Sometimes, people on the bright surface communicated opportunities for escape to those trapped, but some miners ignored them, some did not hear, and others even jeered at the surface people, claiming they would rather remain in the stale subterranean air. Many lived out the remainder of their natural lives in this extensive mine. A few wrote books about mystical experiences in the bright surface world while a few others authored books explaining the reasons that world does not exist. These miners had, as those in Chile, searched for gold, but instead found discontentment, a lack of joy and peace, loss of purpose, and low level generalized depression. However, they attempted to put a happy face on things and tell others below they were fine.

Ridiculous allegory one might say? Is it ridiculous that many people are spiritually trapped, not knowing the light of God, not knowing His love and forgiveness, and not having the hope of eternal life in heaven? Not to diminish an exceptionally well planned rescue in Chile, spiritual entrapment can be totally life-encompassing, not to mention eternal – “what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:18). Many people are trapped in pits that were dug with shovels of alcohol, drugs and similar addictions – “He has dug a pit and hollowed it out and has fallen into the hole which he made” (Psalm 7:15). In lucid moments, we clearly recognize the situation, but friends, parties and life’s pleasures keep some in the pit – “The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light” (2 Corinthians 4:4). Fortunately, the Bible states that God “has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son” (Colossians 1:13). The first step is admission and the second is acceptance of God’s rescue. “I waited patiently for the Lord; and He inclined to me and heard my cry. He brought me up out of the pit of destruction” (Psalm 40:1-2a). May those on the lighted surface continue sending rescue capsules to those who are trapped.

[1] Pittsburgh Tribune Review newspaper, “Last of Chile miners rises to surface”, Oct. 14, 2010.
[2] Stephen Kurczy, The Christian Science Monitor, “Chile mine rescue spurred unprecedented global cooperation”, Oct. 14, 2010.

End?

Does consciousness continue after brain death? If so, is this evidence for existence of the mind outside of the physical brain? And, ultimately, is this potential evidence for life beyond death?

“End? No, the journey doesn’t end here. Death is just another path. One that we all must take. The grey rain curtain of this world rolls back and all turns to silver glass. And then you see it – white shores and beyond - a far green country under a swift sunrise.”
Gandalf

Cardiac arrest study
Cardiologist Pim van Lommel became unexpectedly interested in the continuity of consciousness after death during his medical internship when a patient was successfully resuscitated in the cardiac ward by electrical defibrillation. The patient regained consciousness, and was very, very disappointed. He told the doctor about a tunnel, beautiful colors, a light and beautiful music. [1] Sometime later, after hearing similar reports, van Lommel and others initiated a study which ultimately involved 344 consecutive survivors of cardiac arrest in ten Dutch hospitals. The purpose was to investigate the frequency, cause and content of near death experiences (NDEs). A short standardized interview was conducted within a few days of resuscitation in which patients were asked whether they could recall anything during the period of unconsciousness.

Result
The result was that 62 patients (18%) had some memory during clinical death. An American study found similar results involving 116 cardiac arrest survivors, 11 of which (10%) reported a detailed, in-depth experience. In the Dutch study, about 50% reported awareness of death, 30% moving through a tunnel or met with deceased relatives, and 25% had an out-of-body experience. A longitudinal follow-up study found that, after two and eight years, those patients who previously reported NDEs and were able to be re-interviewed recalled the events almost exactly. So, the experiences were not ephemeral, but enduring and impactful.

Long term changes
Some fascinating positive changes occurred in all patients who had been resuscitated. There was a highly significant decrease in fear of death and a significant increase in belief of an afterlife. Other significantly increased attitudes and interests included: meaning of life, acceptance of others, love and empathy, family involvement and appreciation of ordinary things. Recognizing the transitory nature of this life – as well as the reality of the next – seemed to enhance the importance of both.

Biblical example?
Some have speculated that the Apostle Paul’s reference to a man caught up to the third heaven may be an example of consciousness beyond the physical brain (2 Corinthians 12:2-4). Without more information, it is impossible to know for certain if this man’s soul (mind) actually left the body or the experience was merely a vision, completely contained within the physical brain. In fact, in verse one, Paul (probably the same “man”) prefaces this anecdote by mentioning “visions and revelations”.

How significant is this?
NDEs are fertile ground for bizarre spirituality (astral projection, reincarnation, etc.) and this issue is far from resolved. Nonetheless, it is clear that many of the main proponents today are not spiritist frauds, but cardiologists and other medical professionals, who recognized the phenomenon only after convincing evidence. In addition to Dr. van Lommel, other studies have been conducted with reports indicating the reality of conscious experiences after medical death. As far back as 1978, Cardiologist Maurice Rawlings reported his findings which, similar to those of van Lommel, were unexpected. Rawlings found that, immediately following resuscitation of cardiac arrest patients, some reported the usual experiences (looking down on one’s body, tunnel, light, and a beautiful city), but others reported very disturbing hell-like images (darkness, fire, heat, demons, and fear). Dr. Rawlings concluded: “Contemplation of death while we are still in good health affords us an excellent utilization of time and objectives during our short pilgrimage on earth.” [2] Whether or not recent medical research provides evidence of life after death, it is incontrovertible that all will die and the risk is incalculable to enter that great beyond without certainty of one’s destination.

“Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts” (Hebrews 4:7)
“I was dead and behold I am alive for ever and ever” (Revelation 1:18)


[1] Pim van Lommel, Ruud van Wees, Vincent Meyers, Ingrid Elfferich, “Near-death experience in survivors of cardiac arrest: a prospective study in the Netherlands”, Lancet, 2001; 358: 2039-2045.
[2] Maurice Rawlings, M.D., Beyond Death’s Door, (New York, NY: Thomas Nelson, 1978), 117.

to burn or not to burn - how should Christians respond

So, the Reverend Dr. Terry Jones of the Dove World Outreach Center (DWOC) in Gainesville, Florida decided not to burn Qur’ans on 9/11. Even after Jones stated “We will definitely not burn the Quran, not today, not ever", about 600 protesters gathered in Afghanistan where Afghan security forces opened fire, killing two [1]. If the Qur’an burning was a publicity stunt, it was a huge success. Jones, who pastors a church of about 50 – the average number of people in line at WalMart at any given time – became world famous as fast as you can say “Death to America, the Great Satan”. He flew to New York City to appear on NBC’s “Today Show”, received a personal telephone call from General Petreaus, and a public request by President Obama to reconsider. If he never intended to burn one Qur’an, he received the notoriety so many long for.

The website for the DWOC advertises a book by Jones entitled “Islam is of the Devil” and other similar items for sale [2]. DWOC first stated the Qur’an burning is an act of love: “We are using this act to warn about the teaching and ideology of Islam ... We do not hate any people, however. We love, as God loves, all the people in the world and we want them to come to a knowledge of the truth. To warn of danger and harm is a loving act" [3]. While that may be true, the method used to convey this “warning” is offensive and counterproductive for showing God’s love to others.

What should be the response of Christians to other public acts designed to shock and draw attention, such as waving signs stating “God hates fags”? General Petreaus warned that burning Qur’ans “would undoubtedly be used by extremists in Afghanistan – and around the world – to inflame public opinion and incite violence” [4]. Conversely, others have correctly noted there were no Qur’an burnings on September 10th, 2001. To be fair, where were the riots and threats of violence when a crucifix was placed in urine and called “art” [5] and when Christian churches were burned in Sudan? [6] Jesus gave us direction when he stated, “whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also” (Matthew 5:39).

Numerous Christian leaders have, not surprisingly, denounced the Qur’an burning. Though too numerous to mention, a few include: Franklin Graham, Pat Robertson, Joel Osteen, Southern Baptist Convention, Focus on the Family, the Vatican, and even Glenn Beck and Sarah Palin. An inter-faith group including Baptists, Jews and others met with Attorney General Eric Holder to also denounce the Qur’an burning. This is commendable and, at informationaboutgod.com as well, we strongly repudiate the methods employed by Dr. Jones as inappropriate for followers of Jesus Christ.

So, how should Christians respond to those with different beliefs? What about those who actively seek to harm us? Jesus said, “love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you …Treat others the same way you want them to treat you.” (Luke 6:27-31) Everything we do must be motivated by love. Paul famously wrote, “if I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I surrender my body to be burned, but do not have love, it profits me nothing” (1 Corinthians 13:3). Jesus told the story of the good Samaritan and the vast majority of true Christians hold to those values. A very small sampling - of many - Christian organizations who have no plans to burn Qur’ans; rather, have actively worked to help meet the physical needs of those in dire situations in predominantly Muslim nations include: Samaritan’s Purse, World Vision, Compassion International, Lutheran World Federation, Catholic Relief Services, Operation Blessing, Joyce Meyer Ministries, Episcopal Relief & Development, Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, and many others. Christians are admonished to “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse” and “never pay back evil for evil” (Romans 12:14, 17). That is our response.

[1] CNN wire staff, “2 killed in Afghan protest over Quran burning”, posted 12 Sept 2010, http://edition.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/asiapcf/09/12/afghanistan.quran.protests/index.html?hpt=T2#fbid=UwXIRd6Mfv6&wom=false
[2] Dove World Outreach Center website, accessed 7 Sept 2010, < http://www.doveworld.org/ >
[3] Joshua A. Goldberg, writing in The Christian Post, “Christian Leaders repeat calls to halt 9/11 Quran Burnings”, 6 Sept 2010.
[4] Rahim Faiez and Robert H. Rei, “Thousands of Afghans in anti-Quran burning protest”, Associated Press, 11 Sept 2010.
[5] < http://www.usc.edu/schools/annenberg/asc/projects/comm544/library/images/502.html >
[6] “A Rebirth of Hope”, accessed 12 Sept 2010,

the least of these

“Be at peace, brother. We will have a happy supper with the Lord tonight.”
John Bradford to John Leaf, England, July 1555. [1]

On Friday August 6, 2010, the bodies of ten aid workers were discovered in the remote northern Afghanistan province of Badakhshan. Six Americans, one Briton, one German and two Afghan interpreters were killed while working as part of a medical mission. The only survivor of the group was a local translator who offered proof of his Muslim faith by quoting the Quran, according to the Associated Press. The Taliban took credit for the executions, alleging the charity workers were proselytizing poor villagers. A Taliban spokesman stated, “They were Christian missionaries and we killed them all.” [2] The workers were part of International Assistance Mission (IAM), “an international charitable, non-profit, Christian organisation, serving the people of Afghanistan, through capacity building in the sectors of Health and Economic Development”, in existence since 1966. [3]

According to the IAM website, all foreign workers are unpaid volunteers, some spending their own money to live and work in Afghanistan. The medical team was en route to Kabul following a 15-day mission providing eye care to rural villagers. Victims who have been identified are New York optometrist Tom Little, Colorado dentist Thomas Grams, Pennsylvania's Glen Lapp and Britain's Dr. Karen Woo. Grams had quit his dental practice in Durango, Colorado, to volunteer full-time, providing impoverished children with free dental care in Nepal and Afghanistan. Woo also gave up her job in London to work with Afghans. Optometrist Little had worked in Afghanistan for three decades, even learning to speak fluent Dari, one of the two main languages in that region. He supervised a network of IAM eye hospitals and clinics around the country. An associate of Grams and Little stated, "The kids had never seen toothbrushes, and Tom brought thousands of them. He trained them how to brush their teeth”. [4]

We commend these brave men and women and pray that those in Afghanistan who were touched by their selfless acts will recognize the love of God shown through their lives. “And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, and they did not love their life even when faced with death.” (Revelation 12:11)

[1] John Foxe, Foxe’s Christian Martyrs of the World (Westwood, NJ: Barbour Books, 1989), 124.
[2] Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, “Taliban Strategy: Kill aid workers”, August 8, 2010, p. A1.
[3] < http://www.iam-afghanistan.org/our-mission-values >
[4] MSNBC, “Christian Group denies Afghan Taliban claims over dead workers”, posted 8 Aug 2010, < http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/38612681/ns/world_news-south_and_central_asia/ >

Hard luck and Caesar's household

“Hard luck and bad news have followed me from town to town
All my life my luck’s been down I’m getting so weary
I don’t have one friend, folks turn their backs when I’m around
When I walk by the grass turns brown” [1]

When circumstances in life turn bad, a natural reaction is to become discouraged, angry, depressed, and wonder why God let us down. We may also wonder why our service to God (working in the church, tithing, charity, etc.) has not spared us from hard times. The Apostle Paul certainly could have gone through these emotions and questions when he found himself in prison at Rome for “bringing Greeks into the temple” (Acts 21:28), though essentially, for preaching about Jesus. Rather, he chose to use the imprisonment as an opportunity.

A particularly interesting comment is made by Paul later during his imprisonment: “All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar's household.” (Philippians 4:22) As Caesar was considered in Roman times to be godlike, it seems unusual for Paul to mention some of his attendants. Craig Keener points out that “It most likely refers here to the Praetorian Guard … if Paul was in Rome at this point, anyone who guarded him … would naturally be exposed to his teaching. Even Caesar’s slaves wielded more power and prestige than most well-off free persons; the Praetorian Guard itself held the prestige of the Roman military’s elite, often rewarded by Caesar himself. Paul’s greeting would impress his readers: his imprisonment has indeed advanced the gospel”. [2] So, Paul had a very unique opening to spread the gospel.

Philip Schaff comments that Paul “often refers to his bonds, and the coupling chain or hand-cuff (ἅλυσις) by which, according to Roman custom, he was with his right wrist fettered day and night to a soldier; one relieving the other and being in turn chained to the apostle, so that his imprisonment became a means for the spread of the gospel…” [3] This was probably not one of the choice assignments for a guard. Imagine being chained to a prisoner in a cell for hours at a time. But Paul, rather than lament his situation, turned it into a chance to talk to each of the guards about Jesus. He likely spoke with many guards over time. At some point, Paul was permitted to live in “his own rented quarters” (Acts 28:30-31). During these two years of imprisonment, from approximately 61-63 A.D., Paul wrote letters to the Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, Philemon and may have also written Titus and I Timothy.

Paul explained, “that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel, so that my imprisonment in the cause of Christ has become well known throughout the whole praetorian guard and to everyone else, and that most of the brethren, trusting in the Lord because of my imprisonment, have far more courage to speak the word of God without fear.” (Philippians 1:12-14) Rather than blaming God and giving up when the situation became bad, Paul turned it into a chance to spread the gospel and lead people to salvation. In our lives, a depressing situation may be a unique opportunity to do something significant.

[1] Larry Norman, Hard Luck and Bad News, Something New Under the Son, 1981
[2] Craig S. Keener, The IVP Bible Background Commentary New Testament (Downer’s Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1993), 567.
[3] Philip Schaff, History of the Church, Volume I: Apostolic Christianity. A.D.1-100, (Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 1997), § 93.

As a man thinks in his heart?

“As a man thinks in his heart, so is he”, states the Bible in Proverbs 23:7. Sermons have been preached and doctrines taught on the concept that we become what we think in our heart. Even the Buddhist philosophy admonishes “right thinking” as one component of the eight-fold path. However, other translations of this portion of Proverbs convey a different meaning: “for he is the kind of man who is always thinking about the cost” (NLT 2007, NIV 1984, ESV 2001). In fact, this translation seems to fit more accurately with the context of the passage. Reading the verses immediately preceding and following 23:7 indicates the writer is cautioning the reader when associating with a selfish person:
“Do not eat the bread of a selfish man, or desire his delicacies; for as he thinks within himself, so he is (for he is the kind of man who is always thinking about the cost). He says to you, ‘Eat and drink!’ But his heart is not with you. You will vomit up the morsel you have eaten, and waste your compliments.”
This hardly seems like positive encouragement for us to become what we think in our heart.

This passage advises us to be careful when with certain types of people because they are not what they appear to be on the surface. The clause “as he thinks within himself, so he is” warns that this man’s inner thoughts are different from the deceptive false front he presents. These verses do not teach the power of positive thinking. In fact, the deceptive man mentioned in this verse acts differently from his inner thoughts.

But, is the concept still accurate and is it supported in other passages of the Bible? Actually, there is less Biblical support than one might think. In fact, several biblical passages that mention thinking lead to different outcomes. For example, Jesus said, “whoever has, to him more shall be given; and whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has shall be taken away from him” (Luke 8:18). The thoughts of this person obviously did not lead to action. Paul similarly mentioned positive cognitions that failed to benefit this person: “For if anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself” (Galatians 6:3). Again, here is a person who thinks he is something he is not, in contradiction to the common meaning attributed to Proverbs 23:7.

But wait, doesn’t the Bible state that we speak what the heart believes? Yes, there is some biblical support for that; for example, Jesus connects the heart with speech (Matthew 12:34, 15:18). So, what is in the heart (mind) will at some time leak out of the mouth. And, we know from experience that belief can determine behavior. But, that is not always sufficient - as James points out, we show belief by actions (James 2:17-18). So, thoughts and beliefs do not automatically lead to the behaviors we desire. Thinking – and even believing – must be followed by conscious decisions to put them into practice in reality.

On the other hand, psychology does seem to support the concept that thoughts can lead to behaviors. Much of the basic theory of cognitive psychology is derived from the notion that thoughts determine the interpretation of events, which lead to feelings, which can then determine behavior. Aaron Beck, the father of cognitive psychology wrote: “In cognitive therapy it is generally maintained that beliefs have a profound impact on feelings and behaviors.” [1] Though, psychologists will often employ behavioral techniques enabling clients to follow accurate thinking with appropriate action.

The bottom line here is the importance of considering the context and proper translation of biblical passages, especially when basing an entire doctrine on one or two verses of dubious clarity. Mistakes have been made in other areas similar to this (e.g., baptism for the dead and faith of God). Furthermore, we should not take for granted what we have been taught; rather, “examine everything carefully, hold fast to that which is good” (1 Thess. 5:21).

[1] Aaron T. Beck, Fred D. Wright, Cory F. Newman, and Bruce S. Liese, Cognitive Therapy of Substance Abuse (NY, NY: The Guilford Press, 1993), 169.