Have you heard of the Colson Center for Christian Worldview? If not you need to get to know them! Every week they release a two minute warning video that is well worth your time. In this video, John Stonestreet offers some great insight on how culture works:
Tag Archives: Think Christianly
But It’s Still Eugenics…
“Having left behind pseudoscientific racial theories, it’s easy for us to look back and pass judgment on yesterday’s eugenicists. It’s harder to acknowledge what we have in common with them. First, a relentless desire for mastery and control, not only over our own lives but over the very marrow and sinew of generations yet unborn. And second, a belief in our own fundamental goodness, no matter to what ends our mastery is turned.”
This is the commentary of Ross Douthat (op-ed writer for the New York Times) as he reflects on the incredible technology available to us today and danger of our good intentions ending in Eugenics (read the rest his article here). This power will give our society the ability to create genetic 2nd class citizens if they are not careful.
Bioengineering and bioethics are areas where the Christian worldview offers some significant moral reasoning…if our culture will listen.
Here are two questions and principle from a group of bioethicists that must become common knowledge in our churches. They will help guide us as we face an ever-expanding buffet of biotechnologies.
The first question: “Does the technology facilitate healing or restoration from disease or disability, or is it for reengineering (so-called enhancement)?”* Christians need to say clearly that we are for therapeutic uses of biotechnology.
The second question: “Does the technology require or promote the commodification or destruction of human life? Does the technology demean, debase, or degrade individuals?”* Christians must stand up for all of humanity — especially the weak, impoverished, and defenseless.
Finally, as technological progress is made at a dizzying pace, we must not forget that the “fundamental human problem of humankind is not physical or mental inadequacy, but sin.”* Whether it is in economics or genetics, we are tempted to seek a Utopia where technology can save us. It can’t. It can alleviate much suffering, but it cannot save us. We are broken, and only God can heal our deepest wounds through Jesus Christ. The pride that exists as we develop biotechnologies will be expressed in the way these technologies are used in the future.
God is not surprised. He knows the end from the beginning and will be with us in the midst of the unknown challenges and opportunities (Isaiah 46:10). May God give us the grace and wisdom to be good stewards of the technology we have been entrusted with for the good of humanity.
I go in to more detail and offer more resources in my book Think Christianly: Looking at the Intersection of Faith and Culture.
*For more on these quotations, see Biotechnology and the Human Good
How to Test a Worldview in 3 Easy Steps
There are so many different worldviews and belief systems out there…how can we make a wise choice? In this video, I share 3 tests you can apply to any worldview.
I just released a new podcast about preparing students for college, you can subscribe to the latest Think Christianly podcast here (iTunes)
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I’d love to hear what you think. For you, what is the most compelling thing about the Christian worldview?
Think Christianly, Welcome to College, and My Interview on Stand to Reason
On Sunday I had the opportunity to be interviewed on Stand to Reason’s weekly radio show. I am a huge fan of Stand to Reason (they do wonderful work!). Here is a link to my interview where I offer biblical advice for engaging culture and how to help students make the most of college (My segment occurs in the final hour).
***Also, my publisher has generously made Welcome to College available for only $5 at Amazon until tomorrow night (May 25th). If you are a parent or have a teenager, you can gift it to them or buy yourself a copy. It’s a GREAT deal (72% off). My goal is to get Welcome to College in as many student’s hands as I can during the graduation season. If you like what you see can you help spread the word by sharing this link on Facebook and Twitter? http://amzn.to/mcPGCx Here’s what people are saying about the book:
“Wow! What a book! Quite frankly, this is the book I’ve been waiting for the last forty years to give to college students. It is the single best volume I have ever read for preparing students for how to follow Jesus and flourish as his disciple in college.” — J.P. Moreland, Distinguished Professor of Philosophy, Talbot School of Theology, Biola University
“Jonathan has both the intellectual resources as well as the practical experience to provide an effective students’ survival guide to university life. I’m impressed with the wide array of issues he discusses, from intellectual challenges to financial problems to sexual snares to getting enough sleep! All this is done in easily digestible bits for the student on the run.” — William Lane Craig, Theologian and author, Reasonable Faith
“Reading this book is like having your own personal mentor and friend to guide you through the rough rapids of college life. College is a great experience, but it can also be faith-shattering if you are not adequately prepared. This book is perfect for the high school senior who is curious about what college life will be like. It is also helpful to the college student who is dealing with the day-to-day challenges and questions faced both in and out of the classroom. — Mark Schmahl, Pastor of Student Ministries Believers’ Chapel
“This book will prepare anyone who is either enrolled in college or is planning to go to college for the daily challenges Christians deal with on campus. Jonathan Morrow is aware of the real college world and is dead-on with his excellent insight.” — Blake Smith, Junior, Texas Tech University
“Unpacking biblical truths, Welcome to College is a treasure book of wisdom that will literally save lives and help build a culture of life.” — Kelly Monroe Kullberg, Author, Finding God Beyond Harvard: The Quest for Veritas
“Whether you are an incoming freshman or upperclassman, Jonathan provides straightforward, practical insight for dealing with current issues regarding living the Christian life on campuses everywhere. Not only is this a great read, but you will find a place to turn to when questions or struggles show their face.” — Taylor McCabe, Junior, Baylor University
Think Christianly with Jonathan Morrow
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Think Christianly with Jonathan Morrow