Fearfully and Wonderfully Made Ethics and the Beginning of Human Life

by Megan Best

What sort of contraception, if any, should I use? When does human life begin at fertilisation or at some point after that? What are the arguments for and against abortion? Is it OK to use genetic screening and other pre-natal tests to check for abnormalities in my unborn baby? Should Christians use IVF and other assisted reproductive technologies? What is the current state of embryonic stem cell research? These are just some of the many complex and emotion-laden questions we face in the rapidly changing field of reproductive medicine, and most Christians do so with two very significant We don t have accurate up-to-date information about the medical and technological issues involved We have not thought through a sound, biblical framework for making ethical decisions in this area Dr Megan Best provides what is lacking in both of these vital areas. Built on extensive historical, biblical and medical research, Fearfully and Wonderfully Made is the comprehensive, accurate, biblically-based ethical handbook that Christians have been waiting for.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Theology, Science, Medical, Christianity

532 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2012

About the author

Dr Megan Best has been involved in medical ethics for over 20 years and, through her work with the media and in education, is currently involved in community discussion of issues including euthanasia, stem cells and cloning, genetics, and assisted reproduction.

With a degree in Medicine and a Master of Arts in Applied Ethics in Health Care, Megan lectures at the University of Sydney and the University of NSW. She has recently completed a thesis on the spiritual care of patients at the end of life.

She is the author of "Fearfully and Wonderfully Made: Ethics and the Beginning of Human Life" (2012) and "A Life Already Started" (2013) and lives in Sydney with her husband and two delightful daughters.

Reviews

[Brent · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I have read. It covers many difficult ethical situations well beyond abortion. The medical science presented as well as the balanced, compassionate, ministerial approach make this book a must read for Christians. Dr. Best writes in an engaging manner without sensationalism and empty filler. This book is philosophical as well as practical.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book from a solid Christian perspective on assisted reproductive technology, and even though I am not personally impacted by infertility, many of my friends and family are or have been. This book changed my perspective on some of the available treatment options. While it is not the main subject of the book, Dr. Best also touches on how ethics and technology surrounding life issues impacts people who have disabilities and society as a whole. I greatly respected her for bringing these issues up as they directly impact myself and many people I know.

[Sam Keith · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent, comprehensive review of modern fertility issues and ethics for Christians.

[MJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book. Very well organized to deal with issues progressively.
May be a bit technical for some, but overall a very informative read.

[Elizabeth Berry · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great insight, accurate information. I do disagree with some conclusions drawn based on the evidence, but good book for understanding how things work such as contraception.

[Olanma Ogbuehi]

I have not finished this book yet, but I am finding it insightful, provocative, in that it highlights my spiritual complacency and lack of living out my faith, in the concrete areas of loving my neighbour. Each chapter is so detailed, with a clear explanation of the biomedical aspects reproductive health and care, but with an equally in-depth treatment of the ethical perspectives, rooted firmly and unapologetically in Biblical Christianity. The work is well researched, medically, ethically and theologically.

[Tim · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is very comprehensive in examining the ethical issues surrounding life from conception through birth from a biblical foundation. The author is a medical doctor and bioethicist. She clearly articulates the biblical doctrine of the sanctity of all human life based on it bearing the image of God. Yet, Dr. Best still addresses each topic from medical standpoint as well. The primary content is written in a way that a layman can comprehend. When occasionally she addresses health care providers, that content is clearly broken out in such a way that it can be skipped.

[Lexi Zuo · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books on reproduction ethics out there. Very comprehensive guide for any Christian.

[Matthew Heyward · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting and thorough study of the biggest ethical issues for Christians surrounding the application of modern technology to reproduction. The early chapters explain why there are ethical questions in this area, and discuss some of the historical frameworks that have been used to analyse them. It was illuminating to discover where some of the current ideas developed from. The book then goes on to examine the available procedures in detail, and give a verdict as to whether they are morally permissable for Christians. The objectivity of the early chapters seemed to be lost somewhat here, as the author assumed that her readers would agree with her analysis. She does warn that her book is written for those who can approach it from a Christian perspective, but I found myself occasionally in disagreement with her position despite our shared faith. The book finishes with a look at the moral status of technological advances in general, which connects with the start of the book well. Certainly a worthwhile read for those with an interest in this area, but I would encourage readers to use the information to come to their own conclusions, not simply to adopt the author's stance.