by Jason Joyner | Jul 22, 2009 | bioethics, Blog, books, CSFF, culture, Karen Hancock, The Enclave
There’s a lot of buzz going on about this month’s book, The Enclave. Make sure to check out Becky Miller’s blog, as she tracks all of the confirmed posts for the tour at this page.
I really enjoy the CSFF tour because we get some intelligent, creative people who care about faith discussing the books and issues brought up. We often have interesting discussions going on via various blogs that are quite entertaining.
The nature of The Enclave, dealing with scientists at a secretive genetic research complex, lends itself to some serious discussion of issues that are facing us today.
Regarding cloning a child who died prematurely:
“Actually, I consider the whole idea of trying to replace lost loved ones to be futile and misplaced. It might be the same body, but whatever soul God imputes to the child, should she be born, it would not be the same as your [dead] daughter’s.” (p170).
Another quote on cloning:
“Twenty-five years ago [head of the complex] Parker Swain was obsessed with human cloning, which he saw as a means of attaining eternal life.” (p299).
This book may be considered science fiction, but we are not talking about far-future events here. There will soon be many issues confronting humanity regarding cloning, genetic or biologic enhancement, and the ethical dilemmas raised by these issues. Already we are seeing more and more widespread genetic screening of embryos, genetic manipulation of food sources (both plant and animal), and debates related to assisted reproductive technologies (IVF, surrogacy, PGD, etc).
Christians need to be aware of these issues and should have a basic ability to speak into the public square about them, because even if they’re not already here, they will be soon. Not all of us can be geneticists or experts on bioethics, but we need awareness.
Literature can be a great vehicle for opening our eyes to such concepts. The Enclave does a good job dealing with the issue of cloning, although it loses some fizzle in the end with the introduction of the laser-beam wielding Nephilim (if that’s not a teaser for the book, I don’t know what is!). My favorite philosopher to quote regarding these issues is none other than Dr. Ian Malcolm from Jurassic Park: “Yeah, but your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn’t stop to think if they should.”
Another book that hits this broad range of topics is My Sister’s Keeper by Jodi Picoult, where a sibling is conceived as a “savior sibling,” selected by preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) with the right match to be a donor. Eventually the sibling has to donate more to the older, sick sibling, but declines being used as a utilitarian tool any more.
The movie The Island was widely panned, but I really enjoyed it, not only for the action, but the intelligence behind the movie. People think they are the last remnants of society being protected underground, and the lucky ones win a lotto sending them to “the island”, the last unspoiled place on Earth-when in reality they are clones being held as insurance for the rich in case they get liver failure from alcohol or are critically injured or ill.
Storytelling has power, as books from Pilgrim’s Progress to Uncle Tom’s Cabin to 1984 show. I applaud Karen Hancock for shining a light on issues that are looming in our future. There’s a lot that can be said about this book, but this is the aspect that really caught my eye.
For more information on Bioethics and these issues, check out these links I’ve found in a little internet digging:
Breakpoint: The New Eugenics.
The Human Future.
The Center for Policy on Emerging Technologies. I liked this statement on “Enhancements”.
The Center for Bioethics and Culture.
Your homework? Check out at least one of these links, and get a little more educated today!
—
by Jason Joyner | Jul 22, 2009 | bioethics, Blog, books, CSFF, culture, Karen Hancock, The Enclave
There’s a lot of buzz going on about this month’s book, The Enclave. Make sure to check out Becky Miller’s blog, as she tracks all of the confirmed posts for the tour at this page.
I really enjoy the CSFF tour because we get some intelligent, creative people who care about faith discussing the books and issues brought up. We often have interesting discussions going on via various blogs that are quite entertaining.
The nature of The Enclave, dealing with scientists at a secretive genetic research complex, lends itself to some serious discussion of issues that are facing us today.
Regarding cloning a child who died prematurely:
“Actually, I consider the whole idea of trying to replace lost loved ones to be futile and misplaced. It might be the same body, but whatever soul God imputes to the child, should she be born, it would not be the same as your [dead] daughter’s.” (p170).
Another quote on cloning:
“Twenty-five years ago [head of the complex] Parker Swain was obsessed with human cloning, which he saw as a means of attaining eternal life.” (p299).
This book may be considered science fiction, but we are not talking about far-future events here. There will soon be many issues confronting humanity regarding cloning, genetic or biologic enhancement, and the ethical dilemmas raised by these issues. Already we are seeing more and more widespread genetic screening of embryos, genetic manipulation of food sources (both plant and animal), and debates related to assisted reproductive technologies (IVF, surrogacy, PGD, etc).
Christians need to be aware of these issues and should have a basic ability to speak into the public square about them, because even if they’re not already here, they will be soon. Not all of us can be geneticists or experts on bioethics, but we need awareness.
Literature can be a great vehicle for opening our eyes to such concepts. The Enclave does a good job dealing with the issue of cloning, although it loses some fizzle in the end with the introduction of the laser-beam wielding Nephilim (if that’s not a teaser for the book, I don’t know what is!). My favorite philosopher to quote regarding these issues is none other than Dr. Ian Malcolm from Jurassic Park: “Yeah, but your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn’t stop to think if they should.”
Another book that hits this broad range of topics is My Sister’s Keeper by Jodi Picoult, where a sibling is conceived as a “savior sibling,” selected by preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) with the right match to be a donor. Eventually the sibling has to donate more to the older, sick sibling, but declines being used as a utilitarian tool any more.
The movie The Island was widely panned, but I really enjoyed it, not only for the action, but the intelligence behind the movie. People think they are the last remnants of society being protected underground, and the lucky ones win a lotto sending them to “the island”, the last unspoiled place on Earth-when in reality they are clones being held as insurance for the rich in case they get liver failure from alcohol or are critically injured or ill.
Storytelling has power, as books from Pilgrim’s Progress to Uncle Tom’s Cabin to 1984 show. I applaud Karen Hancock for shining a light on issues that are looming in our future. There’s a lot that can be said about this book, but this is the aspect that really caught my eye.
For more information on Bioethics and these issues, check out these links I’ve found in a little internet digging:
Breakpoint: The New Eugenics.
The Human Future.
The Center for Policy on Emerging Technologies. I liked this statement on “Enhancements”.
The Center for Bioethics and Culture.
Your homework? Check out at least one of these links, and get a little more educated today!
—
by Jason Joyner | Jul 18, 2009 | Blog, books, CFBA
This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Through The Fire Bethany House (July 1, 2009) by Shawn Grady.
Jason sez: I got this one too late to review for the tour, as the publisher had some trouble shipping to the tour. I am looking forward to a new author and will read and review soon.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Shawn Grady signed with Bethany House Publishers in 2008. He was named “Most Promising New Writer” at the 39th Annual Mount Hermon Writers Conference. Through the Fire is his debut novel.
Shawn has served for over a decade as a firefighter and paramedic in northern Nevada. From fire engines and ambulances to tillered ladder trucks and helicopters, Shawn’s work environment has always been dynamic. The line of duty has carried him to a variety of locale, from high-rise fires in the city to the burning heavy timber of the eastern Sierras.
Shawn attended Point Loma Nazarene University as a Theology undergrad before shifting direction to acquire an Associate of Science degree in Fire Science Technology as well as Paramedic licensure through Truckee Meadows Community College.
Shawn currently lives in Reno, Nevada, just outside of Lake Tahoe. He enjoys spending time in the outdoors with his wife, three children and yellow Labrador.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Firefighting burns in Aidan O’Neill’s blood. The son of a fireman, O’Neill has a sixth sense about fire and often takes dangerous risks. When one act of disobedience nearly gets a rookie killed, O’Neill is suspended. His weeks off are supposed to be a time to reflect but instead he escapes to Mexico, where another rash act of bravery actually kills him. But only for a few minutes.
Called back to Reno, he’s now haunted by visions of hell and paralyzed in the face of fire. And at the worst time, because an arsonist is targeting Reno. With a growing love interest with one of the investigators complicating everything, Aidan must discover where his trust rests as the fires creep ever closer.
If you would like to read the first chapter of Through The Fire, go HERE
by Jason Joyner | Jul 18, 2009 | Blog, books, CFBA
This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Through The Fire Bethany House (July 1, 2009) by Shawn Grady.
Jason sez: I got this one too late to review for the tour, as the publisher had some trouble shipping to the tour. I am looking forward to a new author and will read and review soon.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Shawn Grady signed with Bethany House Publishers in 2008. He was named “Most Promising New Writer” at the 39th Annual Mount Hermon Writers Conference. Through the Fire is his debut novel.
Shawn has served for over a decade as a firefighter and paramedic in northern Nevada. From fire engines and ambulances to tillered ladder trucks and helicopters, Shawn’s work environment has always been dynamic. The line of duty has carried him to a variety of locale, from high-rise fires in the city to the burning heavy timber of the eastern Sierras.
Shawn attended Point Loma Nazarene University as a Theology undergrad before shifting direction to acquire an Associate of Science degree in Fire Science Technology as well as Paramedic licensure through Truckee Meadows Community College.
Shawn currently lives in Reno, Nevada, just outside of Lake Tahoe. He enjoys spending time in the outdoors with his wife, three children and yellow Labrador.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Firefighting burns in Aidan O’Neill’s blood. The son of a fireman, O’Neill has a sixth sense about fire and often takes dangerous risks. When one act of disobedience nearly gets a rookie killed, O’Neill is suspended. His weeks off are supposed to be a time to reflect but instead he escapes to Mexico, where another rash act of bravery actually kills him. But only for a few minutes.
Called back to Reno, he’s now haunted by visions of hell and paralyzed in the face of fire. And at the worst time, because an arsonist is targeting Reno. With a growing love interest with one of the investigators complicating everything, Aidan must discover where his trust rests as the fires creep ever closer.
If you would like to read the first chapter of Through The Fire, go HERE
by Jason Joyner | Jul 17, 2009 | Blog, books, CFBA, pirates
This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Pirate Hunter, Bethany House (July 1, 2009) by Tom Morrisey.
Jason sez: I got this book too late to have finished in time to review for the tour. I will review it shortly, and so far I am greatly enjoying the first 6 chapters or so. Morrisey has a great back and forth tale going so far!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Tom Morrisey is a mountaineer, aviator, shipwreck diver, and explorer, who holds a Full Cave certification from the National Speleological Society – Cave Diving Section.
He has launched, edited or contributed to numerous national publications and is an award-winning adventure-travel writer. A popular speaker, he is also active in both evangelism and the arts. Morrisey earned an MFA in creative writing from Bowling Green State University, and his fiction has been featured in numerous anthologies and magazines.
His first novel, Yucatan Deep (Zondervan, 2002) was a finalist for the Christy award, and he is the author of six novels, including Wind River and In High Places. In addition Tom has also written two nonfiction books: 20 American Peaks & Crags (Contemporary Books, 1978) and Wild by Nature (Baker Books, 2001). He and his family live in Orlando, Florida.
ABOUT THE BOOK
High Seas Adventure Meets a High-Tech Quest for Pirate Gold
West Indies, 18th century Young Ted Bascombe is rescued by notorious pirate Captain Henry Thatch, finding himself caught up in a world of crime, adventure, and a daily fight for freedom….
Key West, 21st century Marine archaeologist Greg Rhode embarks on a treasure-hunting expedition in the turquoise waters of the Florida Keys, but he’s as beguiled by a beautiful diver with different-colored eyes as by the lure of pirate gold…
The Hunt Is On!
Interweaving these two stories, pro deep-sea diver Tom Morrisey spins a multilayered tale of two young men’s quests to escape their past by losing themselves to adventure on the high seas. Romantic and thrilling, this unique novel explores the timeless truth that “where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
If you would like to read the first chapter of Pirate Hunter, go HERE
by Jason Joyner | Jul 17, 2009 | Blog, books, CFBA, pirates
This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Pirate Hunter, Bethany House (July 1, 2009) by Tom Morrisey.
Jason sez: I got this book too late to have finished in time to review for the tour. I will review it shortly, and so far I am greatly enjoying the first 6 chapters or so. Morrisey has a great back and forth tale going so far!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Tom Morrisey is a mountaineer, aviator, shipwreck diver, and explorer, who holds a Full Cave certification from the National Speleological Society – Cave Diving Section.
He has launched, edited or contributed to numerous national publications and is an award-winning adventure-travel writer. A popular speaker, he is also active in both evangelism and the arts. Morrisey earned an MFA in creative writing from Bowling Green State University, and his fiction has been featured in numerous anthologies and magazines.
His first novel, Yucatan Deep (Zondervan, 2002) was a finalist for the Christy award, and he is the author of six novels, including Wind River and In High Places. In addition Tom has also written two nonfiction books: 20 American Peaks & Crags (Contemporary Books, 1978) and Wild by Nature (Baker Books, 2001). He and his family live in Orlando, Florida.
ABOUT THE BOOK
High Seas Adventure Meets a High-Tech Quest for Pirate Gold
West Indies, 18th century Young Ted Bascombe is rescued by notorious pirate Captain Henry Thatch, finding himself caught up in a world of crime, adventure, and a daily fight for freedom….
Key West, 21st century Marine archaeologist Greg Rhode embarks on a treasure-hunting expedition in the turquoise waters of the Florida Keys, but he’s as beguiled by a beautiful diver with different-colored eyes as by the lure of pirate gold…
The Hunt Is On!
Interweaving these two stories, pro deep-sea diver Tom Morrisey spins a multilayered tale of two young men’s quests to escape their past by losing themselves to adventure on the high seas. Romantic and thrilling, this unique novel explores the timeless truth that “where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
If you would like to read the first chapter of Pirate Hunter, go HERE
