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List price: $16.99 (that's 30% off!)
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List price: $22.00 (that's 30% off!)
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A number of books have appeared recently which examine these new developments, and their impact of society. One of the newest and most helpful discussions to date is this volume. Peterson has the advantage of not only having a PhD in ethics, but of having worked as a researcher in molecular and clinical genetics. So he knows about both worlds, and is able to deftly bring the two together in this incisive and comprehensive volume.
Writing from a Christian perspective, Peterson is able to discuss in detail the intricacies of genetic engineering without bogging the reader down in an overly technical fashion. He examines a number of the controversial issues: genetic testing, genetic screening, genetic surgery, genetic patents, genetic drugs, and genetic manipulation. While acknowledging the tremendous potential for good that the new genetic frontiers can offer, he is also keenly aware of the potential dangers and pitfalls.
Any one of these issues could warrant a whole book. Take the issue of genetic surgery. Many ethical questions are raised here. What exactly is a person? When we alter the physical attributes of a person, do we alter the person? Are we in fact creating people when we use genetic surgery? Could genetic surgery extend to behavioural issues as well? Peterson does a more than adequate job of laying out the issues and options, keeping the reader informed of the latest in scientific and ethical thinking on the debate.
Indeed, all the latest topics for debate are carefully examined: the Human Genome Project, the possibility of human cloning, and debates about human germline intervention versus somatic cell intervention. And all of this discussion avoids any kind of reductionism, whereby humans are reduced to their genetic make-up. The more we learn about genetics, the more we see their importance. But in spite of their importance, we also know that we are more than our genes. That is where philosophy and theology come in. Science by itself can only give us part of the picture. We need the bigger picture provided by religion and ethics.
Thus the value of this book. Conversant with the latest medical and bio-medical trends and practices, he is also well-versed in the Christian literature - both Catholic and Protestant. He does an admirable job of bringing these two streams together. This is a real advantage in an age where we tend to have either technical experts with no or little moral understanding, or ethical experts with no or little scientific and biological understanding. Such important issues are ill-served when either component is neglected or omitted.
While both components are nicely wedded in this volume, his conclusions on some matters - such as aspects of IVF - may not necessarily please everyone. And on some issues - for example, when does human life begin? - he carefully lays out the options without fully committing himself (although his sympathies do seem to lie with respect for life from conception). But readers can learn much both of the world of genetics and the realm of religion and ethics in this lively and informed book.
The genetic revolution will not go away. It is important that we all become as informed as possible on the issues involved. The way ahead is uncertain. As Peterson makes clear, the new revolution in genetics can be helpful if we are very careful. But there is a dark side to this development which must be eyed carefully. His final admonitions are worth mentioning: "Genetics does not so much make us automatically better as it can make us more capable. Genetic intervention, like many technologies, frees us from some constraints and increases our abilities and choices. Pursued as an end in itself it is at best a distraction, and when all-consuming, idolatry. If all we manage to do is relieve physical suffering and to control our physical world in the finest degree, our potential will be wasted."
In the end, the way the genetic revolution transforms life will in large measure be determined by how we, as informed citizens, keep the whole process in check. Run-away technology is always a danger. But new developments in bio-technology can be a blessing as well. Thus it is imperative that we all become as conversant with the issues as possible. Reading this book is a good place to begin.
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I send this book to anyone who has lost a loved one, it is more comforting than flowers. You will learn that it is OK to grieve at your own pace. It is Ok to mourn the loss of your loved one and the dreams you had.
It is also OK to make the most out of your own life and to be happy with the wonderful memories that you have.
I liked that this book wasn't the usual clinical steps of grief. It is heartfelt, and the people are interesting and honest with their emotions.
I would also recommend Write from Your Heart, A Healing Grief Journal for anyone who would like a guided faith based journal.
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There are many individuals who shared their most intimate feelings about grief and it has helped me to realize where I am at and what I need to do to work through my grief.
I was pleased to see real stories and not the regular grief steps that everyone is supposed to go through.
I particularly enjoyed reading "Pet tales of love" about how animals offer comfort. I don't know what I would do without my own pet as a comforting friend.
The healing activities were also interesting and I have begun to use many of the suggestions.
The prayers at the end were comforting and uplifting.
I am already rereading some of my favorite sections.
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List price: $12.00 (that's 20% off!)
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List price: $12.00 (that's 20% off!)
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I hope there are some people out there who have studied a lot of philosophy, who love philosophy, but never got into the academic mode. I am one of that "disenfranchised" crew who as a philosopher, and often as a Christian, feels marginalized by our materialistic society with its many non-Jesus-oriented philosophies, and I often feel alienated from Christians because many do not go into the conceptual depths with me. If you are in this position, you'll love the opening chapters, and go on happily to the end. ((Even though philosophy should be digested slowly, I was so pleased, I read the book in one sitting.))
For other Christians who are not as gripped by philosophy and the history of ideas, I recommend that you just read the last two chapters which emphasize excellence in education. They make great stand alone reading, and, even if you're out of work and low on funds, they are worth the price of the entire book.
Anyone who likes the writings of E. Hirsch Jr., William Bennett, or David Noebbel will love this book. However, be forewarned: it is written at a higher level of rigor and has a more powerful vocabulary than any other popular theorists of education now on the market.
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List price: $12.99 (that's 20% off!)
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Kit has vowed to never take a case a less she knows for sure they're innocent, but with her new case she isn't so sure. Her new case is one of her old rivals who comes to her when he is accused of murder, he insists that she is the only one that can represent him. The evidence is stacked against her client though. Will she go against what she has vowed to never do and keep the case? Will the forces of the city's high power stack against her and the city itself?
Kit also struggles with the love she still has for Ted Fox. She wonders where he is and what has happened to him. Also her aunt has had enough of Kit being a scandal to her and barely talks to her. Kit worries about her aunt because she goes to someone to read her palm and gives him tons of money for an institute. Will her aunt ever come to believe in Christ? Will Kit ever see Ted again?
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This book is wonderful for anyone wanting to give their baby a name with spiritual meaning.