Organ donation

[bfrank]

Any Scriptural argument against it?

 

[satz]

Something I've been wondering about, though I haven't seen any really substantial arguments either way. I suppose one might oppose it for the same reason some oppose cremation.

 

[satz]

A little while ago I was surprised to learn that most of the major denominations support it as an act of charity. I think it is necessary to consider what it is about cannibalism which makes it morally wrong, and what it is about organ donation that makes it qualitatively different from cannibalism in order to justify it.

Rev Winzer,

That's an interesting point. I never thought of it that way. Would you apply the same logic to blood transfusions?

 

[Pergamum]

If you believe in EP can you still donate an organ?

 

[ReadBavinck]

If you believe in EP can you still donate an organ?

 

[jaybird0827]

Originally Posted by trevorjohnson
If you believe in EP can you still donate an organ?

 

[satz]

I haven't provided a yes or no answer, just some criteria for thinking about it. The same criteria apply to blood transfusions. I leave it to others to work through the ethics themselves. My personal opinion, based upon the Bible's high view of physical existence, is that such things should not be condoned. One major problem with the "spare parts" industry is the idea that human personality transcends the body. If Christians permit such a view, then they leave themselves without the ability to defend human life against the inroads of medical science.

I understand (or am beginning to) the high view the Bible has of the body, especially in light of the resurrection to come, which was why I am becoming more sympathetic towards the arguments against cremation which I mentioned. However, I do not, at the moment, see how such an understanding would necessarily make organ transplants biblically wrong. I understand your concern about the possible abuses that might happen as science advances in strange ways, but the possible abuse of something (science and medical procedures involving body parts) does not forbid the legitimate use. As to the difference between getting a (for example) kidney transplant and eating someone's kidney for dinner my gut reaction since the short time that this thread was posted is that there is a substantive difference in the moral nature of the acts. I cannot back that up with bible support at the moment, but neither can I think of direct bible evidence that would condemn the practice of organ transplants. I understand the principle regarding the sancity of the body, but I do not think it is clear that the principle would necessarily apply in this case.

 

[VirginiaHuguenot]

See this thread.

 

[bfrank]

I haven't provided a yes or no answer, just some criteria for thinking about it. The same criteria apply to blood transfusions. I leave it to others to work through the ethics themselves. My personal opinion, based upon the Bible's high view of physical existence, is that such things should not be condoned. One major problem with the "spare parts" industry is the idea that human personality transcends the body. If Christians permit such a view, then they leave themselves without the ability to defend human life against the inroads of medical science.

At the risk of sounding like a gnostic, I'm not sure I follow. After one is dead, the body is dead. Would not the view of physical existence in that particular person's situation be dead also? The flesh will perish. Help me think this through.

As far as cremation and organ donation is concerned I am rather hesitant in my spirit about both issues; however, I'm not sure I could argue for or against it either way.

 

[Pergamum]

Does anybody here donate blood? How is this the same or different? No one here would object to donating blood.

If you feel you can donate a kidney while alive, then why not two when you're dead?


I don't think anybody here should worry about "Oh no..whose kidney will it be in the Resurrection."


We can preserve life without hurting our own. I do not think the State should require it - for to do so would be gross sin - but if a private individual volunteeers his body for science after he no longer needs it (during the inteirm) then....go for it.


A soldier is praised for putting his life on the line in combat to save his friends.... why could he not give his friend a liver when he died?