What will be the greatest moral challenge facing our society throughout this century? Are we ready to face it? Editors Charles W. Colson and Nigel M. de S. Cameron; along with a panel of expert contributors; make the case in this book that the greatest watershed debates of the twenty-first century concerning ethics and public policy will surround the issue of biotechnology. In twelve essays they address several of the legal and ethical challenges before us: embryo research; stem cell research; cloning; genetic engineering; gene therapy; pharmacogenomics; cybernetics; nanotechnology and; of course; abortion. Contributors include William L. Saunders; J. D.; Family Research CouncilChristopher Hook; M.D.; The Mayo ClinicHenk Jochemsen; Ph.D.; Free University of AmsterdamDavid A. Prentice; Ph.D.; Indiana State UniversityNathan A. Adams IV; Ph.D.; J.D.; Christian Legal SocietyDavid Stevens; M.D.; Christian Medical AssociationPaige Comstock Cunningham; J. D.; Americans United for LifeC. Ben Mitchell; Ph.D.; Trinity Evangelical Divinity SchoolRichard Doerflinger; M.A.; Secretariat for Pro-life; National Conference of Catholic BishopsWesley J. Smith; J.D.; International Task Force on Euthanasia and Assistend Suicide Leaders in their fields; these contributors point out the crucial role Christians can and should play in the public square. The well-informed and forward-looking perspectives they present will help us prepare for the challenges ahead.
#394953 in Books The Jewish Publication Society 2002-12-02Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.02 x 1.25 x 5.98l; 1.81 #File Name: 0827607504500 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy M. J. SalaJust what I wanted.2 of 3 people found the following review helpful. JerusalemBy donnamarieI bought this book for my son who has a degree in history from a Major University. I also bought it for my dearest friend who also studied history in college and then went on to culinary school to become a chef. They both find it very well written and fascinating and believe me; they are not easily pleased. I recommend this very highly.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Well Researched; Well Written; Well Worth ReadingBy Russ WhiteThe development of Jerusalem as a cultural and political center is a fascinating subject for anyone who really wants to understand the Biblical record. How did the city move from being rebuilt in the writings of Nehemiah to being under Roman rule in the time of Christ? Who is Herod; and why was there more than one High Priest? Lee Levine provides an account of the political and religious developments in Jerusalem from Cyrus to the destruction of Jerusalem in 70AD from a strictly Jewish perspective.Beyond the strong Jewish influence; however; the reader will notice the author also assumes; throughout; that most of the documents we call the Scriptures were written much later in history than they claim; and they show the handiwork of religious communities intent on shaping it's past to guide it's future. This is common enough in modern scholarly circles; but Christians who take a literal inspiration view of the Scriptures should note this underlying assumption when considering Dr. Levine's line of thinking.The book itself is arranged in a strictly historical way; the first part deals with Jerusalem falling into Persian hands under Cyrus; and ends with Herod taking the city for Rome. Along the way the author deals with the rise of the High Priest as the primary point of political and religious contact in the City; and with the increasing Hellenization of City's culture and institutions. He also deals with the Hasmonean revolt; begun by an attempt on the part of the Selucids to effectively eliminate Judaism as a religion.The second part considers the conquest by Rome; and the rule of Herod the Great; the king who was on the throne at the time of Christ's birth. Here the author provides an overview of the various building projects Herod undertook in the City; including a number of towers; an additional wall; his palace; baths; places of entertainment; water works; and the Temple and it's surrounding area. The scope of these construction projects is truly massive --we probably still don't know the total size and of the various projects Herod undertook. For Christian scholars; one interesting point in this section will be author's discussion on languages in use in Jerusalem during this time period. The use of Greek and Hebrew is much more widely attested than many modern readers assume; Jesus and his Disciples probably spoke at least three languages to one degree or another in everyday life.Another fascinating study throughout this section is the outlining and study of the various religious sects common in and around Jerusalem during this period. The Pharisees; Sadducees; and Essenes are brought to life through various Biblical and extra-Biblical writings. The picture that emerges softens the Pharisees; hardens the Sadducees; and provides us with vital clues to understanding how Jesus played these two groups off one another to minister throughout Israel for three years.The final part discusses the decline and fall of Jerusalem; ending with the destruction of the Temple and the City in 70AD. The author argues that Titus destroyed the Temple with intent; rather than by mistake; as is often asserted. The author attributes at least some degree of the Roman actions in putting down this revolt so completely to resolving the infighting as much as putting down a "garden variety" revolt.Overall; this is an excellent resource for those who want to gain another perspective on the life of Jerusalem as a city during the times that Christ actually lived. The political and religious background is invaluable in understanding many incidents in the Gospel accounts; providing color and depth to what the original writers probably assumed their readers would know.
