The Newsletter of IBTM
26 April 2023

Warm greetings from Cumbria, England. Here we’ve been spending time with friends and taking in the superb scenery. Notice the walnut tree (R): planted in 1539 (the time of Henry VIII), it is the broadest tree in Cumbria. It is truly massive. Often things in nature suggest spiritual questions. For example, are we equally solid, rooted, continuing to grow—in it for the long haul? And if we’ve been around for a long time, are we still verdant (Psalm 92:14)?

While down here in England I’ve also set aside a couple of days to work on a book manuscript. Sometimes isn’t it easier to be inspired when we step away from our normal place of work? (More about the book later this year…)

Today’s offering is simple: the first in the series of bioethical articles, followed by an iFaith message from Matthew 7.

Euthanasia

As promised last week, here is the first meaty paper in a series on bioethics. The topic: euthanasia. Special thanks to Dr. Calum MacKellar, Director of Research the Scottish Council on Human Bioethics. He is not just a scientist, but also a man of faith with deep concern about the direction in which society is drifting.

We might think, “Shouldn’t Christians just take the biblical position on any ethical topic?” Why read articles like these? Please consider:

  • Scripture doesn’t address all of our issues, nor provide answers to all our questions. Yet even though we may not have all the answers, we can still learn to think biblically. This is a process, more than easily or quickly at arriving at correct answers.
  • It’s better to think through the issues ahead of time, rather than in the heat of the moment. (Say, when one of our loved ones is in pain and we, or they, are considering euthanasia.)
  • In the coming weeks we’ll spotlight a number of human bioethical issues. Some of the articles will contain overlapping material. (That’s not a bad thing; it can increase our learning.)
  • Be patient. If we can’t find time to study, and to carefully hear others’ positions—and especially when their thinking differs to ours—we are unlikely to be able to fairly assess alternatives.
  • Nearly all of the topics we address will be of interest to our non-Christian friends, too. Everyone discusses (or debates) these topics. Spending some time here can enhance our outreach.
  • Let’s strive to be better informed, to be fair, and to interact with respect.
  • Scripture doesn’t address all of our issues, nor provide answers to all our questions. Yet even though we may not have all the answers, we can still learn to think biblically. This is a process, more than easily or quickly at arriving at correct answers.
  • It’s better to think through the issues ahead of time, rather than in the heat of the moment. (Say, when one of our loved ones is in pain and we, or they, are considering euthanasia.)
  • In the coming weeks we’ll spotlight a number of human bioethical issues. Some of the articles will contain overlapping material. (That’s not a bad thing; it can increase our learning.)
  • Be patient. If we can’t find time to study, and to carefully hear others’ positions—and especially when their thinking differs to ours—we are unlikely to be able to fairly assess alternatives.
  • Nearly all of the topics we address will be of interest to our non-Christian friends, too. Everyone discusses (or debates) these topics. Spending some time here can enhance our outreach.
  • Let’s strive to be better informed, to be fair, and to interact with respect.

"The Scottish Council on Human Bioethics recognizes that some persons may wish their lives to end because they find them unbearable. It understands that these are very difficult situations where a lot of compassion and sympathy is required. However, we cannot support one taking active steps to end one’s life, as in euthanasia, for the following reasons…” Want to learn why Dr. MacKellar takes this position? CONTINUE READING

Next week: Gender Dysphoria (and Gender Reassignment)

Storm

The iFaith Sermon on the Mount Series is nearly complete. Today’s talk is The Storm, and is based on Matthew 7:24-27, which is also the Parable of the Builders. One was wise, one was foolish. (Which am I?)

Next week: the 26th and final message in the series, on the powerful impact of Jesus’s words. It’s simply entitled Wow!

Some Useful Links

That’s all for this week. This weekend we will be teaching in Oslo, Norway. Please keep this ministry in your prayers. — Douglas & Vicki