Misguided

By Adam Woodworth

I recently saw a news story on my Yahoo home page that was titled, “Rev. Falwell decries stem cell research.” In it, Falwell cited his belief that life begins at conception and said he opposes stem cell research even though it shows great medical promise. He said that “any medical research must pass a three-part test: “Is it ethically correct? Is it biblically correct? Is it morally correct?”

In case you missed it, Rev. Falwell says we must ask if the medical research in question is biblically correct. Herein lies the problem. Reverend Falwell makes an assumption that scientific research has to use the Bible as one “test” to see if they can move forward with the research. Reverend Falwell fails to accept that we are a nation of diversity when it comes to our religious beliefs. He continues to believe the myth that we are a “Christian” nation ruled by the laws of his God.

And, perhaps we used to be. Times have changed, Reverend. For you to even suggest that the Bible be used as a tool in any medical research is simply ridiculous. I’d be saying the same thing about any religious text. Science and religious belief must be kept separate. Science will always challenge and contradict faith. Religion will always contradict science.

We are no longer a nation ruled by Christianity. Perhaps we are one nation under God for some, but for others we may be one nation under Allah, or one nation under the moon. The religious shift is taking place in this country and it will continue to change.

The patriots of this country say we are a country united. This country is united in name only. We are a country divided by race, culture, religion, gender, sexual orientation and disability and we will continue to be divided until each and every one of us reaches out to each other, across the dividing lines, embrace each other and say, “I accept you for who you are.” But, it isn’t just about saying it, you also have to believe it in your heart. And, that is difficult for people like Reverend Jerry Falwell and others like him.

Personally, I think that before people like Reverend Jerry Falwell get any type of publicity, the publicity must pass a three-part test of its own: First, if it is on the television, can I change the channel? Second, if it is in the paper, can I turn the page? Third, how long do I have to see it in the news?

I’m all for free speech, so I say give Reverend Falwell his fifteen minutes of fame. It simply proves my point everytime people like Reverend Falwell get a little air time.

http://www.adamwoodworth.info/

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