Baha'i and stem cell research? (scriptures, faith, religion, science)

[Sunstone]

What is the position of the Baha'i faith on the contemporary ethical issue of stem cell research? What insights does the faith bring to that debate?

[BruceDLimber]

Hi! :-)

Originally Posted by Sunstone

What is the position of the Baha'i faith on the contemporary ethical issue of stem cell research? What insights does the faith bring to that debate?

I believe the Baha'i Faith has taken no formal stance on this topic.

In general, we defer to science on such matters as one of our central teachings states that properly viewed, science and religion are completely harmonious and work for the same overall goals....

Because the Baha'i scriptures do not address this specific topic, our world-level elected administrative body, the Universal House of Justice, has the right to rule on this subject should this become necessary in the future, and also has the right later to amend or rescind such ad hoc decisions if this has become appropriate. (Our scriptures are fixed for the duration of the Baha'i Era <at least a millenium> and may not be modified, but the House can, as I said, alter its own decisions at need.)

Also, it's worth noting that we explicitly avoid getting involved in partisan political matters (and indeed, our entire adminstrative system operates without politics, world wide). Our goal is unity and concord: partisan political involvement would emphatically have exactly the opposite effect!

Regards,

Bruce

[Sunstone]

Thank you, Bruce! That answers my question quite well.