This Mortal Flesh

Book excerpt: Although a proper concern for health is compatible with Christian faith, recent and anticipated advances in extending human longevity are often based on philosophical presuppositions and religious values that are adverse to core Christian beliefs and convictions. In this solid text, theologian and ethicist Brent Waters reflects on the formation, practice, and meaning of the Christian moral life in light of selected bioethical issues. Theologically grounding his reflections on the doctrine of the incarnation, Waters considers issues such as biotechnology and physical/cognitive enhancement, reproductive technology, human genetics, embryonic stem cell research, and regenerative medicine. He also examines the "posthuman project," exploring what it means to be human in light of the denial of mortality.