For Dawkins, the fact that a computer program might be conscious, is sufficient reason to act with caution in applying the ethics of personhood to a machine, but the fact that a human child is developing in his mother’s womb is not sufficient cause to apply personal ethics to him.
It is entirely possible that Joseph, while he was living in Egypt and elevated to a place of nobility, adopted the practice of divination. This may be attributed to the influence of his wife, Asenath, whose father was an Egyptian priest.
It turns out things get more complicated the further we are removed from the natural means of procreation, which is the sexual union of a man and a woman.
Pulpit to Pew by Pastor Richard Eckman, Jan. 1979: “I resolve to read my Bible daily.” I’m a New Year’s resolution left over from last… Read More »Echoes from Emmanuel, Vol. 3, No. 1
Our actions toward human embryos must be guided by the principles of love for God and for our neighbor. If the embryo is my human neighbor, then I am duty-bound to protect each one from harm.