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January 23-30, 2008

Curing disease

Warm-up Question:

Is there anything you wouldn't do for a loved one to be cured of a deadly disease?

 

There has been a lot of conversation about the potential for stem-cell research to lead to cures for diseases and even replacement organs for those damaged by disease or injury. There has also been important controversy about the ethics of some of those procedures.

Recently, scientists have come up with some new techniques for developing stem cells (cells that can develop into any type of tissue, such as bone or heart or skin) that get around some of the ethical issues of destroying human embryos. This article http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9E00EFDB173EF934A15752C1A9619C8B63&sec=&spon=&pagewanted=1 outlines the new technique that allows scientists to develop any type of cell from a human skin cell. The article also outlines some of the practical challenges remaining before this technique can be turned into new cures or medicines.

We are still a long way scientifically and medically from some of the "science fiction" scenarios of new arms to replace those lost in accidents or a new heart to replace a damaged one. In the meantime, there are important questions for all of us to be asking and discussing about cures and healing, and about the role of science and the whether there should be limits on what we do in the name of healing and cures.

 

Discussion Questions

  1. Would it be OK to make new lung tissue to cure someone from lung disease, or is that "playing God"? What if the person were a smoker? What if the person were an infant? Would that change your answer?
  2. Should there be any limits on what scientists and doctors do in the name of curing disease? What concerns can you think of?

Scripture Texts (NRSV) for Sunday, January 27, 2008.
(Text links are to oremus Bible Browser. Oremus Bible Browser is not affiliated with or supported by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. You can find the calendar of readings for Year A at Lectionary Readings.)

Isaiah 9:1-4
Psalm 27:1, 4-9 (1)
1 Corinthians 1:10-18
Matthew 4:12-23

For lectionary humor and insight, check the weekly comic Agnus Day.

Gospel Reflection
This Sunday's gospel lesson tells us one perspective on the beginning of Jesus' ministry. After his baptism, he called his first disciples to be fishers for people. He began to gather his followers and went all through Galilee teaching people in synagogues, proclaiming good news (the gospel), and "curing every disease and every sickness among the people." One of the main things that Jesus did in his life was to cure people; it was a primary reason for him to be visiting and meeting people.

This passage gives us no more detail than that, as to how he cured people. We know, of course, from other stories, about how he touched and healed, and how he called on God's power. Jesus was seen in large part as a miracle healer. The word miracle is probably most often heard today when speaking of science and medicine, but it is no less miraculous and no less a witness to the power and presence of God in our world today.

Discussion Questions

  1. What is the difference between what Jesus did for people to cure their disease and what scientists and doctors do today? How is God still present and active in all of
    this today?
  2. As followers of Jesus, how do we follow him to heal and cure? What kinds of opportunities for healing and curing do you face in a typical day?

Activity Suggestions
The ELCA is in the midst of listening and talking together, and developing a social statement about the issues of genetics and certain kinds of medical treatments. Look together at http://www.elca.org/socialstatements/genetics/ for updates. When drafts are released and comments are sought (probably in November of this year), send your youth group's comments to the Task Force.

  Closing Prayer
Healing God, you restore us to life and wholeness. We thank you for the healing that you brought in Jesus and that you still bring today. Help us to keep life and wholeness as our goals in all that we do. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen
 

Contributed by Pastor Seth Moland-Kovash
All Saints Lutheran Church
Palatine, IL

Permission to reproduce for local use. Copyright © 2008 Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. ELCA Youth Ministry. 1-800-638-3522, ext. 2447. To offer your comments or responses to Faith Lens, e-mail:  rod.boriack@elca.org.

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