Bill Muehlenberg has, over the past few days, been recommending books in regards to issues like bioethics, abortion and euthanasia.

I thought it would be pertinent to put up his introductions into these sections so then, if they perk your interest, you can jump across to his site to view the full lists of books.

This book list is well worth looking at even if you disagree with Bill's position. After all, one cannot knowingly reject a position until they know what arguments exist for it.

Recommended Reading in Bioethics

"Daily headlines speak to the enormous impact the new bio-technologies are having on all of us. Whether it is a breakthrough in genetic engineering, stem cell research, or yet another new means in assisted reproductive technologies, science and technology are altering the very way in which we live.

But as is often the case, scientific breakthroughs may well outstrip moral advances. We assume that because we can do something we should do something. But wisdom and prudence may dictate slowing down a bit in the new technological breakthrough until we have had some time to consider the moral implications which are involved.

These books all seek to do just this. Most are written from the perspective of the Judeo-Christian worldview, and almost all put a premium on the sanctity of life and the importance of assessing the new bio-technologies in those terms.

Even acquiring a few of these volumes would help anyone concerned about where we are heading as a society to think more carefully and ethically about the new bioethical issues of our day. Also note that these are just general volumes on bioethics. Specific volumes on abortion and euthanasia are not included here. They will require their own separate bibliographies. Happy reading."


Recommended Reading on Abortion

"Arguably the most important moral issue of our day is the wholesale and wanton slaughter of the unborn. With some 100,000 unborn babies killed every year in Australia, and around 45-50 million a year worldwide, this is one of the most important ethical issues which we can and should be involved in.

While there are plenty of books presenting the pro-death side to this debate, all the volumes listed here are clearly pro-life. The great majority of these authors would be Christians, but many of these volumes make the case for life using secular language and non-biblical arguments.

Some of the volumes of course also offer the biblical rational for the sanctity of life and the evil of abortion. With over 60 volumes to choose from here, there is a lot on offer. If I were pressed to recommend what I consider to be the very best books, I would probably go with Alcorn (Pro-Life Answers), Beckwith, and Klusendorf for starters.

The moving story of former abortionist Carol Everett is well worth reading, as is the story of intended abortion victim Gianna Jessen (Shafer). Another big-time former abortionist, Bernard Nathanson, is also well worth reading. For stories of Australian women still grieving over their abortions, see Tankard-Reist.

We all need to be fully informed about this vitally crucial issue. Please do yourself a favour – and do a favour to the unborn – and read some of these books, master their arguments, and stand up for life. We are all under a pressing moral obligation to speak up for those who cannot speak up for themselves."


Recommended Reading on Euthanasia

"Just as war has been declared against the unborn, so too there is an active campaign to bump off the elderly, the infirm, and many who simply are tired of living. Thus people are at risk at all ages of life from those who would legalise euthanasia.

The following books make the case for life, and show the shortcomings of allowing euthanasia to be legalized. Perhaps most are written by those in the Judeo-Christian camp, but some secular titles appear as well. In the first section books critical of the pro-death stance are featured, while in the second section, a number of books arguing the yes and no cases are mentioned.

The third section looks at an important related issue: the euthanasia program in Nazi Germany and lessons to be learned from it. Books as well as significant journal articles are included here. All these works are well worth getting hold of.

If I have to single out just a few volumes, perhaps I can mention those by Joni Eareckson Tada, Brian Pollard, Wesley Smith, and Margaret Somerville. But most of these titles can be usefully read, although the Wennberg volume is not ideal in all cases.

We need to be up on the arguments and counter-arguments, and these volumes will help you as you make the case for life and resist the culture of death."