How do you feel about the extraordinary measures that are taken to save a single life using organ transplants. Another issue is the animal to human transplants. As Godfearing people we know that we did not come here to stay. (It is appointed unto man once to die.)

-- Anonymous, December 22, 2000

Answers

God gave man the ability to sustain life through transplants. when God wants to call a man home there is no way of delaying or stopping it. Transplants are Gods gift of a little more time. What is important is how that time is used.

God Bless

-- Anonymous, December 22, 2000

I can appreciate your opinion on this but you did not give any basis. Just because man is able to do something does not mean that God sanctions him to do it. Man has the ability to kill another man, but God still says "Thou shall not kill." Can you help me with this? Pastor Paris

-- Anonymous, December 22, 2000

In Genesis 1:28-29 God gives us an assignment. We are called upon to use our God-given gifts, talents & abilities to the honour and glory of His Name. Therefore, I believe the practice and application of science (be it medical, physical, etc.) isn't wrong if it is used to the honour and glory of God.

-- Anonymous, December 22, 2000

Brother Paris, you always keep me on my toes, God bless you! I am curious why you asked the question. I feel it an important question for we as pastors will have to deal with the issue as it regards to members of our congregation. I agree with Cedric and believe that God has his hands on all things on earth including science. I am diabetic, and I have had diabetes for 36 years. Everyday I thank God for the researchers that spend time looking for a cure and also those who have developed insulin from synthetic DNA, there are many examples of medical miracles, polio vaccine, smallpox vaccine, measles etc. Diseases that have been cured or new medicines have been developed to treat these illnesses. I look at all of these achievements as gifts from God. When it is time for people to be called home, no human intervention can stop the plan of God. I know of several people who have received organ transplants who have developed a relationship with God for the first time, because they knew it had to be God. God is always working in our lives in mysterious ways, why not organ transplants. My brother pastor paris, you always make me think. I look forward to more of your questions for they are always centered in God.

-- Anonymous, December 23, 2000

Sister Denise, Brother Cedric Et Al - I was seeking a scriptural basis for organ transplants. I agree Genesis 1:28-29 certainly does provide this in that all things were created for the benefit of mankind. The question and what was in my mind was the EXTRA-odinary measures, motivated a recent TV program, numerous advertisements for organ donors, andthe probability of unfairness in allocating donor organs. The TV program dipicted a number of senior citizens waiting for donor hearts. The program theme as well as the donor organ programs is that somehow society has failed in not supplying enough donor organs for transplants, without regard for the fact that every transplant except the partial liver and some kidney transplants represent a tradegy in someone else's life -- someone died. At the same time, some of those seniors had led lives (smoking, etc) that directly impacted thier need for a transplant. In Texas, there is much debate on how to allocate donor organs: presently organs are offered to the highest person on the list in the same area as the donor. if no match is found the organ is offered to a wider area. Some are advocating that organs go to the person most likely to die without a transplant. The argument against that of course is that the person with the greatest probability of success (the younger person generally) ought to have priority. Mickey Mantle, the baseball superstar, received a transplant after only a few days on the list. Not a few persons believed that he had received preferential treatment because of his status. Also, the survivors of donors are able to designate the person to receive the donor organs of their relative. Since there is not now and probably will never be enough organs to go to all who need them, some system must be established to allocate the supply of organs with equity and wise stewardship, which is where we as clergy must come into the picture. Also, as black folk, we cannot help but to wonder if we are being treated fairly in the distribution of organs. (We've had organ donor drives targeting black folk, yet we claim that there is no difference in probability of matching.) My views: Extra-ordinary measures should not be taken (for example Mr. Mantle had almost no probability of survival, hence a wasted organ. The possibility of using the poor, the infirm, the impotent, prisoners on death row, as non-volunteer organ donors for the more affluent is a real danger. Claims have been made with regard to China already. Some judgement must be applied as to the quality of life question after a transplant. Lastly, I've ministered to a liver patient and a heart patient who regretted the transplant although both were "successful". Both chose to discontinue the anti-rejection drugs and go home to be with the Lord. I believe that members of the medical profession including the scientists are called by God just as ministers of the gospel. At the same time, care must be given to not misuse the gifts of God.

I fear my emotions were more in control than my reason. Pastor Paris

-- Anonymous, December 23, 2000

You are my brother and I am so happy that you are passionate about such issues. When we as clergy or laity are touched personally by issues such as human transplants are emotions are going to be affected. We are human. You have raised some very important points that I feel should be addressed by society, and the church. Who should get organ transplants? And are people of color being overlooked for such transplants is a topic that begs for discussion. And I hope we will keep the discussion going. After the holidays I am going to do some research to find out how many people of color get transplants. In light of the high incidence of kidney failure in our population due to diabetes or hypertension I feel this is a topic to pursue. As people of color we have always had to fight for equity, in voting, housing, jobs etc. Often times health equity is not as high on the list of things to fight for since there is such a long list. But our health issues need to be a priority also, whether it is, organ transplants, aids, drug addiction, diabetes, etc. Once again my brother thank you for your insight, and thank you for sounding the alarm. We will listen.

-- Anonymous, December 23, 2000

Organ Transplants...hummm.....the Word of God says, God loves a cheerful giver!!! If you beleive in the Rapture of the Church, Jesus Christ coming back for his bride without spot blemish or wrinkle, when we are raptured to be with our blessed Savior and translated from motal to immortality and we will have no need for the our fleshly temples, then our organs will be good for those person who miss the rapture!!

-- Anonymous, December 26, 2000

God works in mysterious ways..He will guide everyone to what is best for us..if it is time...its time...

-- Anonymous, March 01, 2001