Readers' Favorite Book Reviews
Reviewed by Christian Sia for Readers' Favorite

Moral Indignation: Embryonic Stem Cells, DNA, and Christians by
Sherman P Bastarache is a powerful essay with a strong appeal to
both religious men and women and scientists, a kind of dialogue
between faith and reason, one in which the author asks very
relevant questions about life, faith, science, and psychology. The
underlying question that moves the discussions in this book is: Can
we ever know anything with absolute certainty? In the opening
pages, the author states: "The whole of this manuscript revolves
around embryonic stem cell research and the moral issues that
research entails," but the reader quickly learns that it is much
bigger than that. The author uses embryonic stem cells research as
an example to explore the intricate relationship between faith and
science. What are the moral implications of stem cells research?
Can eggs fertilized in stem cells acquire a soul? This and many
others are the questions answered in this book.

It is important to state that this book isn't for readers who are closeminded.
The author considers fanaticism as a sad obstacle to
knowledge and truth and warns against fanatics: "These types will
fight, even in light of being proven factually wrong. At that point,
where they begin to see their error, they shut down and refuse to
talk about the topic any longer—lest they have their eyes opened
and cannot subscribe to their former belief." The book is well
researched and filled with details that will capture the attention of
readers. Sherman P Bastarache demonstrates a strong logic in his
arrangement of ideas and asks the right questions at the right
moment. References to experts in the field make the discussion
even more interesting. Moral Indignation: Embryonic Stem Cells,
DNA, and Christians points readers to the intersection between faith
and reason and explores moral and religious themes that are
thought provoking. It is expertly written, bold, and informative

Readers' Favorite Book Reviews
Reviewed by Amanda Rofe for Readers' Favorite

Moral Indignation: Embryonic Stem Cells, DNA, and Christians by
Sherman P. Bastarache is an in-depth study of science, religion, and
morality surrounding embryonic stem cell research, a branch of
research that has become synonymous with abortion. Pro-life
campaigners are against such research, defining the cells as a
fertilized egg and thus a soul imparted with human dignity. But
have they taken the right stance? This book examines scientific
research, religious thought, and moral thinking in an effort to help
us understand the issues involved from the moment of conception
and before. It explains why stem cell research is not pro-abortion
and that it is important to have faith and science working together
when searching for the answers to disease.

Moral Indignation is a very thorough and critical discourse on the
complex issues surrounding embryonic stem cell research. Sherman
P. Bastarache provides answers to a veritable abundance of moral
conundrums. Be prepared to exercise those brain cells because this
highly relevant book will take you on a ride of a lifetime through
science and religious thought. It is an intelligent examination of a
range of very difficult subjects. I admired the painstaking research,
fervor and enthusiasm of the author. The debate was engaging and,
while the book is clearly a case for embracing embryonic cell
research, it also examined in detail a variety of other pertinent
issues of the day which I found absolutely fascinating. Whether you
agree with the arguments presented or not, there is no question
that this book is all about doing what is right.

Readers' Favorite Book Reviews
Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite

Moral Indignation: Embryonic Stem Cells, DNA, and Christians by
Sherman P. Bastarache addresses many of the issues surrounding
stem cell research and the religious arguments against it. While
Bastarache begins by stating it's not possible to cover all of the
disputes that arise on the subject, he undertakes every one I have
heard and does so in the greatest of detail. Using a blend of biblical
and religious verses in context and the application of science,
Bastarache presents a compelling case about where the true
balance lies between faith and reason, and how the misapplication
of some beliefs have created an end result—literally the death of a
living, fully formed person in order to preserve something not
known conclusively to have a life or a soul—that runs counter to the
underlying argument it is attempting to make.

Sherman P. Bastarache has compiled a meticulously researched
and well written assertion in Moral Indignation. The science
presented is mind-boggling and as a layperson it was often a bit too
complex for me to fully grasp. That said, even without the same
degree of comprehension I'd have liked, the information and
evidence provided made Bastarache's point definitive for me. I
believe it was in Chapter Seven: Impartment of a Soul, the moment
I handed the book to my wife and told her she had to read it. The
science cannot be ignored, but when it's paired with philosophy and
good, old-fashioned common sense, it has to be shared. It has to be
understood. It must be put into practice. I would recommend this
book to all who are conflicted on the subject of stem cell research,
and those who are looking for a true examination of what it means
to be pro-life.