by John Shelby Spong

About the author: John Shelby Spong is the bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark, New Jersey. He is also the president of Churchman Associates, Inc.

What gives life its value? What gives life its meaning? If value and meaning are removed from life before life ceases to exist, is it then still life? Do potential value and potential meaning attach themselves to fetal life that is so embryonic as to be only potential, not actual? Who has the right to make decisions about life that is only potential? Is it the society? Is it the affected individuals or the bearer of that life? Does the sacredness ascribed by religious systems through the ages to human life reside in our biological processes? Is biological life itself sacred whether it be human or otherwise"

Modern Ethical Issues