Technology Advancement and Ethics: One reason humans differ from other animals is because of ‘ethics.’ Due to this difference, we believe that human beings are unique and that ethics are relatively stable. However, the factor that alters human ethics is the development of science and technology. In 2006, Japanese scientist Shinya Yamanaka discovered that mixing four chemicals with human skin cells could create undifferentiated stem cells. These cells are pluripotent, meaning they can develop into any type of body organ. Before this discovery, it was thought that such cells could only be produced through the combination of sperm and egg, but it was later found that they could also be synthesized artificially. Human philosophies, values, and ethics are trapped within technological advances. As science and technology advance, existing ethical frameworks are increasingly challenged. Now, traditional values that have been defended by gender distinction will experience severe conflict. - Jos...
Jesus taught, “If you got slapped your right cheek, turn the other cheek.” One of the actions that the Jewish Qumran community denied and forbade was “pointing with the left hand.” Violations of this rule brought sanctions from the community. To hit the right cheek means the opponent strikes with an unclean left or right backhand. This cheek slap is deliberately insulting and humiliating rather than merely a pain-inflicting action. Therefore, this teaching of Jesus, “turn the other cheek,” suggests not allowing oneself to be struck by the back of the hand and can signify not being helpless but being active in nonviolent resistance without seeking revenge or retaliation. Perhaps this teaching carries a frightening meaning. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”