Haley, Life Considered is fast becoming one of the two emails I most look forward to receiving Monday morning (even though I very rarely get through all the articles). Thanks for gathering these! Particularly the pieces on in vitro fertilization. I've been amazed how normalized IVF has become as THE solution to infertility challenges, with so many women who deal with infertility not even realizing there is a vast range of care and support that should be happening before IVF even ends up as part of the discussion. And I should clarify, I think fertility and conception support is a very nuanced conversation and cannot be painted with a broad brush. But the fact that we've moved into an era where so many children have been conceived outside of the human body and in exchange for money should be alarming to even those who find no ethical complications with IVF. There is a cost—much higher than I think any of us comprehend—to making life a purchasable product.
"action and right living often start with an awareness and articulation of what to aim towards. There are countless folks using their varying degrees & kinds of influence and expertise to focus thought and action toward specific areas on that list. And exponentially more doing steady, hidden work in those realms—or simply living in ways which imperfectly embody them—that we may never know about.
Perhaps we do overestimate what a statement, policy, or public-facing actions can accomplish, while on the flipside underestimating the ripple effects of average lives lived in limited and less-than-ideal circumstances, yet aimed toward the good regardless. Both approaches and types of influence matter. None of it is wasted. “You can’t expect yourself to be in the same place as them, when God never gave you what He gave them… But what did God give you? You be faithful where you are.”"
This is such an important point! We shape the culture, whether we're policy makers or cake bakers. Discerning where God calls us now, and being faithful to it, is the most important thing. Thanks for saying this, and continuing on with your steady work.
I was at a conference one the weekend where the topic was on AI, bio-ethics, and transhumanism and what the Christian response should be. The speaker said if "I haven't shocked and scared you by the end of my talk I haven't done my job." It was deeply disturbing to see what is in the pipeline (and already here).
The speaker also mentioned that we are in a completely new ethical era. Whereas other bioethical issues up until now have all had historical precedents (and thus a wealth of literature and wisdom from church history) we are faced now with completely new issues that have no historical precedent - such as artificial embryos. What are they? Are they humans? Are they in need of salvation? We need to work out answers to these questions urgently as the reality of their emergence is fast approaching. This calls for the best of our ethicists, theologians, and philosophers to work together.
So glad to see you mention Professor Cuddeback on here! I've been reading his blog for many years and he and his wife Sofia do amazing work. I highly recommend the "Woman of the Household" course - there's also a "Man of the Household" course. (They'll be offering them this upcoming Lent, from what I can see on their website - Life-Craft.org)
I so appreciated reading your meandering thoughts. I couldn't agree more! But I think you already knew that.
"That I Might Be Seen" is just perfect. It's always wonderful to hear someone else is thinking some of the same things -- my post next week is related -- and stating them so eloquently.
"Maybe, when I feel unseen it is then most important that I look outward at others, that I renew my effort to see them better. Lord, that I might see. Them. Even now."
God sees you and the hidden work you do -- even that which never makes it to the newsletter. May you be encouraged and strengthened in it this week!
Excellent, as usual, Haley. I was glad to see that piece on graveyards. Also, you inspired me to subscribe to Matthew Lee Anderson’s Substack. I have read and heard some great things from him over the years, but haven’t really followed his work closely. It was time. (And thanks for the shoutout, of course.)
It brought me so much joy to see you recommend JPII! He’s my patron saint and I “adopted” him as my grandpa as a kid. I’ve always loved him and admired him so much! My prized possession is a plastic rosary he blessed that a Sister gave me for my first confession 20+ years ago. I carry it with me almost everywhere I go!
It was so thorough! I’ve picked up all those individual pieces over the years—and a lot is alluded to in others’ writing on it—but it was nice to have something succinct to point towards just to sum it all up.
Haley, Life Considered is fast becoming one of the two emails I most look forward to receiving Monday morning (even though I very rarely get through all the articles). Thanks for gathering these! Particularly the pieces on in vitro fertilization. I've been amazed how normalized IVF has become as THE solution to infertility challenges, with so many women who deal with infertility not even realizing there is a vast range of care and support that should be happening before IVF even ends up as part of the discussion. And I should clarify, I think fertility and conception support is a very nuanced conversation and cannot be painted with a broad brush. But the fact that we've moved into an era where so many children have been conceived outside of the human body and in exchange for money should be alarming to even those who find no ethical complications with IVF. There is a cost—much higher than I think any of us comprehend—to making life a purchasable product.
Yes, Yes, Yes!
"action and right living often start with an awareness and articulation of what to aim towards. There are countless folks using their varying degrees & kinds of influence and expertise to focus thought and action toward specific areas on that list. And exponentially more doing steady, hidden work in those realms—or simply living in ways which imperfectly embody them—that we may never know about.
Perhaps we do overestimate what a statement, policy, or public-facing actions can accomplish, while on the flipside underestimating the ripple effects of average lives lived in limited and less-than-ideal circumstances, yet aimed toward the good regardless. Both approaches and types of influence matter. None of it is wasted. “You can’t expect yourself to be in the same place as them, when God never gave you what He gave them… But what did God give you? You be faithful where you are.”"
This is such an important point! We shape the culture, whether we're policy makers or cake bakers. Discerning where God calls us now, and being faithful to it, is the most important thing. Thanks for saying this, and continuing on with your steady work.
Thanks, Kerri.
*And, there’s a link to an essay in that “you be faithful where you are” quote. It’s very good.
I was at a conference one the weekend where the topic was on AI, bio-ethics, and transhumanism and what the Christian response should be. The speaker said if "I haven't shocked and scared you by the end of my talk I haven't done my job." It was deeply disturbing to see what is in the pipeline (and already here).
The speaker also mentioned that we are in a completely new ethical era. Whereas other bioethical issues up until now have all had historical precedents (and thus a wealth of literature and wisdom from church history) we are faced now with completely new issues that have no historical precedent - such as artificial embryos. What are they? Are they humans? Are they in need of salvation? We need to work out answers to these questions urgently as the reality of their emergence is fast approaching. This calls for the best of our ethicists, theologians, and philosophers to work together.
Will you be writing about the experience at all? Perhaps there are some Over The Field type nuggets to share...? haha
There were so many nuggets! Once I have some deadlines out of the way I may try and write some thoughts down.
So glad to see you mention Professor Cuddeback on here! I've been reading his blog for many years and he and his wife Sofia do amazing work. I highly recommend the "Woman of the Household" course - there's also a "Man of the Household" course. (They'll be offering them this upcoming Lent, from what I can see on their website - Life-Craft.org)
Interesting stuff all around but the stuff on fertility and fertility+tech is super fascinating. Feels like we're inching close and closer to Gattaca.
Haley, I think your newsletter is wonderful. :) I am amazed at how consistent you are with it, and I appreciate your thoughts, ideas, and links.
“She overflows with generous wisdom” is one of the best possible descriptors of Emily Stimpson Chapman!
I just started "this is happiness" last night! (Also inspired by Paul kingsnorth) Really loving it so far.
It was wonderful the first time, but coming back to it after a few years was *chefs kiss* Enjoy!!
I so appreciated reading your meandering thoughts. I couldn't agree more! But I think you already knew that.
"That I Might Be Seen" is just perfect. It's always wonderful to hear someone else is thinking some of the same things -- my post next week is related -- and stating them so eloquently.
"Maybe, when I feel unseen it is then most important that I look outward at others, that I renew my effort to see them better. Lord, that I might see. Them. Even now."
God sees you and the hidden work you do -- even that which never makes it to the newsletter. May you be encouraged and strengthened in it this week!
As always, worth every minute of our time. Thanks for gathering and sharing!
Excellent, as usual, Haley. I was glad to see that piece on graveyards. Also, you inspired me to subscribe to Matthew Lee Anderson’s Substack. I have read and heard some great things from him over the years, but haven’t really followed his work closely. It was time. (And thanks for the shoutout, of course.)
It brought me so much joy to see you recommend JPII! He’s my patron saint and I “adopted” him as my grandpa as a kid. I’ve always loved him and admired him so much! My prized possession is a plastic rosary he blessed that a Sister gave me for my first confession 20+ years ago. I carry it with me almost everywhere I go!
Honored to have one of my essays included!
It was so thorough! I’ve picked up all those individual pieces over the years—and a lot is alluded to in others’ writing on it—but it was nice to have something succinct to point towards just to sum it all up.
This was my intention! I'm glad it accomplished what I set out to do :)