Interesting Questions-128
Body parts
Letter to the Editor:
PASUGO, April 2000, p.2
HERE IN CANADA, on the back of everyone's driver's
license, there is a section that asks if the licensee would like to
donate, in the case of his accidental death, his body parts to
scientific research or his organs to those who are in need of a
transplant. What does the Bible say about the donation of body parts?
Pierre Rousseau
Alberta, Canada
Editor's reply:
With regard to the donation of organs or body parts for research or
to save lives, we ought to be guided by the teaching of Christ of
the principle of sacrificing one-self for the sake of others. He
said:
Greater love has no one than this, than
to lay down one’s life for his friends.”(Jn. 15:13, New King James
Version)
If a loved one is in need of a kidney
transplant, and the only one able to donate the need organ is a
close relative with similar genetics, for example a sibling, then
more often than not, the close relative would gladly donate his body
part. If it is acceptable for a living person to donate his body
part to save another's life, then much more than the dying decide so
since when he dies, he would have no more need of his body parts.
When Christ was asked which the greatest
commandment is, He answered:
‘“You shall love the LORD your God with
all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind’. This is
the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You
shall love your neighbor as yourself’.” (Mt. 22:37-39, Ibid.)
Being a donor of body parts upon death
so that others may live is a gesture of love for one’s neighbor. For
this reason, there is nothing wrong with donating body parts if one
chooses to.
___________________
Bible Study
Suggestion: If you have further questions, please feel free
to visit the
Iglesia ni Cristo congregation nearest you. A minister or
an evangelical worker would be happy to answer any biblical question
you have in mind.