Greetings from New York!
Dr. William Hurlbut, professor at Stanford Medical School, spoke at a recent CU New York forum on “The Challenge and Opportunity of Gene Editing: Scientific and Ethical Considerations”. Prof. Hurlbut addressed the ethical issues associated with advancing biomedical technology, especially when applied to direct interventions in human life. The evening stands as an example of thoughtful Christians exploring both a deeper understanding of a key scientific advance, and the range of implications it contains. CU New York’s mission is to equip and encourage Christians in New York in engaging culture in redemptive and transformative ways. You can watch the video of the talk here.
The book of Lamentations is, unsurprisingly, a lament – for the desolation of Jerusalem and Judah. Jeremiah mourns the loss of a nation and it’s spiritual vitality, in no small part because it was the result of disobedience and unfaithfulness. This calamity was avoidable in every way.
Yet even as Jeremiah gazes on the destruction of Jerusalem his lament is rooted in hope. He knows that repentance is necessary and possible, that God longs for his people to return - that “the Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him.” (Lam 3:25), and that “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end...” (Lam 3:22).
It is fairly easy to see parallels all around us. There is much to lament both in our hearts and in the city we inhabit. Much that is broken and in darkness, and yet…our lament over these things remains rooted in the hope we have in Christ - the hope of our salvation and in the making of all things new. Our faith is not passive or centered on the hereafter, but on how we live as ones redeemed and made new to be mediators of God’s blessings and rule in the world.
I never cease to be amazed at the creativity and tenacity of those here in New York who live this in their professions, communities and networks; of graduate students, financial analysts, management consultants, technology workers, and those in various forms of media living lives rooted in the promises and on-going work of Jesus Christ. In the ethical considerations of gene-splitting and the growing control we exert over the very molecular basis of life that Bill Hurlbut talks about there are seeds of hope that we will recognize and value human life made in the image of God – leading to greater flourishing rather than less. There is much for us to confess and lament here in New York - in the context of hope.
Blessings in this remarkable time,
Scott Crosby
Ministry Director
Christian Union New York
For more information on New York City Christian Union Bible Courses and activities, or resources available to you please contact Scott Crosby.
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