Life on Demand

The microwave, the TV, the internet, the cell phone, the automobile, et cetera, et cetera.  Isn't technology amazing.  We can do things people never even dreamed of 50 years ago.  And we are doing things people didn't want to dream about 50 years ago.  The advancement of technology has definitely served the good of humanity in numerous ways.  However, it seems to appeal to human vice as well as the good.  Part of what I'm speaking about with vice is how getting things faster or easier appeals to our impatience and selfishness. If you can get what you want now, then why wait? If you can get what you want, with the same perceived results, then why wait for something else?

Since the increased objectification of human beings (that came with the sexual revolution of the 60s and 70s) has coincided much with the technological revolution, it seems that it was only a matter of time till sexuality, humans, and life itself became on-demand.  Two very relevant and disturbing examples came to my attention within the past day.

The first example is the use of aborted fetal cells in vaccines.  That's right.  Many people have been up in arms about the use of mercury in vaccines when much worse was the case.  Dead babies are being dissected and manipulated for use in the development of a number of vaccines, such as polio.  Murdered children have become a commodity for preserving the lives of those not murdered.  "Why would anyone do this?" you might ask.  Well, the only logical answer is that it is easier than finding an alternative.

The second example is the use of fertilization technology for the selection and preservation of embryonic children.  This revolutionary opportunity allows for childbirth when you want it and how you want it.  In this case, children are created and literally frozen in the embryonic stage for later implantation.  So IVF (in vitro fertilization) now not only allows you to chose the sex of your child (discarding all those of the opposite sex) but also when to have it, regardless of the age of the mother.

Can anyone seriously see this starting to get better any time in the near future? All these revolutions mixed with human vice have resulted in the loss of human dignity. We are no longer beings. We have now become Human Objects available for use by anyone else for any purpose. The value of being human has changed from worth from being a child of God to worth from what others can use you for. So, how much are you worth?

"And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good." (Gen. 1:31)  Ah, thanks God, but we'll take it from here. (sarcasm)

If you are interested in reading more about either of the above examples please visit the following sites.

• Vaccines using aborted fetal cells: http://www.catholic.org/health/story.php?id=37371&page=1
• Freezing an embryo for later use: http://www.marymeetsdolly.com/blog/index.php?/archives/976-IVF-is-not-just-for-infertility-but-human-manufacturing-to-specs.html