Moral Indignation: Embryonic Stem Cells, DNA, and Christians is a long, fiery walk through science, theology, and ethics from a very outspoken Christian point of view. Author Sherman P. Bastarache sets out to make a Christian case for supporting stem cell research and other modern biomedical tools. He moves from big questions about knowledge and faith, through DNA and evolution, into abortion, euthanasia, and the soul, then circles back to what it means to be truly “pro-life” in practice, not just in slogans. The book mixes Bible study, personal stories, popular science, and social commentary, and it ends with a push toward compromise and concrete ways to back research that aims to reduce human suffering.

I found the voice to be bold and charming. Bastarache writes like someone talking across a kitchen table, not like a distant academic. He leans on scripture, then jokes about Yoda, then swings into stem cell basics, and it holds together most of the time. I appreciated the very personal, unfiltered style of the writing. The chapters move freely, the arguments often circle back for emphasis, and some analogies linger in a way that lets the ideas sink in. The tone ranges from gentle and pastoral to strongly assertive, and even the occasional bit of coarse language highlights how deeply the author feels about the issues at stake.

His core line hits hard: ignorance is not holy, and refusing to use knowledge that could ease suffering is its own kind of moral failure. When he unpacks the old fear of “playing God” and reframes humans as responsible co-workers who need to grow up and act, I felt that was both theologically interesting and morally bracing. His use of real cases around high-risk pregnancies, late-term complications, and new reproductive technologies makes the debate feel grounded in actual lives. I appreciated that honesty. On the other hand, his strong feelings about certain pro-life arguments give the book a clear, unmistakable stance. He tends to focus on the human cost of inaction more than on every fine-grained worry about embryos and possible future abuses, which keeps the spotlight on real lives. I could feel the passion in those pages.

I would recommend Moral Indignation to Christians who feel torn between loyalty to their faith community and respect for modern science, and to believers who suspect that “do nothing” is not a morally neutral stance in medicine. It could also interest secular readers who want to see a serious Christian wrestle with stem cells, DNA, and bioethics without hiding behind easy platitudes. If you appreciate strong feelings and a very human voice that tries to drag faith and reason into the same room, you will find Bastarache’s thoughts inspiring.

Pages: 314 | ISBN : 978-0992159412