Commendations

At last—a single volume examining beginning-of-life issues that is equally competent in biology, theology, philosophy and pastoral care. Scarcely less important, Dr Best’s book is admirably clear, simple without being simplistic, comprehensive without being overly complicated. This is now the ‘must read’ book in the field, a necessary resource not only for pastors, ethicists, and laypersons who share her Christian convictions, but also for anyone who wants to participate knowledgeably in current bioethical debates.

DA Carson
Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Chicago

This is an outstanding resource for concerned Christian laypeople, health professionals, church leaders and students. It is authoritative, up to date, meticulously researched and pastorally sensitive. I strongly recommend this remarkable book.  Megan writes honestly and compassionately from her personal experience as an ethicist, palliative-care doctor, Christian speaker and parent.

John Wyatt
Emeritus Professor of Ethics and Perinatology, University College London

Dr Megan Best’s ambitious work covers every aspect of the science and ethics of the beginning of human life. She has made accessible the best research and much helpful theology to offer a robust Christian account. The book is a welcome reply to much of what passes as ‘bioethics’, and will become a point of first reference for anyone seriously wrestling with this bewildering area.

Andrew Cameron
Lecturer in Ethics, Social Ethics and Philosophy, Moore College, Sydney

Dr Megan Best makes a significant contribution to substantive ethical reflection on some of the most delicate moral issues of our time. Fearfully and Wonderfully Made meets a pressing need, as there are few books that offer guidance to Christians in thinking about how we regard very early human life, whether for research purposes or in the unrestrained possibilities for human reproduction. Dr Best takes things that are often medically and scientifically confusing, and puts them in everyday language. Combining medical expertise, theological insights and practical advice, this volume is a welcome addition.

Paige Comstock Cunningham JD
Executive Director, The Center for Bioethics and Human Dignity, Trinity International University, Chicago

This is a remarkable book written by a remarkable person. Megan Best has committed a large part of her life to understanding the medical and ethical issues that we face in relation to conception, birth, abortion, miscarriage, pregnancy, and reproductive technologies of all kinds. She weaves together the best secular knowledge, ethical, moral and historical writings, medical research, public policy, law, personal experience and biblical wisdom. This incredible synthesis is done with humility and grace, with a great sense of compassion and without judgement.

This timely book will inform, challenge, and offer hope and answers to many.

Trevor Cairney OAM
Master of New College, UNSW, Sydney

In clear and theologically informed language, Dr Best discusses a wide range of issues and problems in contemporary bioethics. Her training in medicine and bioethics is evident on every page. Of particular interest to Christian health professionals and clergy will be her discussion of the basis for ethical decision making, and the way she continually draws readers back to the biblical teaching in seeking to explain and critique various arguments. Her final chapter, exploring whether we are playing God when we try to control when and how we have children, confronts head-on several of the instrumental and utilitarian temptations many of us face today. This will be a valuable resource for anyone engaged in teaching, pastoral care or clinical practice.

Rev Rod Benson
Ethicist and public theologian, Tinsley Institute (Morling College), Sydney

In Fearfully and Wonderfully Made Dr Megan Best offers an intelligent and deeply felt defence of the Christian vision of the beauty and goodness of the human person, sexuality and marriage.  Although we clearly part company on certain fundamental issues such as contraception and IVF, I commend Dr Best’s much-needed work in bringing the tradition of Anglican Reformed theology and her love of Scripture to the crucial field of contemporary bioethics in an engaging and practical way.

Cardinal George Pell
Catholic Archbishop of Sydney

Finally, a bioethics book written by someone who is both a specialist doctor and an ethicist. Dr Megan Best helps us to navigate through the medicine and theology that we need to know for complex issues such as contraception, reproductive technology and antenatal screening. I especially like how Dr Best covers everything so thoroughly, yet also explains it clearly and sensitively.

Fearfully and Wonderfully Made is for everyone who wants to know what a biblically informed viewpoint should be on these current issues. I will be using Dr Best’s book as a reference in the preparation of my own lectures on ethics, and as the basis for any bioethical advice I give as a Christian doctor.

Dr Sam Chan MB BS BTh ThM PhD
Theology, Ethics, Preaching and Evangelism Lecturer, Sydney Missionary and Bible College, Sydney

Fearfully and Wonderfully Made addresses the crucial matters pertaining to the beginning of life. In our world in which technology and choice are often promoted over truth and compassion, Megan Best has applied a biblical framework to reproductive and early-life issues. The book is informative and instructive for both those who seek guidance about early-life questions and those health professionals who are consulted to provide answers.

The book is also more. It represents a journey of exploration by Megan Best through the prevailing attitudes to human life over the centuries. Her conclusion as to the point that modern medicine and society have reached challenges readers to question how they are advocates for some of life’s most vulnerable.

Professor Jonathan Morris
Associate Dean and Head, Sydney Medical School—Northern Director, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, University of Sydney

Dr Megan Best has provided a comprehensive view of the wide range of controversial and complicated issues related to early human life. This is an ever-increasingly demanding area. Dr Best has thoughtfully provided a framework for engagement from the viewpoint of a modern Christian evangelical. This is a helpful book for those concerned with these areas.

Dr Michael Burke MBBS PhD
Former Executive Officer, Christian Medical and Dental Fellowship of Australia