Pope’s death definition affects cryonics
from the what-is-human dept.
In a story originally from the LA Times, Pope John Paul II defines death as "the complete and irreversible cessation" of brain activity. This would seem to indicate that, eventually, the Roman Catholic Church will choose to view patients entering and in cryonic suspension as being alive; this would fit with their general "when in doubt, be generous to marginal cases" position. This can serve as a reminder to the cryonics organizations that an awkward gap may appear in financial arrangements for cryonics, when life insurance no longer covers the cost, but medical insurance has not yet added this coverage. Perhaps we need a new type of policy entirely.
September 1st, 2000 at 10:05 AM
Popes comment on cyrogenics
The Pope's comment does not change anything for cryogenics, considering the fact that his information is based on the bible, which we all know is a collection of stories that have been misinterpereted, and altered by popes and various rulers for control over the mass populace. If the pope was an adept scientist he would not have told 3 million plus people not to use birth control during his trip to the Philipines. Unfourtunatley the Catholic church has destroyed, distorted and held back so much information over the past 2000 years that there opinions have to be taken with a grain of salt.
January 29th, 2004 at 2:26 PM
Re:Popes comment on cyrogenics
"we all know" is a mere piece of rhetoric and nothing more. In fact, the earliest manuscripts we have of the gospels – let alone the Old Testament – go back to before the times of the popes, therefore on a strictly scientific basis it is simply not at all possible for popes to have altered them. In fact, at the time of the early manuscripts we have, Christianity was a persecuted faith and therefore not in any sense subscribed to nor "used" by rulers to "control the populace". Since they were either trying to hunt down and kill Christians, or at best tolerating them, it is not possible nor in fact true that they would or could have altered the Bible to control people. My point is that all the modern translations of the Bible are based on manuscripts which are so early that your allegations "which we all know" are quite impossible. One might also point out that it is very strange, if this book/collection of books has really been altered by the establishment in any age to suit its own interests, that it has such a thoroughgoing anti-establishment, anti-empire message: the Book of Revelation being just one obvious example, where worldly rulers, kings, merchants, emperors and even (false) priests are likened to "the Beast" and "the whore" (i.e. society with false, money-orientated values). The epistle of James says "Woe to you that are rich!" etc., while the Old Testament describes most of the kings of Israel, let alone Egypt, as wicked oppressors of the poor. It also gives a law – the Law of Jubilee – which states that every 50 years all property had to be returned to the original owners and all debts cancelled, so that none might get too rich at the expense of his neighbour, among God's people. And so on. Funny passages for rulers to have left in if they had really been engaged in altering the bible to control the people! Of course, this assertion of yours is a mere assertion. If made in ignorance, then pardonable. But if you are interested in truth, I hope you will now modify your statements and indeed look into the matter for yourself so that "you might know the truth, and the truth will make you free" (quoting from memory Jesus's words as recorded in one of the gospels.)
April 2nd, 2005 at 3:48 PM
Re:Popes comment on cyrogenics
You have absolutely no clue what you're talking about. The Bible is the sole code of law by which us Christians live by. It's not just stories, it's FACTS! The Pope is a brilliant leader of the Catholic Church and is absolutely correct when he told people that they should not use birth control. God made man and woman to procreate. Using birth control completely defeats the purpose of us being here. If you don't want kids, then don't have sexual intercourse! The people who use birth control are those who are having sex outside of marriage, which they shouldn't be doing in the first place. Sexual relations are a sacred bond between man and wife; not just any old person you meet on the streets. And finally, the Catholic Church's teachings are what's going to lead you to eternal life. So if I were you, I'd be smart and start to take them seriously, because come judgement day, you'll be regretting taking everything the Church says with a grain of salt!
March 29th, 2008 at 8:04 PM
how dare you critisize when you do not even understand to the full extent where these views and teachings come from. who are you to detrimentally speak of a religion which has survived over many years. you are truly the one who should be criticized bioman. have respect even if you do not believe because it is a lack of respect and understanding which cause war.