Authority in the Face of Moral Ambiguity: How Religious People View Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research

• In Event: 059 - Regular Session. Religion

Abstract

Research on attitudes towards human embryonic stem cell research (hESCr) show that acceptance or opposition varies along religious lines. Scholars have also examined public discourses of elites or thought leaders, such as theologians, in support for and opposition to hESCr. However, little research examines the moral narratives of hESCr among ordinary religious people from a variety of traditions. Uncovering this will provide insight into the extent religious authority is salient to religious individuals, as well as the broad types of authorities religious people draw upon in articulating opinions over morally contentious issues. We ask what sources of authority individuals from different religious groups appeal to in discussing opinions about hESCr? To answer this, we utilize 209 interviews with Christians, Jews, and Catholics from 14 congregations in Chicago and Houston. We find that religious individuals draw on religious authorities, scientific authority, and individual authority in discussing their moral stances on hESCr. Furthermore, the ways and types of authority individuals appeal to differ across religious tradition, suggesting that some authorities may be more salient than others. Findings have implications for understanding the way cultural authorities interact with one another and religious identities in creating discursive morality.

Authors

• Esther Chan, Yale University

• Alexa Solazzo, Rice University