Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, will hold its fall Lay Bible Institute with a focus on decisions made regarding the use of stem cells in medical research. Dr. Robert Weise, associate professor of practical theology and Lutheran Charities Foundation Chair of Pastoral Ministry and Life Sciences, will present "Living the Life of Christ in the World." Four sessions will be held from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday evenings, October 3, 10, 17 and 24, in Sieck Hall on the Seminary's campus.

The recent announcement by President George Bush regarding the experimental use of existing embryonic stem cell lines has generated renewed interest in the meaning of human life, especially its beginning. Dr. Wiese will explain how living the life of Christ in the world as forgiven Christians is a witness to the sanctity of human life at all levels of human development.

In these sessions, Dr. Weise will discuss the relationship of living the life of Christ in the world and the witness we give to a society that continues to devalue human beings as products, and not as persons created and authored by God. The four sessions will explore (1) bioethical dilemmas, (2) embryonic stem cell research, (3) the Nazi analogy, and (4) the meaning of human life and bioethical dilemmas.

Dr. Weise received a Ph.D. degree in the area of medical sciences from the University of Illinois - Champaign/Urbana (1973) and taught at Wayne State University, Detroit (1974-78). In 1982, he received his M.Div. degree from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, and has served parishes in Illinois.

To register for the Lay Bible Institute classes, call (314) 505-7105. The cost for all classes is $15 per person and includes course handouts and breaks. Concordia Seminary is located at 801 DeMun Avenue in Clayton, Mo.