A New Way of Conceiving Conception
by Francis Etheredge with a foreword by Rev. Dr. Richard Conrad, OP
In this short book, Francis Etheredge returns to a subject with which he has previously wrestled in the hope of arguing, more concisely, for a clearer and more accurate account of when each of us begins.
On the one hand, each of us is an unmerited and free gift; on the other hand, many have forgotten that we share this. Therefore, Etheredge hopes that, by putting forward yet again the necessity of both addressing the evidence and the revealed truth that will guide us, we will set out yet again towards the goal of a convincing account of when each one of us comes to exist – for the truth awaits us!
For, it is hoped, that all people of good will, especially scientists, philosophers, and theologians, will collaborate on a renewed understanding of the first instant of fertilization that will set millions, if not billions, free from the plagues of death, experimentation, and an indefinite frozen state – all of which contradict the natural right to the completion of what has been begun.
We ask no more of others than we have received ourselves: the completion of the gift of existence.
Table of Contents
Biography and Foreword by the Rev. Dr. Richard Conrad, OP
Introduction: Hope and Patience in the Truth
Three Kinds of Published Work
Chapter One: The Background: Preliminary Remarks: What is a Real Beginning?; The Blessed Trinity and Beginnings; The Personal Nature of the Gift of Human Personhood; The human embryo in Scripture: golmi; The Mystery of Marriage and the Presence of Christ
Chapter Two: Two Theories: The First One: Form and Matter: Two Theories: Immediate Ensoulment or From the Fusion of Nuclei; The Fusion of the Nuclei and Form and Matter; The Contribution of the Documents: “Keys to Bioethics”; and The Latin and English Texts of Donum vitae, The Gift of Life; In View of This Discussion, There Have Arisen Three Objections to This Type of Delayed Animation
Chapter Three: Two Theories: The Second One: A New Way of Conceiving Conception: Literally: A First Instant of Ensoulment; The Human Embryonic Person; Let Us Now Consider Some Theological Reflections; There Is, However, One Further Type of Argument which Arises out of the Nature of the Catholic Church and Her Sacraments; ‘The Visible Rites by which the Sacraments are Celebrated Signify and Make Present the Graces Proper to each Sacrament’ (CCC: 1131); The Eucharist as the Mystery with which to Compare Human Conception
Conclusion: Why Does it Matter What the First Instant of Human Personhood Is?
Lest We Forget: The Passion of the Unborn
Author Articles
“Conception: A Contradiction?” by Francis Etheredge, Homiletics and Pastoral Review (December 11, 2020), available here.
Testimonials
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Mr. Francis Etheredge is married with eight children, plus three in heaven.
Francis is currently a freelance writer and speaker and his “Posts” on LinkedIn can be viewed here. Poetry; short articles; autobiographical blog; excerpts from books; and “Philosophize: A Ten Minute Write.”
For a list of all of Francis’ books published by En Route Books and Media, click here.
See Francis’ other books, too, entitled Scripture: A Unique Word, From Truth and truth: Volume I-Faithful Reason, From Truth and truth: Volume II: Faith and Reason in Dialogue, From Truth and truth: Volume III: Faith is Married Reason.
He has earned a BA Div (Hons), MA in Catholic Theology, PGC in Biblical Studies, PGC in Higher Education, and an MA in Marriage and Family (Distinction).
Enjoy these additional articles by Francis Etheredge:
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