Whatever Happened to the Human Race? summary

The Erosion of Human Dignity

In Whatever Happened to the Human Race?, co-authors C. Everett Koop and Francis A. Schaeffer start by discussing the gradual erosion of human dignity in Western society. They argue that this process began with the acceptance of abortion, which led to the devaluation of human life. They point out that the legalization of abortion was a crucial turning point in the history of humanity, as it marked the first time that a society openly accepted the killing of its own unborn children.

The authors then move on to discuss the issue of infanticide, which they argue is the logical extension of abortion. They highlight the case of Baby Doe, a newborn with Down syndrome who was left to die of starvation and dehydration because the parents and doctors deemed his life unworthy of living. This, they argue, exemplifies the dangerous trend of society deciding who has the right to live and who doesn't.

Slippery Slope of Euthanasia

Koop and Schaeffer then delve into the topic of euthanasia, arguing that it is the next logical step in this progression. They highlight the case of Karen Ann Quinlan, a young woman in a persistent vegetative state, whose parents fought for her right to die. The authors argue that the acceptance of euthanasia would lead to a society where the weak and vulnerable are seen as disposable.

The authors also discuss the role of technology in this dehumanizing process. They argue that the advances in medical technology have given us the power to prolong life, but without the corresponding ethical framework, this power has been misused. They caution against the tendency to view life as a commodity that can be measured in terms of its quality.

The Role of the Church and the Individual

Despite the grim picture they paint, Koop and Schaeffer argue that there is hope. They believe that the church has a crucial role to play in standing up against these dehumanizing trends. They call on Christians to be a voice for the voiceless and to defend the sanctity of human life at all stages.

They also stress the importance of the individual in this fight. They argue that change begins with each person choosing to value human life and to act in accordance with this belief. They call on individuals to speak out against the devaluation of life, to support organizations that work to protect life, and to make a difference in their own communities.

The Book's Ongoing Relevance

Originally published in 1979, Whatever Happened to the Human Race? continues to be relevant today. The issues it raises - abortion, infanticide, and euthanasia - remain contentious topics in many societies. The book serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers of devaluing human life and the importance of defending the sanctity of life.

In conclusion, Whatever Happened to the Human Race? is a thought-provoking and challenging read. Koop and Schaeffer's passionate defense of the sanctity of human life raises important questions about the direction of modern society and challenges us to consider the value we place on human life in all its stages.