Brian,

You wrote:

> If we are unable to provide a coherent
> definition of what constitutes life, what is
> left, besides arbitrary fiat? Therefore life,
> rather than being rightfully cherished, becomes
> a disposable commododity, at the whim of the
> majorities opinion.

Perhaps you would like to think God has this all figured out and all we have to do is find out what He wants, but the reality is not so comforting. As a multi-religious/atheist community, we will have to decide these things. Hopefully, we'll base our decisions on the best that science can tell us rather than relying on what ancient shepherders and fishmen thought or what their modern followers think about it.