Region of Waterloo Library discussion

Religious faith and scientific understanding, while often at odds with each other, play important roles in the lives of the Lacks family. How does religious faith help frame the Lackses’ response to and interpretation of the scientific information they receive about HeLa? How does Skloot’s attitude toward religious faith and science evolve as a result of her relationship with the Lackses?

The Lacks family were very suspicious of the science of HeLa but it was not just a result of their faith. I think their suspicions were primarily a result of the outrageous stories told within their community about the hospital and the discrimination Negroes received within the health care system. It was interesting that Gary explained to Rebecca that they believed Henrietta's cells to be her after death spiritual body.

That's an interesting perspective Christine! Did anyone else feel the same way?