science & christian response to scientific issues

Question 1

key terms

Answer 1

• genetic engineering - attempt to engineer a unique set of genes for genetic modification of humans, animals & plants & has potential to cure conditions like cystic fibrosis
• human genome project : attempt to map all human chromosomes with a view to isolating the genes responsible for conditions like cystic fibrosis

Question 2

what is genetif cengineering used for

Answer 2

• used for genetic modification of humans, animals & plants
• for example, will have to read about genetically modified crops which have been modified to be resistant to disease
• with humans been used to produce bacteria that makes insulin quick

Question 3

what is its potential

Answer 3

• virtually limitless
• potential to:
  
  • treat conditions like cystic fibrosis, alzheimers
  • engineer children who have certain ‘improved’ characteristics like intelligence
    - produce transhumans, new technology to engineer humans who have advanced intellectual

Question 4

responses to genetic engineering - catholic church

Answer 4

• moving cautiously to stance on ge & issue is unclear ethical issues as not aware of risks involved
• regards to gm as animals more guarded, some voices within catholic church argue in terms of nml, altering genetic code of animals doesnt allow final end as genetic structure given by god
• general approach to therapeutic ge (repair genes to correct conditions) where there’s potential to cure conditions like alzheimers/parkinsons
• has potential to take humanity in transhuman state (enhancement therapy) where new technologies used to improve human specification
• within next 25yrs or so likely intelligence can be increased exponentially and humans modified to have extraordinary physical/psychological strength
• rejects this as humanity no longer in god’s image

Question 5

responses to genetic engineering - protestant church

Answer 5

• wider range of reactions but main concerns echo those of catholic church -> qualified approaval to ge of crops & therapeutic with aim of curing diseases
• are protestants who argue all human potential given by god as god is creator so if new tech developed which has potential to improve life for plants, animals, humans should embrace where risks justified
• can extend to enhancement therapy so in situation ethics we see fletcher suggested that christians shouldn’t rule out any procedure due to existing rules, humans are natural designers so if adequate controls in place no reason why humans shouldn’t be redesigned to improve species
• fletcher no advocating a genetic free for all rather he is arguing that christian ethics shouldn’t be strung up on ruling out any procedure as its allegedly ‘unbiblical’

Question 6

responses to genetic engineering - other christian persepctive

Answer 6

• in 1995, seventh day adventist church produced statement ‘christian principles for genetic interventions’
• document points out christians given great power by god which comes with responsibility as humans accountable to god for what they do
• spells 4 areas of ethical concern:
  1) sanctity of human life: if genetic producing reduce meaning of being human to workings of human biology then there’s serious potential for devaluing human life
  2) protection of human dignity: example, protection of personal privacy as knowing a person’s genetic profile could be of significant value to potential employees
  3) acceptance of social responsibilities: example, how will benefits/burdens of genetic intervention be shared by rich & poor in society
  4) stewardship of god’s creation: what limits should there be
• document finishes with benefits of approach that individual christians can be aware of the debate