God and Human Genetic Engineering

Science and religion have often intersected, particularly with human genetic engineering. This Element provides an overview of the ethical issues raised by these advances and the lines of reasoning used to support or challenge them, with the goal of helping individuals decide these issues for themselves and engage in respectful dialog with others.

Format: Hardback
Length: 72 pages
Publication date: 21 December 2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Science and religion have frequently collided on various issues. However, no set of current scientific advancements is more promising and contentious for religious (or non-religious) individuals than those that fall under the heading of human genetic engineering. These advances have the potential to cure human diseases, remove undesirable human traits, and enhance desirable human traits, not only for the present generation but also for future generations. This element serves as an introductory overview of these advancements, the ethical concerns they raise, and the lines of reasoning, including religious lines of reasoning, used to support or challenge these advances. The author's goal is to suggest a way of assessing these advances that will provide us, whether religious or not, with a solid basis for deciding these issues for ourselves and engaging in respectful, constructive dialogue with others.

Human genetic engineering is a rapidly evolving field that has the potential to revolutionize medicine and society. It involves the manipulation of human genes to modify or enhance certain traits, such as intelligence, physical abilities, and disease resistance. While genetic engineering has many potential benefits, it also raises important ethical questions and concerns.

One of the primary ethical concerns with genetic engineering is the issue of consent. In many cases, genetic modifications may be performed on individuals without their explicit consent. This raises questions about the autonomy of individuals and the potential for abuse or exploitation. Additionally, there are concerns about the potential for genetic discrimination, as individuals with certain genetic traits may be stigmatized or discriminated against.

Another ethical concern with genetic engineering is the issue of unintended consequences. While genetic modifications may be intended to improve certain traits, there is always the risk of unintended side effects. These side effects may be harmful to individuals or to future generations. For example, genetic modifications may increase the risk of cancer or other genetic disorders.

There are also concerns about the ethical implications of genetic engineering for social and economic inequality. Genetic modifications may be available only to those who can afford them, leading to further disparities in healthcare and access to education and employment opportunities. Additionally, there are concerns about the potential for genetic engineering to exacerbate existing social and economic inequalities, such as those based on race, gender, and class.

Despite these ethical concerns, there are also many proponents of genetic engineering. They argue that it has the potential to cure diseases, improve human health, and enhance human well-being. They also argue that genetic engineering can be used to address social and economic inequalities, by providing access to genetic therapies and treatments for those who cannot afford them.

In conclusion, human genetic engineering is a complex and controversial field that raises important ethical questions and concerns. While it has many potential benefits, it is important to carefully consider the ethical implications of genetic engineering and to ensure that it is used in a responsible and ethical manner. This requires a commitment to transparency, consent, and ethical oversight, as well as a recognition of the potential for unintended consequences and social and economic inequalities.

ISBN-13: 9781009467889