The ethical problems of genetic engineering of human beings

2020

There has been an age long conflict between religion and science. Thus many scientific breakthroughs have literally faulted some religious claims. In spite o f this, the symbiotic relationship between the duo cannot be overlooked. In o ther words, there is a recurring scholarly intercourse and intellectual romance between science and religion as established by scholars. This paper examines genetic engineer ing from a Chr istian perspective with emphasis on the prospect and burden of the innovation. I t is premised on Barbour’s model for the study of the interaction between Religion and Science, and Artigas’ Complementary Theory which emphasizes the harmonizing and dialoguing roles between science and religion. Using content analysis, this work delineates the blessing and woes of genetic engineer ing in the Christian context. Christianity for instance balances respect for human life and dignity of the human person on the one hand and the blessings of science in human development on t...

Studies in Science and Theology, vol. 9(2003–2004), ed. Ulf Görman, Willem B. Drees, Hubert Meisinger, Lunds Universitet, Lund 2004, pp. 127–143., 2004

It is widely acknowledged among science˗and˗theology thinkers – or at least desired – that we have left behind the era of conflict between science and religion. An approach which avoids conflict by pointing out that science and religion employ two different methodologies and therefore occupy two separate magisteria, is, however, unsatisfactory for both – the advocates of a fruitful dialogue between these two realms of human activity as well as the most vigorous opponents of possible conciliation, and the latter still speak of unavoidable conflict. One of the most widely known examples of a conflict between science and religion is the Galileo's case. It can be shown that in the clash between Galileo and the theologians of the time, the latter were right from the point of view of scientific methodology while they were wrong as far as their theological views are concerned. Does this lesson from the history imply any solutions in contemporary disputes over certain scientific achievements? Is it – for instance – a theological fault to impose some constraints on scientific research in genetic engineering? The ‘typology’ of errors committed in the Galileo’s case, offered in the paper, serve as a basis for answering these questions. In the paper it is suggested that a meta-theoretical approach to the interdisciplinary research, which shows the difference between the merits of given disciplines (in this case: science and theology) and the worldview they contribute to together, allows the acknowledgement that contemporary reservations with regard to genetic engineering and techniques are not in danger of committing a 'Galileo case type' error. It is suggested, that such reservations may stem from other than purely ethical opinions, which opens up an interesting field for discussion between those who do not share the same ethics, by leaving ethical arguments aside in discussions about biotechnology.

Philippiniana Sacra, 1998

The question of interpreting man as the imago dei has always been a discussion among religious faithful especially during the early epoch of the Patristic period. Various interpretations have come up trying to approximate its intentional meaning through modern biblical exegetical studies or in the light of contemporary trends in Christian Theologies. The goal of this essay is to explore the ethical nuances of genetic engineering in the light of an anthropological interpretation of the imago dei. In no way does this intend to lay down a categorical ethical judgment on certain technologies of gene manipulation, much less to resolve the controversies that abound. Likewise, it should be clear that this essay is not primarily or substantially an exercise of theological discussion and assessment, though there will always be theological allocutions. It aims to explore the theoretic framework that constitutes the backdrop of the ethic of genetic engineering, the backdrop which constitutes the context of our judgments in the concrete cases of technological application.

Summary In this article I would like to briefly describe some developments and techniques in genetic engineering. It focuses on the applications to human genes and the possibilities of genetics in the near future. On the basis of a few fragments of an article by Jim Leffel (13) I want to show the harmful influence of postmodern thinking in relation to the ethics regarding genetic engineering. Leffel approaches the developments mainly from the point of view of American society, but this is usually a harbinger of the developments in the West. It is high time for Christians to sound the alarm bell and look for biblical solutions and standpoints in this complex problem. Many Christians are insidiously infected by pragmatic postmodern thinking and are transformed into unbiblical thinking and assertion on this issue. Christian scientists, theologians, ethicists, apologists, social workers need to wake up and defend the biblical realism. This applies to many scientific and sociological developments, but certainly also to the ethics of genetic theology. This article tries to make a modest contribution to this.

2016

Virtually, every field of human endeavor is encapsulated in the trend of scientific progress. The indices of the present progress in science are such that we can begin to talk of science as being at its crescendo. However, with these advancements and conquests, questions arises as to if humanity is really happy? Nowadays, this idea of continuous progress is seriously challenged. There has been a basic tension between the awareness of the ‘limit of growth ’ and the idea of ‘continuous progress’. It is within this context that this piece attempts to make unique enquiries. It first understands what genetic engineering is all about. Having understood its content and objective, it raises questions about its moral sense, however, with particular reference to human cloning.

Islamic Ethics and the Genome Question, edited by Mohammad Ghaly. , 2019

The world has witnessed three important transformations. The first is the Dar-winian theory of evolution, which subverted the perception of the human an-thropological configuration and its origin.2 It was through this image that man occupied an exceptional position among the species and acquired his superiority and sacredness. The second transformation is the discovery of the movement of the earth whereby Copernicus destroyed the perception of geographical centrality or the way the geography of our world was known at that time. The third transformation lies in sophisticated biotechnology, which could be representative of the third decentering of our worldview3. Subjugation of our body and our life to biotechnology results in philosophical, ethical and religious issues related to human life and reflective of a specific vision of man and his nature, as well as the limits of dealing with, or disposing of, his body. These problematic issues include questions like: when does life begin? What criteria should be used to support the belief that the human being is human? Who should require ethical rights? Why do we consider life sacred? What effect does this have on the way we deal with the human being at various life stages? Historically, the abovementioned questions have been linked to the specific issue of abortion, although biotechnological developments have broadened the familiar potential of work to include reproduction and procreation. These

The ethical concerns surrounding genetic alteration/germ-line therapy certainly questions not only the meaning of its practice but also its purpose. Is it being used to rid eminent diseases? Is it being used to engineer a "better" human race in providing enhancements for non-medical use? What is really the ultimate goal of genetic alteration via germ-line therapy and furthermore, how does it really benefit society in the future? These are certainly the questions that will be further explored. These questions also truly have a resounding affect as these technologies are surely becoming more socially accepted. At this point, is it even a question of whether it should be practiced because, truthfully, these waves of biotechnical advances are garnering more acceptance as the usage of technology is ever advancing.

OGIRISI: a New Journal of African Studies, 2014

Human genetic in the area of Bio-ethics is a new, rapidly advancing Science. While genetic knowledge may be good per se, in itself, it can be put to good or bad use per secundi quid. In non-technical language, the author investigates Genetic Engineering within the context of its scientific orientation. Major areas of concern like feminist`s view on genetic engineering, shall be treated and finally we shall apply catholic moral teachings in an attempt to penetrate the ontos-logos or Kpim of the various genetic interventions.

2003