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Applications of Scriptural Principles to Genetic Engineering in Humans by Ryan Sand
Among the many and varied controversies frequently debated by modern ethicists is one that deals with the very core of human existence. Genetic engineering and modification of the human genome, though not currently feasible, will eventually be possible, and it is important that the technology be used in a way that is consistent with the Biblical principles that the United States was founded on. The principles that apply to genetic engineering are relevant not only to the modification of human genetic material, but also can speak to the controversy surrounding the genetic modification of edible plants, such as wheat, rice, and corn.
At the very heart of the issue of genetic engineering is the basic question of whether man has any right to alter what God has created. To discuss this question, it is first vital to determine one’s beliefs pertaining to the origins of man. Genesis 1:27 dissolves any controversy over this subject by stating, “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.” This verse makes it quite clear that humans were created by God, in God’s own image.
Man’s desire to modify himself comes from several different areas. The first of these is the fact that humans have do not have a complete acceptance of either themselves or their environment. Because many people, especially those with more liberal tendencies, believe that the weaker members of our species (such as the mentally disabled) should be eliminated before birth, a technology that could totally eradicate all physical weakness in humans seems like an excellent idea. However, it is important to remember what God said to Moses when he complained of being “verbally disabled.” Exodus 4:11 “And the Lord said unto him, Who hath made man's mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the Lord? 12 Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say.” Until Charles Darwin conceived the fallacy of evolution, the vast majority of the civilized world (Europe) acknowledged the fact that God creates each person at conception and crafts them exactly the way he wants them. In Psalms 119:73, David stated the following: “Thy hands have made me and fashioned me: give me understanding, that I may learn thy commandments.” It is a very basic Biblical principle that God makes no mistakes and does no wrong. Considering the fact that every person is specially designed by God, and fact that the Creator makes no mistakes, it is logical to assume that each person is designed exactly the way God intended.
Following the same line of reasoning, one can easily see why genetic engineering is opposed to God’s principles. For a theoretical example, let’s say that a person we’ll call X is conceived. We have already seen that God is the Creator and controls the makeup of each person. Therefore, it is logical to assume that person X is currently exactly how God wants him. If a doctor changed the genetic makeup of person X, then X would no longer be the person that God intended him to be.
The last paragraph illustrates the essence of why genetic engineering is not a medical technique that is consistent with Biblical principle. According to Scripture, God’s greatest creation is His people – each one created perfect in His image. Researchers and doctors have no right to attempt to alter the human species to try to make humans fit their idea of perfection.
The driving force behind genetic research has always been the desire to make humans stronger and more resistant to disease. If God had wanted humans to be immune to diseases, He either would have made us that way, or would not have made certain bacterium and viruses. It is ironic that seemingly as soon as researchers find cures or treatments for the worst known disease, they find out that there is something worse that needs to be dealt with. For example, penicillin was once hailed as the miracle drug that would end the reign of STDs and sicknesses like yellow fever and the plague. It worked for a while, but then certain types of bacteria became semi-immune to it and researchers were forced to find new drugs that were more effective. Also, many people are allergic to penicillin and other varieties of drugs derived from it, and must use other antibiotics. When God created the human body, he had no intention of making it free from all maladies.
From reading scripture, it does not appear that God wishes man to manipulate the very genetic code that He carefully crafted before declaring that “it was very good” (Genesis 1:31). The verses pertaining to both the origins of man and his Maker clearly show that man was created exactly how God wanted, and there is no scripture that indicates that humans should use their skills to manipulate themselves. Humans are God’s greatest creation, and it is important that we remain the people that God designed us to be.
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Have a nice day! - Ryan Sand (posted 8/29/03)
