Introduction
With the need to increase the global economy, the field of agriculture is one among the many that have been used to improve the commercial production to take care of the global needs for food and other products that are extracted from plants. This has been done through genetically modifying plants to enable them produce high-quality products and in high quantities. However, the move has been facing so much criticism from different religions in the world: Christians, Jews, and Buddhism. The arguments have been based on ethics and principles of the specific religions. Looking at the Christians point of view of genetic engineering, we will evaluate if religious beliefs should play a role in developing government policy towards genetic engineering.
Christianity’s take of Genetic Engineering
Christianity, the religion that constitutes different denominations, is one among many religions in the world that have differed sharply with genetic engineering. Thomas recorded that a denomination like the Seventh-Day Adventist (SDA) have ethical concerns on the sanctity of human life, protection of human dignity, acceptance of social responsibility, stewardship of God’s creation and also challenge genetic intervention based on truthfulness, prevention of suffering, freedom of choice, and fairness (Thomas 1).
Christians make their argument from the point from God’s creation. They view genetic engineering as an effort to alter God’s creation. They are opposed to the idea by basically considering some of the procedures taken, for example, as Epstein explained some human genes are used to modify the growth rate of plants like tomatoes and pepper, fish and pigs. The argument is that human beings were created in the likeness of God and that it is wrong for their genes to be modified or to be used to modify any other creation. This is seen as aiding God in his ongoing creation of the world (Epstein 1). However, some Christians who believe that they are co-creators have appreciated the fact that genetic engineering is part of creation.
Christian religious scholars are in the fore front to evaluate and advice fellow Christians on genetic engineering. They are dealing with the topic depending on each case as it appears. eNotes documented that:
Many religious organizations have responded to the use of genetic engineering to modify food by recognizing its potential for increasing the quality and quantity of food, but with cautions having to do with the viability of small farms, global inequities, the power of corporations in view of intellectual property rights, and the right of consumers to know what they are eating. (eNotes 1)
However, the greatest concern is based on the possible outcomes of generating traits that are not related to health like people with high economic or political power could get ways to improve themselves to the disadvantage of those who lack.
What Genetic Engineering is, its Advantages and Disadvantages
Genetic engineering is the manipulation of genes, to produce what a researcher has in mind. According to eNotes, plants “are genetically engineered to produce pharmaceutical products, to enhance their protein value as foods, to allow them to grow with less reliance on pesticides or fertilizers, to resist freezing or spoiling, to enhance flavor, or perhaps to grow in seawater” (1).
According to Organic Consumers Association, “those opposed to genetic engineering say it is wrong because it is ‘doing the work of God’ however, this is an over-simplified view: that ignores the benefits of genetic engineering we have been enjoying for many years” (1). Among the many benefits are:
- With genetic engineering, cure for diseases have been found and suffering has been alleviated from the world. An example is development of insulin.
- The study of genetic engineering has led to the human understanding of genetics which was a mystery before.
- Trees and plants could be modified to absorb more CO2 and reduce global warming (Biology Online 1)
- There is improvement in food production: genetically modified foods are produced within a short time and in large quantities even in areas that initially were unproductive (Friedrich 1).
- With genetic modification global commercialization of transgenic crops has improved the income from plants (Library 1).
Most concerns are from the below disadvantages.
- The effects caused on the environment by the gasses emitted by the GM plants are not reversible (Herring 153).
- Some genetic modified traits may not be reversible and may cause unpredicted consequences (Biology Online 1).
Conclusion
The question on whether religious beliefs should play a role in developing government policy towards genetic engineering can be viewed from both angles, from scientist and from religions. The scientist should consider the risks associated with a particular product, educate the consumers on the advantages and disadvantages of the product to enable religious consumers to be comfortable when using the products. The religions should also open to the opportunities that genetic engineering come up with like alleviating human suffering in food production and in the world of medicine. Therefore, there should be a state of balance between the two opposing forces to bring about harmony.
Works Cited
Biology Online. “Genetic Engineering Advantages & Disadvantages. Biology Online, 2011. Web.
eNotes. “Genetic Engeneering.” eNotes, 2011. Web.
Epstein, Ron. “Ethical and Spiritual Issues in Genetic Engineering.” San Francisco State University, 1998. Web.
Friedrich, Stiftung. (2001). “Impact of Genetic Engineering on Agriculture.” Friedrich, Stiftung, n.d. Web.
Herring, Mark. Genetic Engineering. New York, NY: Greenwood Publishing Group, 2006. Print.
Organic Consumers Association. “Is Genetic Engineering Morally Acceptable?” Biotechnology as Religion, 2011. Web.
Thomas, Robyn. “The Reconciliation of Science & Religion in Light of Human Genetic Engeneering Innovation.” The University of Alabama, 2004. Web.