What does the Bible say about genetic engineering?

Answer 1

The Bible has nothing to say about Genetic Engineering. After all, this would have been a totally foreign concept to the biblical authors. Having said that, the Bible is a highly complex collection of Books and it is always possible for a reader to 'find' whatever meaning he wishes to find in it. Just because the Bible has nothing to say about Genetic Engineering does not mean we can not, or should not, take a moral stand if that is what we believe. There are many issues of moral and ethical importance in the world today, about which good people of all faiths or no faith must take a stand. While the Bible obviously does not mention Genetic Engineering (GE) specifically, there are some general principles taught that Christians may be following in their approach to this issue. A Christian who was pro-genetic engineering may feel that the principles of dominion would apply. A Christian who was concerned about the use of GE technology would feel that the issue of stewardship over the earth and the unknown outcome on the whole delicate and intricate food chain would be a guiding principal here. Also, the motivation behind the technology may be seen to be greed and selfish gain at the expense of others, both of which are against the teachings of the Bible. In either case, Christians do have to study the issue and to decide for themselves how it fits in with these general principles. They have the freedom to decide accordingly to the best of their ability.

Answer 2

All Christians do not view genetic engineering the same, and not all Christians support or oppose genetic engineering based solely on their Christian beliefs, so there is not one unique Christian opinion on genetic engineering.

One Christian's View:

God gave us dominion over a diverse and beautiful world for our benefit and enjoyment. The stated aim of those who conduct genetic engineering is to produce more and more and more and more and more by merging one species with another. Why do we think we can do better than God and is diversity not essential?

In regard to Christianity we all answer to God for our actions. Even though we have been given ownership right to creation we are responsible for handing it on to future generations. To show how serious this responsibility is it has been said that when Cain killed Abel he killed all the future generations who could claim Abel as their ancestor. That would amount to millions and millions of people. So we have to answer for all future generations and as Shakespeare said "The evil that men do lives after them, the good is oft interred with their bones"

Scripture says "Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you shall eat or what you shall drink, nor about your body, what you shall put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add one cubit to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin; yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O men of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the Gentiles seek all these things; and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things shall be yours as well.(Matthew Ch 6)

Another Christian's view:

My Christian views tell me that God knew what He was doing when He set nature up to produce "after its kind" (vertical breeding) and that we may very well be messing with something that we should not when genetic engineering is used to remove DNA from one organism and place it in another (horizontal breeding). Beyond that, all the opposing views on the safety of GMOs, the questionable practices in the regulation of GMOs in the U.S., the fact that there is so much opposition of labeling foods that contain GMOs by the producers of GMO crops and foods, and many other factors unrelated to Christian views tells me that there are valid concerns concerning genetic engineering whether we have Christian views or not.

Answer 3

There is no single opinion among Christians on this subject. Some Christians are strongly opposed to all forms of genetic engineering, but the National Council of Churches adopted a resolution that the effort to use genetics to improve on nature is not inherently wrong.

Naturally, there are different ethical considerations that apply to genetic engineering in agriculture versus humans.

This is a complex subject which encompasses many ethical questions and there is a wide range of opinion among Christian denominations. There is no "yes or no" answer.

Answer 4

Christians are against genetic engineering because they believe by doing this we are taking up the role of god. They also believe that genetic engineering is changing god image and how god created humans and other, living organism's.

Answer 5

It is not a case of Christians supporting stem cells. Stem cells exist, they are a matter of fact. What some Christians don't support is some of the research done with them and the destruction of human embryos in order to access them.

Answer 6

Anglican's have yet to defined their view on cloning, however they have acted to uphold the dignity of human life however small it maybe.