Genetic Engineering in Medicine and its
Biblical Worldview
1. Area of Research of Interest
The topic of genetic engineering ad sequencing of human genes draws my
attention. This process involves the intentional manipulation and
modification of the genetic information of a living organism using
biotechnology. The technology allows for processes of modifying and
editing genes by processes like transferring genes across organisms to
elicit desired outcomes. Most recently, the process has started being
applied to human beings. Over the past years, the use of genetic
engineering in medicine has increased the life expectancy of individuals
by ensuring early detection and diagnosis of diseases and the creation of
remedies for some of the conditions. (LeMieux, 2018) This paper explores
genetic engineering in medicine and references the Bible to draw out its
Christian worldview in today’s society.
The incorporation of genetic engineering in the health sector has greatly
assisted in identifying and diagnosing diseases. (LeMieux, 2018) By
studying the human genes, the possibility of off sprigs developing some
congenital conditions can be easily avoided by couples at risk. Inheritable
conditions can also be diagnosed early and corrected in time. Because of
this sophisticated process, congenital disabilities have been easily
avoided.
Genetic engineering has also been used to detect and diagnose conditions
that involve human genes. (Lanigan et al., 2020) Conditions like diabetes
can now be detected early and managed in time. Other inheritable
conditions, like cancer, can also be detected in time. Genetic engineering
has also been utilized to create medications and hormones to treat
several conditions. This has been utilized in producing hormones like
insulin, used in the management of diabetes, and human growth
hormones, used in the management of dwarfism. Genetic engineering has
made disease detection and management easier and more efficient.
1. Biblical worldview of research in Genetic Engineering
Over the years, genetic engineering has posed both positive and negative
ideologies from the views of Christians. This section explores this area
from the view of the Bible.
Firstly, the Bible states that humans were created in the image and
likeness of God and that God mandated man to have dominion over all
creatures on earth. (American Bible Society, 2019) In this view, the Bible
confirms that humans are a special creation to God and that God allows
them to manipulate and control other creatures. Therefore, performing
genetic engineering on creatures on earth to improve the medical field is
acceptable by the Bible. Since humans have power and dominion over all
creatures, the actions of manipulation and use of the creature’s genetics
to better humanity are acceptable from a biblical worldview, which is
fundamental to genetic engineering.
Besides this, the Bible commands humans to do good to others and do
good to their neighbors to ensure harmony on several occasions.
(American Bible Society, 2019) The Bible also records instances where
prophets and Christ healed people from leprosy, blindness, and other
disabilities and even manipulated death. The Bible applauds these
happenings and commends the doers for doing good to others. Genetic
engineering acts to prevent inheritable conditions and manage conditions
already acquired. This helps the humans affected prevent disabilities and
live longer, healthier lives.
However, the Biblical worldview isn't entirely positive. Some hold to the
idea that it primarily led to man's punishment in the garden of Eden. God
had cautioned man from eating from the tree in the middle of the garden,
but the serpent convinced the woman that the tree would give her
knowledge. The woman, in turn, convinced Adam to partake in the fruits
of the tree as well. This led to their knowledge of good and bad. (American
Bible Society, 2019) Some would argue that increasing knowledge of
genetic engineering in medicine would eventually lead to sin as it did in
the garden of Eden.
In summary, there is a wide range of biblical views on the issue of genetic
engineering in medicine. Though most are good and in unity with the
Bible, some are the opposite. The potential of genetic engineering in the
detection, diagnosis, and management of diseases is large, and it's quite
difficult to stand with just one narrative of the biblical worldview. This is
also partly because it is constantly evolving as new technologies are
incorporated into the genetic engineering process.
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References
American Bible Society. (2019).7Holy Bible : Containing the Old and New
Testaments : King James Version.7American Bible Society.
Lanigan, T. M., Kopera, H. C., & Saunders, T. L. (2020). Principles of
Genetic Engineering.7Genes,711(3), 291.
https://doi.org/10.3390/genes11030291
LeMieux, J. (2018). Precision Medicine Looks beyond DNA
Sequences.7Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News,738(20), 1, 22, 24–
25. https://doi.org/10.1089/gen.38.20.02
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