Genetic Science: Blessings and Dangers

In earlier posts we began to examine some of the amazing developments in genetic science and technology. In general the inductive methods of modern scientists are relatively new. See The Intelligibility of Nature: How Science Makes Sense of the World by Peter Dear. Even the word scientist was unknown until coined by William Whewell in the middle of the 19th century. Prior to his time scientists were known as natural philosophers. For more details of this history check into The Philosophical Breakfast Club by Laura J. Snyder.

By definition science is the intellectual and practical activity encompassing the systematic study of the structure and behavior of the physical and natural world. This is done through systematic observation and experiment. The emphasis is upon systematic study. Modern scientists use a carefully devised system of inductive reasoning. They call it the scientific method. By using this method they move step by step into an ever deeper understanding of the natural world. Basically these steps are:

• Ask a question
• Do the necessary background research and observation
• Construct a hypothesis or theory as a starting point
• Test the hypothesis by experiment, trial and observation
• Analyze the data and draw conclusions
• Share your results with others working in the same field for critical review

Given that definition of the scientific method, there is no inherent or essential conflict with what God has revealed to us in His Word both about Himself and the world He created. As noted earlier, we are commanded by our Creator to "fill the earth and subdue it and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth" (Genesis 1:28). Problems arise when we must decide how to use the knowledge gained by our study of the natural world in which we live. After all, we are responsible, first to our Creator and to His plans for His creation. Then we are responsible to one another. This is but another way of saying that we are to "Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might" (Deuteronomy 6:5) and "love your neighbor as yourself" (Leviticus 19:18). We must make ethical and moral decisions based upon what our Creator has revealed about how we are to fulfill these duties to love Him and our neighbors. 


For the purposes of this blog I focus particularly upon 

• Molecular medicine, including practices involving stem cell research and genetic therapy for humans and animals, personal genomics and the mapping of single nucleotide polymorphisms, and efforts to extend the longevity of human life to as much as three times today’s average. 

• Procreative activities, including prenatal testing and screening, assisted reproductive technologies, preimplantation genetic diagnoses, and the artificial creation of new life forms (synthetic biology). 

• And the social impact of the research and activities in the above fields, including discrimination based on genetic profiling, the practice of eugenics, and beliefs in genetic determinism

I will not discuss the commercial and legal applications of DNA testing and the patenting of genetic material and research processes. Nor do I plan to say anything about the military use of biological weapons and DNA identification of battlefield casualties. Others are better equipped to deal with these issues than am I.

As you can see from this brief list, developments in genetic science present us with some astounding possibilities. Already we are seeing the blessed fruits of this research in dealing, for instance, with various types of cancer. Yet genetic science research carries the potential for some terrifying personal and social evils. Michael Crichton illustrated this again and again in his fiction and non-fiction works (e.g. Jurrasic Park, The Andromeda Strain, Westworld, The Terminal Man, State of Fear, Prey, Next, etc.).

Since we humans bear the Image of God and are commanded to reflect our faith and trust in Him in all we say and do, we dare not make decisions about genetic science based solely upon our interests. Our decisions must be made with respect to the larger human community and to promote the abundance of our planet. Sadly, however, as Crichton and others demonstrate, self-interest and outright rebellion against the Creator persist in every area of human activity, also in the use of genetic science. We'll start looking at specific examples of this sad phenomenon next time.