Two key technologies known as gene splicing and polymerase chain reaction gave rise to a scientific phenomenon known as genetic engineering (Wright 196). Genetic engineering has shaken the world of scientists everywhere and has opened doors to a future that has never before been considered. It is clear that the world of medicine and agriculture have been revolutionized by genetic engineering while carrying serious risks and factors. Christians must recognize the fine line of looking to understand God’s work and overstepping his biological boundaries.
The discovery of recombinant DNA in 1986 (Wright 196) revolutionized and vastly improved the medical and agricultural field in ways never thought possible to mankind. Before recombinant DNA, patients …show more content…
For example, the survival rate of embryos that undergo genetic engineering is 1 – 30% which results in a high volume of animals required to successfully create a genetically modified animal that is of scientific significance (Ormandy, Dale & Griffin 2011). This challenge the Three R’s principle and scientists have yet to create a genetic engineering procedure that is both successful and effective(Ormandy, Dale & Griffin 2011). Along with advancements, there has been a rapid increase of use of genetically modified animals for research or creation of (Ormandy, Dale & Griffin 2011). Another widespread issue is the revival an extinct species that does not belong in this era would cause devastating events for not only the organism but for humans as well. Ecosystems have changed and current biomes may not be able to accommodate the needs of the organisms if it is revived (Minteer 2014). If the organism could adapt to today’s ecosystems, scientists must ask how it would alter current food chains (Minteer 2014). If it consumed a keystone species in order to survived, the entire ecosystem could collapse causing a large number of extinctions (Minteer 2014). The technology and ability to revive a species raises a concern in which people would be less inclined to care about human impact on the environment because a species could be revived at moment’s notice (Minteer …show more content…
Recombinant DNA can be thought of mankind’s attempt to understand the work of God; as Wright states “both good and evil can proceed from this knowledge” (209). “Jesus went through all the towns and villages… healing every disease and sickness” Matthew 9:35. Treatments developed by genetic engineering allows mankind to follow in Jesus’ footsteps by helping those in need. While genetic engineering aims to improve nutrition in crops and heal the sick, the industry has heavily commercialized these technologies and are driven by profit (Wright 209). Despite the goodness that arose from genetic engineering, scientist continue to venture closer to the line that must never be crossed and could eventually violate the sacredness of God’s work. Just as genetic disorders can be easily found, information gathered from research can be easily misused (Wright 207) . For example, the manipulation of genes of a fetus in order to create the “perfect child” (Wright 173). Such an act is a direct violation to God’s work. The rhesus monkey for example demonstrates how easy it is to cross the biological boundaries that God has established (Wright 206). Each and every individual was created as to how God envisioned them and to attempt to change their genetic material to suit one’s tastes is unethical and
The discovery of recombinant DNA in 1986 (Wright 196) revolutionized and vastly improved the medical and agricultural field in ways never thought possible to mankind. Before recombinant DNA, patients …show more content…
For example, the survival rate of embryos that undergo genetic engineering is 1 – 30% which results in a high volume of animals required to successfully create a genetically modified animal that is of scientific significance (Ormandy, Dale & Griffin 2011). This challenge the Three R’s principle and scientists have yet to create a genetic engineering procedure that is both successful and effective(Ormandy, Dale & Griffin 2011). Along with advancements, there has been a rapid increase of use of genetically modified animals for research or creation of (Ormandy, Dale & Griffin 2011). Another widespread issue is the revival an extinct species that does not belong in this era would cause devastating events for not only the organism but for humans as well. Ecosystems have changed and current biomes may not be able to accommodate the needs of the organisms if it is revived (Minteer 2014). If the organism could adapt to today’s ecosystems, scientists must ask how it would alter current food chains (Minteer 2014). If it consumed a keystone species in order to survived, the entire ecosystem could collapse causing a large number of extinctions (Minteer 2014). The technology and ability to revive a species raises a concern in which people would be less inclined to care about human impact on the environment because a species could be revived at moment’s notice (Minteer …show more content…
Recombinant DNA can be thought of mankind’s attempt to understand the work of God; as Wright states “both good and evil can proceed from this knowledge” (209). “Jesus went through all the towns and villages… healing every disease and sickness” Matthew 9:35. Treatments developed by genetic engineering allows mankind to follow in Jesus’ footsteps by helping those in need. While genetic engineering aims to improve nutrition in crops and heal the sick, the industry has heavily commercialized these technologies and are driven by profit (Wright 209). Despite the goodness that arose from genetic engineering, scientist continue to venture closer to the line that must never be crossed and could eventually violate the sacredness of God’s work. Just as genetic disorders can be easily found, information gathered from research can be easily misused (Wright 207) . For example, the manipulation of genes of a fetus in order to create the “perfect child” (Wright 173). Such an act is a direct violation to God’s work. The rhesus monkey for example demonstrates how easy it is to cross the biological boundaries that God has established (Wright 206). Each and every individual was created as to how God envisioned them and to attempt to change their genetic material to suit one’s tastes is unethical and