God and Human Genetic Engineering

This Element shows how ought we respond to the increasing ability of science to permanently change humanity through genetic engineering.

David Basinger (Author)

9781009467889, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 21 December 2023

72 pages
23.5 x 15.9 x 1 cm, 0.25 kg

Science and Religion have often intersected on issues. However, no set of current scientific advances is more promising and problematic for religious (or non-religious) individuals than those that fall under the heading of Human Genetic Engineering, as these advances have the potential not only to cure human disease, remove undesirable human traits, and enhance desirable human traits but to pass on these modifications to future generations. This Element is an introductory overview of these advances, the ethical issues they raise, and the lines of reasoning, including religious lines of reasoning, used to support or challenge these advances. The author's goal is to suggest a way of assessing these advances that will give us, whether religious or not, a solid basis for deciding these issues for ourselves and engaging in respectful, constructive dialog with others.

1. Science and religion: is there a conflict?
2. Genetic engineering and religious belief: how ought we view their relationship?
3. Genetic engineering: an overview
4. Genetic engineering: humans
5. Genetics and human reproduction
6. Germline human genetic editing
7. Genetic engineering: how ought we think about all this?
8. How should we decide these issues for ourselves?
9. How can we most productively engage in dialog with others on these issues?
10. Where is god in all this?

Subject Areas: Philosophy of religion [HRAB]