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Answer
Because genetic engineering was unknown at the time the Bible was written, it is challenging to find definitive references on that topic alone. To determine the Christian perspective on genetic engineering, we must establish a set of principles to evaluate it. For detailed information on the Christian stance on cloning, please refer to “What is the Christian view of cloning?”
The primary concern with genetic engineering is the extent of freedom humans can exercise in their duty to care for the human body and the rest of creation. The Bible clearly instructs us to take responsibility for our physical well-being. Proverbs mentions certain actions related to restoring an individual’s health «There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: But the tongue of the wise is health.», (Proverbs 12:18). The apostle Paul affirms our duty to care for our bodies «For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:», (Ephesians 5:29). He also advised his disciple, Timothy, to take medicinal measures for his ailments «Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach’s sake and thine often infirmities.», (1 Timothy 5:23). Believers are tasked with using their bodies properly as they are the temple of the Holy Spirit «What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?», (1 Corinthians 6:19,20) «For ye are bought with a price:»
Therefore, glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.” (1 Corinthians 6:19,20). We demonstrate our faith by providing assistance to those with physical needs: “If one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?” (James 2:16). As Christians, we should thus be mindful of the physical well-being of both ourselves and others.
According to Genesis 1:28; Genesis 2:15-20, humans were meant to care for creation. However, the Bible reveals that creation was affected by our sin (Genesis 3:17-19; Romans 8:19-21) and looks forward to redemption from sin’s consequences. It can be inferred that as stewards of creation, humans have a responsibility to address the impacts of sin and strive to restore harmony through any available means. Consequently, some argue that any scientific progress can be utilized to enhance creation. Nevertheless, there are reservations about employing genetic engineering for this purpose.
One concern is that genetic engineering may exceed the role assigned to us as caretakers of God’s creation. The Bible affirms that everything was created by God and for Him: “For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him” (Colossians 1:16). God ordained all living beings to reproduce according to their kinds.1. For specific “types” (Genesis 1:11-25). Excessive manipulation of genetics (modifying species) might involve meddling with matters designated for the Designer.
2. There is a worry about genetic engineering attempting to thwart God’s plan for the renewal of creation. As previously mentioned, creation was impacted by the events documented in Genesis 3 (humanity’s rebellion against God’s plan). Death entered the world, and the genetic composition of man and the rest of creation began shifting towards decay. In certain cases, genetic engineering could be viewed as an effort to reverse this consequence of sin known as the “curse.” God has indicated that He offers a solution for this—redemption through Jesus Christ, as outlined in Romans 8 and 1 Corinthians 15. Creation eagerly awaits a new beginning linked to the fulfillment of God’s pledge to restore things to a superior state than the original. Going “too far” to resist this process may conflict with individuals’ duty to rely on Christ for restoration «who will transform our lowly body, that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.», (Philippians 3:21).
3. There is a concern that genetic engineering could disrupt the God-ordained process of life. It appears evident from a broad examination of Scripture that God has a design for the life process. For instance, Psalm 139 portrays an intimate bond between the psalmist and his Creator from the womb. Would utilizing genetic manipulation to generate life outside of God’s plan endanger the formation of a God-conscious soul? Would interfering with the physical life process impact the potential for spiritual life? Romans 5:12 informs us that all humanity sins because Adam sinned. It is recognized that this entailed the transmission of the sin nature.E from generation to generation so that all have sinned “for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;”, (Romans 3:23). Paul explains the hope of eternity through the conquering of Adam’s sin. If all that are in Adam (from his seed) die, and Christ died for those in such condition, could life created outside of that “seed” be redeemed? “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.”, (1 Corinthians 15:22,23) “But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming.”, (1 Corinthians 15:22,23).
There is a concern that a bold pursuit of advances in genetic engineering is motivated by a defiance of God. Genesis 11:1-9 shows what happens when the creation attempts to exalt itself above the Creator. The people in Genesis 11 were unified, yet they were not submissive to God. As a result, God stopped their progress. God certainly recognized that there were some dangers involved with the direction in which the people were headed. We have a similar warning in Romans 1:18-32. There God describes individuals that have become so enamored with the creation (actually worshiping it instead of the Creator) that they were brought to destruction. The fear is that genetic engineering could foster similar motivations, and ultimately, similar results.
These are questions and issues for which we have no answers at present, but they are concerns, and they should be carefully considered by Christians attempting to adopt a view of genetic engineering.
