What is a Christian view of genetic engineering?

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TL;DR:

Genetic engineering, including the modification of food, animals, and humans, raises ethical and spiritual questions. While the Bible doesn’t directly address this issue, it provides principles to guide Christians, emphasizing stewardship of creation, humility, and caution against overstepping God’s design.

from the old testament

  • In Genesis 1:28, God commands humanity to "fill the earth and subdue it," giving humans the responsibility of managing creation.
  • The curse on the ground due to sin resulted in toil and challenges in food production (Genesis 3:17-19), which genetic engineering might help address.
  • Prophecies of a restored creation such as the one in Isaiah 11:16 remind Christians that current suffering and disorder are temporary, pointing to the need for reliance on God’s ultimate plan.

from the new testament

  • Romans 8:22 tells us that all creation longs for God to restore what sin destroyed: "For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now." This highlights the brokenness of creation and humanity’s limited ability to repair it fully.
  • Colossians 1:16-17 reminds believers to trust in God’s sustaining power rather than solely in human ingenuity: "All things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together."
  • Christians must consider whether genetic engineering glorifies God or reflects human hubris. Believers are to do all they do for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31).

implications for today

God put man in charge of creation from the beginning (Genesis 1:28; 2:15-20). Creation "fell" when man did. Our sin literally plunged all of creation into chaos. Animals suffer, kill, and eat one another because of man's sin; this is not their natural state (Isaiah 11:6; 65:25). The ground produces thorns and thistles because of the fall of man, as a result of the curse (Genesis 3:17-19). Before sin, the Earth bore only healthy, perfect food. This will be the case again someday (Revelation 22:2). But for now, we know two things: humanity is responsible for weaknesses and cruelty in creation, and we are yet responsible to care for this world. Furthermore, our treatment of animal life is clearly a moral issue: "A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel" (Proverbs 12:10 KJV).

Some would argue that using genetic engineering is a way to help reverse some of the curse put upon creation. It can potentially be used to help ensure sustainable crops and access to food in areas that struggle with production. Perhaps genetic modification can prevent or cure diseases. Others argue that genetically modifying creation is overstepping the bounds and may even echo the fall in trying to take knowledge that was not meant for us (Genesis 3:1-5). Satan deceived Eve by saying that the forbidden fruit was good for gaining knowledge. Some argue that when we strive for scientific progress that crosses the boundary between natural and modified genetic structure, we are playing with fire, in terms of physical and spiritual health.

Again, the Bible does not directly address this issue. Christians should examine the scientific and spiritual implications to understand how they are called to interact with the topic of genetic engineering. Discernment is vital. Christians should evaluate genetic engineering based on biblical principles, prioritizing care for creation and reliance on God’s wisdom. Scientific advancements are tools, not ultimate solutions, and they must be used responsibly, with an awareness of their potential to harm as well as help.

The ethical question becomes even more serious when we consider genetic engineering as it applies to animal life, particularly human life. Should we attempt to genetically modify ourselves, even in the pursuit of improving human health or extending human life? Is this pursuit biblical? What does God say about any of this? The Bible does not directly address the issue of genetic engineering, but Scripture provides some perspectives that help us form an opinion. For a specific discussion on cloning, please see our article "What should be the Christian view of cloning?"

understand

  • Humans are responsible for stewarding creation but should avoid overstepping God's design.
  • Modifying anything that God created has implications.
  • Genetic engineering can address the effects of the fall but must be approached with humility and awareness of potential harm.

reflect

  • How does the idea of being a steward of creation impact your perspective on genetic engineering?
  • What are some potential risks or benefits of genetic engineering that you think are important to consider from a Christian viewpoint?
  • Where in your life can you practice humility and caution in relation to technological advancements?

engage

  • How can Christians balance the potential benefits of genetic engineering without overstepping God’s design?
  • What does it mean to "glorify God" in the context of scientific advancements like genetic engineering?
  • How can we ensure that the use of genetic engineering aligns biblical principles?