To use picture
clues, media clips
and Biblical quotes
to understand
more about
Christian
attitudes to
genetic
engineering.
Grade C
All will be able to outline the
different Christian views both
FOR and AGAINST genetic
engineering.
Grade B
Most will be able to explain the
views of Christians on using
genetic engineering for the
purpose of cloning and
creating ‘designer babies’.
Grade A/A*
Some will be able to express an
opinion on Christian attitudes
to genetic engineering
comparing them to their own
views.
Are these Statements For or Against Genetic Engineering?
It offers the prospect of cures for currently incurable diseases
It is being done in other countries and so is available to those rich enough to
travel and pay for treatments
Researchers have too little information about the long-term consequences
Research into stem cell cloning would only use embryos until it was easier to use
adult cells
It has effects which would be irreversible, so if anything went wrong it would be
permanent
Genetic research is an integral part of medical research and is bound to include
some genetic engineering
It places too much power in the hands of scientists who could use genetic
engineering to act like Dr Frankenstein to produce scientifically created humans
Genetic Engineering treats the human body as a commodity no different from
plants
It offers the possibility of people having to be genetically screened before getting
life insurance, jobs etc.
Genetic research is closely monitored by the law, but has vast potential benefits
F? A?
Complete PAGE 63
QUESTION 1 – think back to
last lessons to help you 
There are two main attitudes to genetic
engineering in Christianity. One attitude is that it
is COMPLETELY UNACCEPTABLE and the other is
that it is ACCEPTABLE WITHIN LIMITS.
Complete the table in your worksheet booklet using the
cards you have been given – when you have finished with
the card you are using swap it for a different one.
Genetic engineering is
ACCEPTABLE because...
Genetic engineering is
NOT ACCEPTABLE because…
EXTENSION: Can you add in
any EXAMPLES to expand those
points?
Why Christians may ACCEPT genetic engineering...
Some Christians would argue they
have been given control over the
world and everything in it, including
the genes of themselves, plants and
animals.
For these Christians forms of
genetic engineering such as GM
foots is taking ‘dominion’ and is
acceptable as long as it does not
cause harm to the environment.
Why Christians may ACCEPT genetic engineering...
Some Christians would argue that
genetic engineering follows the
Golden Rule of Jesus. It is also
showing good stewardship (care) of
living things.
For some Christians this would mean
genetic engineering is acceptable
when it is to cure a painful disease
or disorder.
Why Christians may ACCEPT genetic engineering...
It can be used to feed many
people especially in parts of the
world where food is scarce.
Genetic engineering allows Christians
to care for the world, by increasing
the amount of crops that plants give
so we can ensure that no one starves.
Why Christians may ACCEPT genetic engineering...
The bible teaches that Jesus healed many
people, which suggests Christians should
do all they can to heal and improve the
health of human beings.
Genetic engineering allows
Christians to follow the
teachings and actions of Jesus
by helping those who are sick
and in pain.
Why Christians may OPPOSE genetic engineering
Only God can create life
and humans should not be
‘playing God’.
Christians who believe this disagree
with any type of genetic engineering
including GM crops as is it
tampering with God’s creation.
Why Christians may OPPOSE genetic engineering
Some Christians such as Roman
Catholics believe life begins at
conception and see an embryo
as a ‘person’ so genetic
engineering involving embryos
is WRONG.
Genetic engineering sometimes
involved ‘discarding’ embryos
which would be seen by some
Christians as a form of abortion
and therefore as murder.
Why Christians may OPPOSE genetic engineering
And God created humans in his image. In the image of
God he created them. Male and female he created
them. Genesis 1:27
Everyone was created by God
in God’s image to be individual
and unique and genetic
engineering goes against this.
Most Christians would be opposed to
genetic engineering that correct
‘defects’ which do not cause
suffering as this is being short
sighted and going against our
individuality.
Why Christians may OPPOSE genetic engineering
St.Paul said the body is the
‘Temple of the Holy Spirit’
so we should not interfere
with it.
Most Christians would be opposed
to genetic engineering because it
would make a person different to
how God wanted them to be; it
would be sinful to play around
with God’s creation.
This a segment from the Bible taken from the book of PSALMS
- Read it carefully...
FOR or AGAINST genetic engineering?
This quote is also taken from the BIBLE - Read it carefully...
FOR or AGAINST genetic engineering?
Grade C
All will be able to
outline the
different Christian
views both FOR
and AGAINST
genetic
engineering.
Christian attitudes to CLONING…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tbxN5uwaqA
Based
on what
you have
What
is the
learnt this lesson
and in
difference
between
previous lessons answer
stem
cell
cloning
and
the following PAGE 62
reproductive
cloning?
QUESTION
2
FROM A CHRISTIAN
Approx
how far away
PERSEPCTIVE
are
(if
youwe
arefrom
not a human
Christian
pretend
you are)
cloning?
Christian attitudes to DESIGNER BABIES...
http://www.youtube.com/v/2ixEDLa3Jlc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oZHfPAugWAE
What are the
ADVANTAGES ?
• You can ensure your child is
born free from disease or
disability.
•You have control over your
offspring – gender, looks etc –
it is not down to chance.
Why might
Christians OPPOSE
this?
• It is ‘Playing God’
• God created everyone in
His own image to be unique
• It goes against the plan
and will of God
Grade B
Most will be able to
explain the views
of Christians on
using genetic
engineering for
the purpose of
cloning and
creating ‘designer
babies’.
http://www.truetube.co.uk/ethics-and-religion/moral-decisions/perfect-human
What do you
think?
Are designer
babies
ETHICAL?
Grade A/A*
Some will be able to
express an opinion
on Christian
attitudes to
genetic engineering
comparing them to
their own views.
Sum up today’s lesson in
30 WORDS or less.