Genetic Engineering
Ray Bohlin, Ph.D.
Probe Ministries
rbohlin@probe.org
www.probe.org
Biblical Principles
• Genesis 1:26-28
• Created in God’s Image
• Therefore we are distinct from the
animals
• We are fallen creatures.
• Our imperfections are used by God.
• Exhortation to be fruitful and
multiply
Naturalistic/Evolutionar
y Principles
• An organism’s sole purpose is to
survive and reproduce
• We are just another animal species
• We are defined by our genes and how
they interact with the environment.
• The species persists through time.
• We are just a vehicle for the
reproduction of DNA.
What is a Gene?
• The gene is the basic unit of
heredity. Genes determine our hair,
eye and skin color.
• A gene is a stretch of DNA which
codes for a specific protein.
• Proteins perform, regulate, or
influence all our bodily functions.
What is the Human
Genome Project?
• An organism’s genome consists
of all its genes.
• The Human Genome Project is a
multinational research project
to determine the sequence of all
3 x 109 base pairs and hence all
human genes.
What is genetic
engineering?
• GE is defined as the manipulation or
alteration of the genetic structure of
a single cell or organism.
• This refers to the deliberate addition,
deletion, or intentional mutation of
an organism’s DNA sequence to
produce a desired result.
What is genetic
engineering?
• More commonly it involves the
transfer of a gene from one
organism to another.
• This is neither good nor evil, the
nature of the experiments
themselves will determine the
moral content.
Are we playing God?
• Difficult phrase to understand.
• Some are simply expressing
awe and wonder at our power.
• For some it means taking over
“God Only” activity.
• Often used to express fear and
ignorance
Are we playing God?
• Being good stewards of God’s
creation requires knowledge of
His creation.
• Part of being created in God’s
image is our creativity.
• In this sense we “Play God” by
imitating Him.
Is it wrong to combine genes
from different species?
• One gene does not define a
species. DNA is not alive.
• We have created many “new”
creatures by selective breeding
and artificial selection such as
dogs, cattle, mules, wheat and
corn.
Is it wrong to combine genes
from different species?
• What is different with GE is the
precision with which the
changes can be made. But the
change is also more limited.
• Creating crops that are naturally
and safely resistant to disease
and pests is a worthy goal.
• One case at a time.
Is it wrong to combine genes
from different species?
• However, intentionally
manipulating genes to produce a
new and more virulent
bacterium or virus is a hideous
evil.
• Proper tests must be carried out
before using genetically
engineered organisms.
Is it wrong to place human
genes in an animal?
• Once again, one gene does not a
human make. A gene is a molecule of
DNA.
• Transgenic pigs have been made to
produce human Factor VIII, a bloodclotting agent needed by
hemophiliacs.
• But human/chimp transgenic
organisms designed to begin
deciphering the difference between
humans and chimps is a different
story.
Is it OK to use animals to
produce human organs?
• In Genesis 3:21 the Lord used
animals skins to make clothes for
Adam and Eve.
• In Gen. 9:3 He gave permission to
use animals for food.
• We’ve used spleens of pigs for insulin
for diabetics.
• Seems no difference in using animals
for organs.
Should GE be used for
curing genetic diseases?
• Curing genetic diseases should be
approached cautiously.
• The Church has traditionally been
about the business of healing.
• At first, only lethal conditions should
be researched for complications.
• Must approach with humility and
sensitivity towards those already
affected by these diseases.
• We will always have some
imperfections, but . . . .
Could GE produce a
dangerous superbug?
• In the early 70s molecular
biologists imposed a moratorium
and guidelines to guide GE.
• Fears of unexpected
consequences proved
groundless.
• A superbug could be produced
intentionally.
What about producing
superhumans or subhumans?
• The knowledge and techniques are
lacking.
• The genetic factors surrounding
athletic ability, intelligence,
appearance, and personality are still
a mystery.
• But what about 50-100 years from
now?
• The importance of worldview!
• Wilson and sociobiology.
Should I be able to determine
the sex of my child?
• Not a simple yes or no answer.
• If the determination is made after
fertilization, a negative result is only
rectified by abortion.
• But we can separate “y” sperm from
“x” sperm.
• Not much wrong , but little good
about it, even if preventing a sexlinked disease.
Is it ever OK to engineer
desired traits?
• Public opinion is currently against
this procedure.
• We live in a culture where personal
choice is idolized.
• We allow facelifts and tummy tucks
don’t we?
• Trying to limit GE to curing disease
is not as easy as it sounds.
Is it ever OK to engineer
desired traits?
• There will be hard cases and
choices.
• GATTACA
• A single gene in mice allows them to
learn faster, remember longer and
possess greater curiosity.
• But this same protein plays a role in
the consequences of strokes and
sensitizes the brain to heroin and
cocaine.
Do we have the right to change
our genetic make-up in any way?
• Our physical bodies do not define the
image of God.
• Correcting a genetic mutation does
not alter God’s image.
• However, transfer of sets of genes
designed to alter our physical,
emotional, intellectual, and spiritual
capacities are another story.
We Can No Longer Afford to Be
Ignorant of Genetic
Technologies
• While within Christian worldview we
are compelled to alleviate and relieve
suffering, we must do so with
humility.
• The effects of the Fall cannot be
completely reversed.
• Solving one problem often creates
another.
• Those still suffering from genetic
diseases cannot be made to feel less
than human.