GENETIC ETHICS: DO THE ENDS JUSTIFY THE GENES?
The third volume in the Center’s Horizons in Bioethics Book Series will be available in July, 1997. The Table of Contents and selected excerpts from the book are included below:
Editors’ Preface
John F Kilner, MDiv, PhD
Rebecca D Pentz, PhD
Frank E Young, MD, PhD
Introduction: The Experience of Genetic Challenges
The Riddle of Suffering - David B Biebel, DMin
The Disease of Isolation - Markie Jackson
The Search for Shalom - Hessel Bouma, Ill, PhD
Part I: Genetic Perspective
1. Eugenics in Historical and Ethical Perspective - Arthur J Dyck, PhD
2. Technology, History, and Worldview - Nancy R Pearcey, MA
3. God’s Sovereignty and Genetic Anomalies - Michael S Beates, MDiv
4. Playing God - Allen D Verhey, BD, PhD
5. Reducing People to Genetics - Henk Jochemsen, PhD
6. Resisting Reductionism by Restoring the Context - V Elving Anderson, PhD
Part II: Genetic Information
7. The Human Genome Project - Francis S Collins, PhD, MD
8. Behavioral and Germ-Line Genetic Research - Leroy B Walters, PhD
9. The Incentive of Patents - Stephen Sherry, JD
10. Genetic Testing and Confidentiality - C Christopher Hook, MD
11. Prenatal Genetic Testing, Abortion, and Beyond - Scott B Rae, PhD
12. Genetic Counseling - Elizabeth J Thomson, RN, MA
13. The Educational Challenge - Martha Newsome, DDS
Part Ill: Genetic Intervention
14. Genetic Therapy - Frank E Y ng, MD, PhD
15. A Theological Basis for Genet Intervention - John S Feinberg, ThM, PhD
16. Ethical Standards for Genetic Intervention - James C Peterson, MDiv, PhD
17. The Case of Human Growth Hormone - Donal P O’Mathuna, PhD
18. Contemporary Christian Responsibility – Charles W Colson, JD
19. The Church and the New Genetics - C Ben Mitchell, MDiv, PhD (cand.)
20. Ministry among People with Genetic Challenges - Marsha D M Fowler, RN, MDiv, PhD
Eugenics in Historical and Ethical Perspective Arthur J Dyck, PhD
There surely is a way to describe genetically-disadvantaged individuals in a way that inspires hope and does not taint. We can say they are “worthy of life”; they are “loved by God”; they are our neighbors whom we love; they are our neighbors who can love us and can have the high privilege of loving God. And for those who seek God, there is a Gospel beyond any genetic gospel, freely offered, without coercion, of a new life in Christ now, and, beyond all diseases and corruptions of our mortal bodies, forever.
God’s Sovereignty and Genetic Anomalies Michael S Beates, MDiv
Though the truth of Scripture cannot dull the pain caused by the occurrence of genetic anomalies, when we grasp the truth of God’s sovereignty we begin to understand that pain and suffering are never wasted in God’s plan. Indeed, his most important lessons are taught in the wilderness and through affliction and tribulation. God works through the fallenness of this world—a fallenness for which humanity has genuine responsibility—to bring about ultimate good. Meanwhile, in genetic anomalies we have an opportunity to experience the truth of Jesus’ words to Paul: ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness’ (2 Cor 12:9).
Resisting Reductionism by Restoring the Context V Elving Anderson, PhD
Many who are fascinated by recent developments in genetics are also wisely fearful lest our humanity be reduced to biochemistry. DNA and genes carry out their function in a broad and complex context. Restoring that context will provide an essential safeguard against a simplistic reductionism. Scientists who carry out genetic research, as well as others who care for those with genetic problems, must play key roles here by recognizing the context for their work. In this effort a biblical view of stewardship provides incentive and guidance.
The Incentive of Patents Stephen Sherry, JD
Consistent with the current law, a genetically altered human being would not be considered a human being. The patent law has already recognized that a genetically altered mouse is distinct from a naturally occurring, non-altered mouse. That same distinction may be sufficient for opening the door to the granting of a patent on genetically altered human life... Now is the appropriate time to explore circumscribing the reach of the patent laws, rather than waiting until we are faced with the arrival of scientific reality—and the vested interest of a biotech industry eager to generate profit from the commercial application of genetically engineered inventions.
Genetic Testing and Confidentiality C Christopher Hook, MD
The finding of a genetic predisposition to a serious illness such as Huntington’s Disease or cancer can produce a tremendous change in a person’s life and evoke significant emotional responses. While we all know that we are going to die, we nevertheless are very concerned about how we will die. The thought of being transformed by a severely dementing illness or enduring the ravages of metastatic cancer is frightening, even to those of us who know our eternal future is secure in Christ’s hands.
Prenatal Genetic Testing, Abortion, and Beyond Scott B Rae, PhD
Though it is legitimate for parents to want every advantage for their children, seeking such advantage must not come at the expense of the unconditional acceptance that ultimately gives children their greatest advantage. To the degree that prenatal testing encourages a way of thinking that undercuts parental love and acceptance toward children, society should resist its routine use. For the Christian, testing should be employed for preparation, not abortion. Disabled people are already too marginalized, without the added burden of prenatal testing designed to exclude them from life itself.
Ministry among People with Genetic Challenges Marsha D M Fowler, RN, MDiv, PhD
A ministry of shalom is incarnational in that it embraces the whole of life, on good days and evil days, in health or in brokenness, and reclaims a tragic view of life. A tragic view of life recognizes that there will be suffering on this side of eternity; it is the unavoidable lot of every mortal. Yet, we are not to deal with suffering as a problem, or as something to be mastered (or shunned), but as an experience, wherein we accompany one another in that experience. We, the family of faith who embrace those who suffer, are to bring our true selves and our God into the presence of the one who suffers.