Abstract
The article dealt with implications of the human genome and the human genome diversity project. It examined some theological implications, such as: humans as the image of God, God as the creator of life, the changed role of miracles and healings in religion, the sacredness of nature, life and the genome. Ethical issues that were addressed include eugenics, germline intervention, determinism and the human genome diversity project. Economic and legal factors that play a role were also discussed. Whilst positive aspects of genome research were considered, a critical stance was adopted towards patenting the human genome and some concluding guidelines were proposed.
Highlights
Belief in miracles versus science?In the February 2001 issue of the scientific journal Nature, the Human Genome Project (HGP) announced that the ‘sequencing of human DNA was essentially complete’.1 The announcement hails the 21st century as the bio-age
Who would say no to the eradication of Down’s syndrome, Alzheimer’s disease, cystic fibrosis, cancer, AIDS, obesity and illness of whatever kind? Many claim that we have found the elixir of eternal youth; that this marks the beginning of the end of human disease
‘We have discovered the secret of life’, Francis Crick cried triumphantly when he and James Watson cracked the code of the DNA structure
Summary
Belief in miracles versus science?In the February 2001 issue of the scientific journal Nature, the Human Genome Project (HGP) announced that the ‘sequencing of human DNA was essentially complete’.1 The announcement hails the 21st century as the bio-age. DNA raises questions about human freedom and predetermination, both of them major issues in Christian theology, it affects health and illness, a key focus in religion, it concerns eschatology, the doctrine of the end time and the promise of life free from death, pain and tears and it touches on the doctrine that human beings will be given new bodies.
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