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 PrintableVersion Life in our handsA Christian perspective on genetics and cloningRipped genes?LIFE IN OUR HANDS Rapid advances in genetic engineering and novel reproductive technologies have left the public somewhat bewildered and struggling to keep up, and Christians in particular understandably anxious that the science is progressing too fast to allow adequate biblical and ethical reflection. In this book the authors, one a biological scientist and the other a doctor and ordained minister, give an excellent and up-to-date overview of these advances, together with a biblically based assessment of the complex ethical issues involved. One of the many strengths of this book is the way in which the first four chapters are used to set the scene, with a helpful discussion on the impact of modernism and postmodernism on private and public morality; an introduction to the nature and practice of science; followed by chapters on what it means for humans to be made in the image of God and on the way in which the Judaeo-Christian view of the world nurtures an attitude of responsible stewardship towards the created order. This allows the authors to then discuss the science and its applications within a solidly biblical framework rather than, as often happens in books of this type, describing the science first and then writing a 'biblical response' afterwards. The chapters that follow describe how genetic modification is carried out in both plants and animals, together with an explanation of the Human Genome project, the applications of genetics in medicine, and a discussion of the controversial areas of genetic modifications of humans, stem-cell therapy and reproductive human cloning. The authors provide clear and accurate explanations of the science involved, illustrated in a way that is accessible to the non-specialist, so do not imagine that you need a degree in biology before you can benefit from this book. A glossary to explain technical words is also provided. Effective Christian commentary on these topics has sometimes been hindered by misunderstandings concerning the scope and limitations of the science involved, but this pitfall is avoided by Bryant and Searle, who provide plenty of references for those who wish to follow up specific questions in more detail. A further strength is that the authors do not duck the difficult questions, reviewing the possible ethical positions objectively and sympathetically, but do not hesitate in addition to state their own personal conclusions. On occasion the authors are frank in emphasising that they themselves do not agree on a specific question. This itself is important because sometimes Christians can take very dogmatic positions on these issues, defending one particular ethical position as if it were a fundamental point of Biblical doctrine. In contrast Bryant and Searle emphasise that there is room for valid disagreement amongst Christians on some of the thornier questions. Without doubt this is the best recent book on genetics and cloning, written for a general readership, to come from an evangelical publisher. It is thoroughly recommended. Denis Alexander, © Evangelicals Now - October 2004 |
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