Continuation of the previous thread that pointed out funny Religion is opposed to human improvement,finding it an insult to Gawds work.

And here,another aspect of this - Primitive Religion sabotaging science,a science that aims to target and eliminate once and for good our biggest flaw as a species,and this is genetic diseases and anomalies.




The Human Genome Project (HGP) is giving us a bird’s-eye view into our genes, the very blueprints of our bodies. As genetic knowledge increases, questions are being raised regarding the proper scope and limits of both science and medicine. Genetic science is on the verge of not only discovering possible cures for previously incurable diseases, but also bringing humanity to the brink of a “Brave New World.” Now is the time for Christians to become involved in the ongoing debate regarding the HGP and genetics. Genetic technology will not wait.

In the past decade, the discipline of human genetics has undergone nothing short of a revolution. With the implementation of the Human Genome Project (see accompanying sidebar), the knowledge of genes and how they work in human development is growing at an exponential rate. Disturbingly, this overwhelming growth in knowledge goes unappreciated by most laypeople, including Christians.
Genetic engineering is an extremely controversial issue without even considering the view of religions. Genetic engineering is when genes of a living thing are altered to create a variation, often beneficial, in that species and its future descendents. Some examples of this are the modification in the genes of certain bacteria allowing them to produce human insulin for diabetics or by modifying a crop so that it provides a greater yield. However, the issue is controversial, despite the benefits, for two main reasons. Firstly, the genetic modifications of animals and plants may have adverse and unpredicted effects or may be dangerous. Secondly, there are religious issues against genetic engineering - is it wrong to ‘play god’ by effectively creating and changing life?

Genetic testing also harbors the potential for yet another scientific strategy to be applied in the area of eugenics, or the social philosophy of promoting the improvement of inherited human traits through intervention. In the past, eugenics was used to justify practices including involuntary sterilization and euthanasia. Today, many people fear that preimplantation genetic diagnosis may be perfected and could technically be applied to select specific nondisease traits (rather than eliminate severe disease, as it is currently used) in implanted embryos, thus amounting to a form of eugenics. In the media, this possibility has been sensationalized and is frequently referred to as creation of so-called "designer babies," an expression that has even been included in the Oxford English Dictionary. Although possible, this genetic technology has not yet been implemented; nonetheless, it continues to bring up many heated ethical issues.
There are many religious views against genetic engineering. Christian views against this include that the modifying of life is seen as ‘playing god’ as god created life and people in his own image, to modify the basic genetics would be suggesting that God was flawed. As all genetic engineering involves the usage and wastage of human embryos it is considered wrong by Catholics’ who believe life begins at conception and therefore life is being destroyed. This is against one of 10 commandments that ‘thou shall not kill’. It also goes against the bibles teachings of the sanctity of life.

Muslim beliefs are not that different from Christian ones. They too believe that only god can alter the genetic make up of a person due to the sanctity of life. Also, like Catholics, Muslims believe embryonic research is the same as abortion; life begins at fertilisation and they do not agree with abortion. Scientists who try to create or alter life are attempting to replace god, something which is a great sin in Islam.