Science & Religion: Genetic Engineering VS Catholicism

This paper is about conflict between science and religion, essay will be examining whether genetic engineering and gene therapy has place in Catholicism. It will investigate its theological elements across different religious context and socio-political and inspect how it is interpreted the Australian society. To verify these finding, the paper will be supported by secondary research as well as primary research through conducting an interview with a catholic school chaplain, Father William OP, and through emailing conversation with academics. Both secondary and primary sources examination were conducted in order to certify the finding were sustainable and to ensure a balance of views.

Introduction

Genetic engineering and gene therapy of humans has become a modern phenomenon of morality as it requires us to decide between the ethical (right) and the unethical (wrong). The religious significance on this issue raise serious spiritual question about the holiness of human life. genetic engineering and gene therapy of humans is considered unethical and an act of “playing God'. It is an act that interferes with God natural creation. However, some individuals are likely to respond that genetic engineering and gene therapy on humans is ethical as “playing God” could provide a better future. While distinguishing this new science as coherent with belief in God, they express a number of dangers to human well-being and natural environment that might result due to the abuse of this technology.

Catholic Church Perspective

The majority of Catholics would likely say that the church opposes any genetic modification in humans. To understand Catholic Church teaching on genetic engineering, it is essential to understand an important distinction that fall under genetic engineering. Firstly, there are two kinds of gene-therapy: somatic gene therapy involves eliminate or reduce genetic defects on the level of somatic cells, that is, cells other than reproductive cells, but which make up the tissue and organs of the body. Germ-line cells therapy seeks to correct genetic defects present in germ-line cells with the purpose of transferring the beneficial effects to the offspring of the individual. Secondly, The difference between therapy and enhancement. This is a distinction that all Catholics should learn to identify, both in the real world and in fiction.

Gene therapy and genetic engineering are two theoretically related technologies that involve altering the genetic material of organisms. Gene therapy seeks to change gene to correct any genetic defects and prevent or cure genetic diseases. Alternatively, genetic engineering in this context refers to modify the genes to enhance the capabilities of the organism beyond human kind. The moral issues, then are that gene therapy seeks to adjust our genetic complements with the risk of this unknown. Furthermore, numerous researches on the embryo requires the embryo be developed through in vitro fertilisation (IVF) which itself is an immoral practice in the understanding of the Catholic Church. Lastly, seeking genetic enhancement display an attitude of power of man over man.

Regarding germ-line therapy, the Dignitas Personae extracts a positive judgement stating that “such actions seek to restore the normal genetic configuration of the patient or to counter damage caused by genetic anomalies or those related to other pathologies”. Germ-line therapy is giver more caution judgments as the therapy affects one’s offspring with risk that are unknown, or at least, the present state of the study cannot confirm the levels of risk to the offspring’s who is receiving the therapy. Because of the risk linked to any genetic alteration are considerable but not fully controllable, it is not morally permissible to act in a way that may harms the gifts of God. The prospects of such an intervention would end soon or later by harming the common good, by favouring the will of some over the freedom of others. Finally, as stated in the Dignitas Personae, it must be noted that in the attempt to create a new type of human being one can recognise an ideological element in which man tries to take the place of God.

This is also supported in an interview conducted with a religious expert. He claims that “Any form of therapy that does not interrupt human life from conception is supported. Any process that destroys human life from conception is not supported. The Church also insists that reproduction occurs naturally (i.e. through sexual intercourse in marriage), and the whole theology behind this is in itself a book! Typically, gene therapy and genetic engineering involve IVF and/or the destruction of human life, so they are not supported. However, there may be other forms that I do not know of, and in the future, there may be processes that the church supports. For example, the church supports surgery on a baby inside the womb, so if it is particularly young and small thus requiring ‘surgery’ at a gene level, the Church may support it”.

Islamic Perspective

The principle of genetic engineering is rejected by Islam, but an exception can be made when used to produce medicines or other materials to alleviate suffering or illness. There is a reference in the Quran which states God will go after those individuals in their imaginable abode and tempt them to do evil, including genetic engineering Gods creation. Tampering with human individuality and eligibility for personal responsibility is forbidden in the Islamic religion. The Quran, Hadith and Shari’ah law communicate that human beings are responsible for protecting and caring for Allah’s (God) Creations which includes protecting human life, providing care for the sick and showing each other compassion. This is also stated in the Quran 5:32: “if anyone saved a life, it would be as if he saved the life of the whole people”. There is extensive tradition of supporting scientific and medical endeavours in the Islamic society and culture. The Hadith also states that God has provided human being with knowledge to develop treatments and medicines that don’t interfere with Gods creation of humans.

Australian Perspective

The community support and views of the public are essential to successfully begin the operation of genetic engineering and gene therapy in Australia. Countless Australians are arguing that a limiting factor for the use gene technology is community acceptance. A survey conducted by HCF exposed that 34% of Australians agree with the benefits of gene technology outweigh the potential risks, 41% of males agree compared to 26% of females. Nevertheless, a statement made by HCF chief strategy officer, Sheena Jacks, revealed that there is an extensive view about the benefits versus potential risk of gene therapy and genetic engineering. A clear long-term health benefit of advanced medical treatments needs to be made for a clear view from the Australian communities. However, Australians believe that the future of medicine is rising the cost of health and unnecessary produced in the health system. Though it’s impossible to predict the cost of future healthcare, Australian expose we need to clearly consider cost implication if new treatments such as personalised medicine and gene therapy are to be introduced in Australia. The Australian view on genetic engineering and gene therapy is still unclear, while experts state gene therapy and genetic engineering will speed up human health, but people still don't understand how this technology can benefit them from incurable disease.

Controversial Issue Inflecting Australian Laws

In 2018, the scientistic community was shocked to the reports of the birth of the first ever genetically modified babies. Associate professor, He Jiankui (from Southern University of Science and Technology in China), revealed that twins Lulu and Nana had their genomes modified by CRISPR system, which the intention of making them resistant to HIV. The study was evaluated as ‘unethical’, ‘inacceptable and ‘monstrous’. While genetic engineering on embryos for research purposes has huge potentials and has been recognised by various research teams, it is agreed that technology is to far young to be used for reproduction applications. Was modification legal and could the same thing happen in Australia if legislation isn’t altered? Comparing the legal status of genetic engineering on embryos in Australia and to the world, uncertainty in the existing Australia legislations- The Research Involving Human Embryos act 2002 (RIHE act) and The Prohibition of Human Cloning for Reproduction act 2002 (PHCR act) need to be addressed. The RIHE act 2002 forbids the use of embryos for research without a licence and establishes a licensing system whereas the PHRC act specifically prohibits a person from changing the genome of a human embryo in a horrific way alteration are heritable by offspring’s. Though genetic engineering for reproduction is rightly banned in Australia, the Australian laws need be changed so that they provide clear guidance around the legality of genetic engineering.

Conflict Between Science and Religion

There is an extensive conflict between religion and science on genetic engineering. Surveys continuously display the importance of science and benefits it bring to the world such as new medical treatment and technologies. In the context of science, genetic engineering and gene therapy of humans has boundless potential to advantage those suffering from incurable diseases. An Australian bioethicist, Julian Savulescu, espouses that human engineering should be accepted as its benefits human through creating smarter, stronger, more beautiful babies, in other words having perfect babies. This can also be verified by another bioethicist, Adrianna Heguy express that genetic engineering has extensively advantageous for humanity. However, strong religious influences can affect some Australians willingness to accept scientist findings and theories such as genetic engineering and gene therapy. Most religious leaders have raised objections over physicians and others “playing God”. The catholic church claim that humans must be “creation of God, not creation of technology”. But there are concerns not just about the nature of life and meaning of life. There is also worry that in vitro fertilisation (IVF) raises challenging ethical questions for young males and females who donate sperm and gets, without adequate care. Pope Francis call artificial reproduction technologies “a false compassion.” Secular thinkers also worry that technology is giving decision makers a degree of control over human lives and an unprepared human future.

This is also reinforced in an interview conducted with a religious expert. He declares that “on this particular issue, there are plenty of scientists that agree with the Catholic view and plenty that do not. The impression pushed by the media is that the Church is weird and the scientists that push these things (without regard for human life) are right. This is not a consistent view. For example, all scientists agree that life begins at conception, but this scientific approach is not even considered when the media promotes pro-abortionists”.

Conclusion

Although there is a huge conflict between science and religion, however, in the modern society, some of the greatest scientistic such as Georges Lemaitre and physicist, Max Plank, have been people of faith. In addition, many scientists, many who are not personally religious followers, view science and religion as distinct rather than in conflicts, with each attempting to answer different kinds of question using different methods. However in terms of genetic engineering, science and religion have significant similarities. This is also reinforced through a quote by Albert Einstein “science without religion is lame and religion without science is blind”.

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