Abstract
This paper (1) reviews and analyzes the positions on genetics taken in the official statements of Christian churches in the United States, together with church institutions of global status, and 2) offers suggestions about possible future responses of the churches to genetics and biotechnology.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Ramsey, P. (1970) Fabricated Man: The Ethics of Genetic Control, Yale University Press, New Haven, p. 138.
The General Convention of the Episcopal Church, “Resolution on Genetic Engineering Research,” Journal (1985), House of Bishops, New York, p. 180.
United Church of Christ, General Synod 17, “A Pronouncement on the Church and Genetic Engineering,” Social Policy Action. (1989), Office for Church in Society, United Church of Christ, Cleveland, p. 30.
National Council of Churches, “Human Life and the New Genetics” (1980), National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., New York, p. 42.
National Council of Churches, “Genetic Engineering: Social and Ethical Consequences,” (1983) National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., New York, pp. 24–25.
National Council of Churches (1983),. p. 24.
United Methodist Church, (1992) “New Developments in Genetic Science,” The Book of Resolutions of the United Methodist Church 1992,: The United Methodist Publishing House, Nashville, TN, p. 327.
For a constructive proposal, see Cole-Turner, R. (1993) The New Genesis: Theology and the Genetic Revolution, Westminster John Knox Press, Louisville, KY, USA.
Ramsey (1970),. pp. 144–145.
Ramsey (1970),. p. 151.
World Council of Churches, “Manipulating Life” (1982), World Council of Churches, Subunit on Church and Society, Geneva, p. 8.
Cf. Stone, R. (1995) “Religious Leaders Oppose Patenting Genes and Animals,” Science 268: 1126; Cole-Turner, R. (1995) “Religion and Gene Patenting,” Science 270: 52.
United Church of Christ (1989), p. 30.
John Paul II (1982) “Biological Research and Human Dignity,” p. 342.
United Church of Christ (1989), p. 30.
John Paul II (1982), p. 343.
John Paul II (1983), “The Ethics of Genetic Manipulation,” p. 388.
John Paul II (1983), p. 389.
The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, “Instruction on Respect for Human Life in its Origin and on the Dignity of Procreation.” (1987) Origins 16: 702.
Ibid.
Ibid.
Bouma III, H., Diekema, D., Langerak, E., Rottman, T. & Verhey, A. (1989) Christian Faith, Health, and Medical Practice, Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., Grand Rapids, MI, p. 248.
Outler, A.C. (1973) “The Beginnings of Personhood: Theological Considerations,” Perkins Journal 27 (Fall):32. Cf. Cole-Turner, R. & Waters, B. (1996), Pastoral Genetics: Theology and Care at the Beginning of Life, Pilgrim Press, Cleveland, OH.
Cf. Peters, T. (1996) For the Love of Children: Genetic Technology and the Future of the Family, Westminster John Knox Press, Louisville, KY; and Cole-Turner and Waters (1996) Pastoral Genetics.
Foundation on Economic Trends, 1983.
National Council of Churches, “Genetic Science for Human Benefit.” (New York: National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., 1986), p. 13.
United Church of Christ, p. 30. For a theological assessment of germ-line experimentation, see Shinn, R. L. (1996) The New Genetics: Challenges for Science, Faith, and Politics, Moyer Bell, Wakefield, RI, pp. 123–145.
World Council of Churches, “Biotechnology: Its Challenges to the Churches and the World,” (1989) World Council of Churches, Subunit on Church and Society, Geneva, p. 23.
National Council of Churches (1986), p. 10.
National Council of Churches (1986), p. 14.
United Church of Christ, p. 30.
United Methodist Church (1992), p. 333.
National Council of Churches (1986), p. 14.
Cf. Land, R.D. & Mitchell, C.B. (1996), “Patenting Life: No,” First Things (May): 20–22.
Cf. Peters, T. (1996) “Patenting Life: Yes,” First Things (May):18–20; and Cole-Turner, “Religion and Gene Patenting.”
World Council of Churches (1989), p. 12.
National Council of Churches (1986), p. 3.
National Council of Churches (1986), p. 16.
United Methodist Church (1992), p. 336.
United Church of Christ (1989), p. 30.
Few books on genetics are specifically for elergy. Among them is Fletcher, J.C. (1982), Coping with Genetic Disorders: A Guide for Clergy and Parents, Harper & Row, New York; and Cole-Turner and Waters (1996), Pastoral Genetics.
National Council of Churches (1986), p. 16.
United Church of Christ (1989), p. 30.
Anderson, W.F. (1994) Genetic Engineering and Our Humanness, Human Gene Therapy 5: 755–760, at 758.
Goldberg, S. (1995) “Gene Patents and the Death of Dualism,” pre-publication copy, p. 27.
Cf. Parens, E. (1996) “Taking Behavioral Genetics Seriously,” Hastings Center Report (July–August): 13–18.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Cole-Turner, R. Genes, religion and society: The developing views of the churches. SCI ENG ETHICS 3, 273–288 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11948-997-0033-3
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11948-997-0033-3