Made in Whose Image? : Genetic Engineering and Christian Ethics

by Shannon, Thomas A.

• ISBN13: 9781573926324
• ISBN10: 1573926329
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 1999-10-01
• Publisher: Humanity Books

Summary

The ability of medical science to clone and perhaps even predetermine characteristics of certain species conflicts dramatically with many claims of the religious establishment. Opening with a description of various developments in plant, animal, and human genetics, Made in Whose Image? highlights the progress genetic research has achieved, its future promise, and its social impact. The developments are analyzed from the perspective of Christian ethics, as expounded by Roman Catholic and Protestant theorists to give an overview of crucial ethical issues.

In reviewing the advances of genetic research, noted religion and ethics professor Thomas A. Shannon covers general ethical themes, such as the value of life, materalism, freedom, individuality the concept of nature, and health and disease. In addition, he discusses problems in genetic engineering and misconceptions of the church. Shannon explores prenatal diagnosis, gene therapy, genes and behavior, freedom and responsibility, and the Human Genome Project. The book concludes with a powerful and groundbreaking

Table of Contents

Preface	ix
Introduction	xi
PART I DEVELOPMENTS IN GENETICS	1	(32)
Starting Points	3	(6)
Agriculture and the New Genetics	9	(8)
Animals and the New Genetics	17	(10)
Humans and the New Genetics	27	(6)
PART II RELIGIOUS PERSPECTIVES	33	(50)
Roman Catholic Perspectives on Genetic Engineering	35	(26)
Protestant Perspectives on Genetic Engineering	61	(22)
PART III ETHICAL ISSUES	83	(50)
Thematic Issues in Genetic Engineering	85	(16)
Specific Problems in Genetic Engineering	101	(20)
Conclusion: Methodological Considerations	121	(12)
Index	133