In the immediate future we are likely to witness significant developments in human genetic science. It is therefore of critical importance that Christian ethics engages with the genetics debate, since it affects not just the way we perceive ourselves and the natural world, but also has wider implications for our society. This book considers ethical issues arising out of specific practices in human genetics, including genetic screening, gene patenting, gene therapy, genetic counselling as well as feminist concerns. Genetics and Christian Ethics argues for a particular theo-ethical approach that derives from a modified version of virtue ethics, drawing particularly on a Thomistic understanding of the virtues, especially prudence or practical wisdom and justice. The book demonstrates that a theological voice is highly relevant to contested ethical debates about genetics.

In the immediate future we are likely to witness significant developments in human genetic science. Celia Deane-Drummond considers the ethical issues arising out of specific practices, including genetic screening, gene therapy and genetic counselling and takes a particular theo-ethical approach to current issues in genetics.

Details the history and progression of genetic engineering and examines the ways that genetic research conflicts with Christian ethics.

"We face unprecedented choices in genetics for which traditional ethics provides little direct guidance. What role can the religious community play in addressing the ethical and theological issues that even scientists now acknowledge as urgent?"--cover.

Advances in genetic science and medicine raise questions for us all, such as: How far should we intervene in 'natural' processes? How far should we go to alleviate suffering? What constitutes a worthwhile life? Exploring these questions and more, this book considers theological, ethical and legal aspects relating to the human genome.

One of the key issues facing us in the next millennium is the ability to manipulate the genetics of living organisms. The possibility of manipulating human genetics raises many theological, ethical and socio-political issues. These include specific decisions about whether the technology will be developed, how it will be applied and more general questions about the technical manipulation of 'natural' processes. From a theological perspective the human genome project not only challenges particular doctrines, such as that of creation, eschatology and anthropology, but also raises particular issues of social justice and medical ethics. The purpose of this book is to bring together the collective expertise of theologians, scientists and social scientists in order to provide a forum for critique and public debate focused on the human genome project.It is hoped that the results presented in this book offer a sophisticated theological and ethical response.

Genetics is currently at the forefront of scientific research and discussed almost daily in the media. The possibilities for good and bad applications of this research are enormous and cannot be properly advanced without a Christian response. This cutting-edge book presents the legal, scientific, medical, and theological perspectives of genetic engineering based on a Christian worldview.

Since the original publication of Playing God? in 1996, three developments in genetic technology have moved to the center of the public conversation about the ethics of human bioengineering. Cloning, the completion of the human genome project, and, most recently, the controversy over stem cell research have all sparked lively debates among religious thinkers and the makers of public policy. In this updated edition, Ted Peters illuminates the key issues in these debates and continues to make deft connections between our questions about God and our efforts to manage technological innovations with wisdom.

An overview of the main ethical issues regarding the genetic engineering of plants, animals and human beings, in the light of Christian values and Catholic teaching.

A unique text which focuses on the theory and practice of the church, as it engages with the complex issues that are emerging in response to new genetic technology.