Christian view on genetic engineering?

Question

Hi
I'm doing an essay on the ethics of genetic engineering, and I'd like to mention the beliefs of different religions, so can someone tell me what the Christian view on it is, if possible using a relevant bible passage or words from the Pope. This would be REALLY useful, as I need to list sources.

I'd also like the Jewish view on GE from the Torah if possible.

For example, the Quran says "...and assuredly I will incite them and they will effect a CHANGE IN THE CREATION OF ALLAH..." This is Satan speaking so its probably not allowed...
I will be grateful for any replies
Thanks

uhhh..human cloning is kind of different to genetic engineering...

...a Bible reference would be nice...

Answer 1

Don't think the pope would agree with it.
I found this on Wikki on xenotransplants:
"Similarly, while some individual Jews may not wish to receive a pig valve based on their personal beliefs, the rabbinical view is that the use of pig valves in humans is not a violation of kashrut law. In fact, killing a pig to save a human life is not against the Jewish Faith."
So i doubt if genetic engineering is wrong in the eyes of some Jews.

Answer 2

Roman Catholicism and many conservative Christian groups have opposed human cloning and the cloning of human embryos, believing that life begins at the moment of conception. Other Christian denominations such as the United Church of Christ do not believe a fertilized egg constitutes a living being, but still they oppose the cloning of embryonic cells. The World Council of Churches, representing nearly 400 denominations worldwide, opposed cloning of both human embryos and whole humans in February 2006. The United Methodist Church opposed research and reproductive cloning in May 2000 and again in May 2004.

Libertarian views on the subject suggest that the federal government of the United States does not have the power to regulate cloning, as it is not given any such authority by the US constitution. (This is similar to their views on abortion rights.)

At present, the main objection to human cloning is that the cloned individual may be biologically damaged, due to the inherent unreliability of its origin; for example, researchers currently are unable to safely and reliably clone non-human primates.
On December 28, 2006, the FDA approved eating meat from cloned animals.
It was said to be virtually indistinguishable from the non-cloned animals. Furthermore, companies would not be required to provide labels informing the consumer that the meat comes from a cloned animal.

Answer 3

Oh this is too funny...

We've been playing God for thousands of years. Did you know that corn could not exist without humans. Through selective breeding, we engineered it to produce larger seeds, but these seeds can't fall out of the husk without our help. Ever wonder why the buffalo hardly ever roam but their are so many cows their methane farts are increasing global warming? They were domesticated...
We've been messing around for a long time. So if that wasn't "messing with Gods plan" then neither is genetic engineering.

Answer 4

I think it may be a dangerous area to tread on I do not no fully how right or wrong it is as a Christian but to put it clearly we may be building a modern day tower of babel

Answer 5

Atheist answerer.

Genetic engineering is a good thing because it allows us to speed up things we were doing anyway with selective breeding and increase crop yields to match the world's population.

Answer 6

In the beginning, God created Men.

Answer 7

I am a believer in Christ.Only God should create life not man.How can man justify playing God?