The further research, however, is not approved by all. Some Christians, apart from seeing human genetic research as the act of playing god, also believe that the world does not need to improve anymore, that the earth is not meant to be perfect; otherwise it would be no difference from Heaven. Many Roman Catholics especially oppose the idea of research involving human embryos, believing that it is a form of killing as life begins at conception. Many people from other religions also have similar attitudes, especially on embryo research which, according to Muslims and Jews, is no different from abortion.
Although the majority who agrees with the statement “only God has the right to interfere with our genes” are religious, there are also a number of non-religious people who held the same opinion. They argue that, as most of the mystery concerning human genes is yet to be uncovered, no one can be certain of whether or not if there is going to be a long-term consequence. Many mistakes had appeared while testing on animals, for example, salmons with growth genes put into them not only grew too big too fast, but also turned green. Genetic engineering also could not be reversed, so if a genetically modified baby went wrong, you could not just kill it. Many also feel that in the future, when genetic engineering is fully developed, people might be made to have genetic tests for insurance, jobs etc, to check if they have genes that are likely to cause illness.
Nevertheless, Genetic engineering intends to create a better world and therefore is supported by most people. As an essential part of medical research, it could cure many currently incurable diseases. It is also supported by a lot of religious people, as helping each other is taught in every religion. Both Jews and Christians are taught that they should do all they can to cure disease, and some Christians also argue that creating cells is different from creating people, so genetic engineering should not be classified as playing God.
‘When you enter a town and are welcomed, eat what is set before you. Heal the sick who are there and tell them, “The kingdom of God is near you.”’
This quote from the bible shows that it is God’s wish to cure illnesses, so genetic engineering must be approved from God. And since
I believe that our minds are independent from any god, and so should have the right to decide what we want. Personally, I think that anything done to make the world better should be approved, and genetic engineering is certainly one of them. Everyday on the streets, we could see people who are affected by genetic diseases, if a cure was found, their lives, and the lives of many people around them would be much easier and happier. Finding genetic cures is no different from finding drug cures; it is done to help, not to destroy. Furthermore, once genetic engineering is fully developed, people who oppose it can still choose not to use it, as some now do with euthanasia and abortion, but if genetic engineering never had a chance to be developed, then even the people who support it would never to able to have it.
I disagree with the statement “Only God has the right to interfere with our genes”. We are the keeper of our own body, and it is entire our own responsibility to look after it.
