The Ethical Dilemma of Genetic Engineering

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Genetic engineering offers remarkable possibilities but raises significant ethical questions. Is it right to alter DNA to repair defects or improve crops? What about using genetic modifications to regrow human limbs? These advancements come with the potential for unintended consequences, requiring wisdom and moral clarity. How can Christians discern boundaries in a world where technology’s reach seems limitless?

Dr Rob Carter examines genetic engineering through three guiding principles: respecting humans as bearers of God’s image, stewarding creation responsibly, and following Christ’s example of healing and restoration. He explores applications ranging from medical breakthroughs to ethical dilemmas in IVF and cloning. Rob provides a thoughtful, faith-based perspective on these complex issues.

⏳ TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Teaser
01:21 What is genetic engineering?
03:25 Is genetic engineering unique?
04:14 Drawing ethical lines
06:48 Growing limbs using genes
08:51 Moral use of stem cells
12:05 Should we fear genetic engineering?
14:39 Positive applications of engineering
16:06 Fetal stem cells and ethics
20:31 IVF and frozen embryos
25:59 Methods of genetic engineering
28:05 Human cloning: how close are we?
31:00 Ethical principles in genetics
34:08 Learn more on genetics and ethics
36:06 Wrap-up

✍️ LINKS AND SHOW NOTES

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Thanks for watching!

[refusebdcvd]

Thanks! I love the idea that "the doctor's job is to reverse the effects of the curse." (6:10)

[ryanleeoakes]

On the GMO topic I think it should be known that our crops have been modified to be able to withstand extreme amounts of pesticides and funguses and we are being flooded with those chemicals that are applied to keep crop damaging bugs at bay.

[NateWilliams]

Scientists haven't discovered all the functions, interactions, & processes of DNA. What they've done so far is, "What happens if I do this?"

[MarcelinhoTheRock]

Sad to open the video and see Just 1, 8k views in the marker

[vernonkuhns]

REPAIR should be the goal. The real problem is that we don't always recognize the genius of the designer and will try to repair things that aren't broken.

[tenringrey]

Thanks for this.

I agree with the 3 principles stated. DNA research is a very interesting field of study.

[marksmith]

Unintended consequences. We must remember the Scriptures say "Cursed is the ground because of you" (Gen 3:17). Because we aren't omniscient, we don't know and can't see all the consequences of our science. The precautionary principle needs to be applied. We need to do a lot more research to see what the impact and outcomes are. This is why, normally, drugs are tested over a decade before they are used widely. Even then, some drugs are found to have serious side effects when used widely. The commercial pressure to put things out there quickly, or an imminent threat (like during COVID) that causes us to fast-track an intervention is very problematic.

[newcreationinchrist]

God bless you, CMI 🙏🙏🙏✝️ watching now!

[sethmoking]

You hear all of that nuance Dr. Carter is using in discussing these topics? Yeah, most scientists aren't going to waste one moment of thought on ethical concerns. If humanity can do something, they most certainly will. Buckle up! Things are going to get really interesting soon.

[fannieallen]

Our problem is the immoral hearts of humans that abuse something that was intended for good.

[RWDOWNPOUR]

I’m all for improving on the flaws of our anatomy.

[chadpadgett]

Why don't you discuss the genetic aspects of mrna engineering.

[owlfethurz]

I really appreciate the discussion, which touches on a lot of important topics.
The topic of IVF is something I've been trying to learn as much as possible about. I am very pro-life, so this is something I need to understand. The more I learn the more disturbing I find the facts show that the taking of human life is done so freely. Thanks for advocating adoption of snowflake babies! I think I'll find out how to help.

[brendalock]

Would it help stroke victims even 5 years post stroke?

[patriciaway]

Can't you also get fetal stem cells from the umbilical cord/afterbirth?

[akmurf]

The way I understand it, the placenta (afterbirth) can be used to harvest fetal stem cells, and I don't see an issue there, with the mother's consent. but leave the babies out of it. The abortion industry supplying stem cells as well as abortion itself is pure evil. Intent is what ultimately separates good from evil. There is no good reason to abort a child with today's medical technology.

[billlebrave]

Just like the Bible is the literal word of God, in our DNA we have God's word. He has written the instructions for how to make every living thing in the DNA. Therefore, tampering with DNA is evil, just like tampering with God's word in the Bible is evil.

[roysmythe]

We are in the realm of Genesis when man decided to build the tower of Babel, this is no different. Think that we can improve on Gods Creation. We are his image?

[mateo]

If you start from the first principle that God created living things as the kinds that exist today, we should not be trying to make things different from those kinds (whether by genetic engineering, surgery, or by hybridization), and we should not be changing functions of any kind that it was not able to do as it was created. Using genetic engineering to restore a function that was lost through accident or disease is entirely different, since it is honoring the Creator by restoring what the Creator made that was damaged. Doing some things in the laboratory for the purposes of scientific experimentation and learning (like turning cells different colors) is fine as long as those things are not allowed to propagate beyond the experiment. By using that caution, we express humility in our relationship with the Creator, that we don't know enough to be sure that this change that we made is safe.

[msd]

Genetically engineer the wolf to lie down with the lamb