Posted on 02/24/2007 10:40:48 AM PST by markomalley
Groups such as the Nazis, for instance.
Hmm. Pretty early in the thread for the Nazi card to come up, but I suppose this is a controversial topic.
Why would the Church be reluctant to embrace the concept I described?
Fortunately, the Holy Spirit has instilled the nature of right and wrong into some of us, so we don't feel the need to ask sophomoric questions such as those tendered donnishly by ivyleaguebrat and timm22.
How would genetic engineering cheapen humanity?
We already use a number of technologies (and natural methods) to try to make our bodies more "perfect". What is it about genetic engineering that makes it different than these other, largely acceptable methods?
Folks of the Judeo-Christian persuasion are familiar with:
6 "When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it."
We know the rest of the story as well.
Some things are plain old, "Off Limits". Manipulation of human genetics is one of them.
Perhaps the question the Pope would invite you to ask yourself is why won't you embrace the child that God sends you...
I think I detect some wisdom in your response. :-)
Wow. It must be nice to be so much holier and more blessed than people like me, who actually have to ask questions to understand things.
If it's not too much to ask, could you at least attempt to explain the Church's position on genetic engineering? Or is this really one of those things that you just have to know innately?
"Some things are plain old, "Off Limits". Manipulation of human genetics is one of them."
At what point does technology become eating of the tree of knowledge? And is there any biblical basis for that boundary?
Perhaps you don't feel the need to ask them, but you could do the Christian thing and answer them to the best of your ability, rather than insult the curious.
To think, some consider Catholics sanctimonious..
When something capable with Nazi philosophy is postulated, I see no reason to prohibit stating the obvious.
To call it a "card" is to argue like a Leftist.
"That kind of stupid reasoning would lead you to figure that if God is going to provide for our needs, that why should we work?"
I don't see how it leads to that at all.. It leads to the conclusion that God, if he exists, either wanted us to contrive technologies to make our lives easier, or he didn't. I'm trying to understand why some technologies would be "off-limits"--to use the words of another poster--if they don't necessitate killing or other sins.
I can understand that perspective. But it seems that there are any number of things a parent can do to a child, even permanent things, that are a not seen as a rejection of God's plan the same way genetic engineering is.
If a mother gave her child laser eye surgery to correct his vision, I don't think the Pope would suggest that the mother had failed to embrace the child God gave her. But if the mother had changed the genes that determine the child's vision...that seems to be different.
Why is that? In both cases, the mother is using artificial means to make a permanent change to their child, in an effort to make them more "perfect". What is it about the genetic method that is morally worse than the surgery method?
Not having the luxury of an ivy league brat, contemplating my navel, etc, let's suffice to say that manipulation of human genetics is well beyond that point.
Fair enough. The Nazis were interested in eugenics after all. I apologize for implying that you had pulled the "Nazi card."
Of course, the Nazi plan for eugenics seemed to be focused more on eliminating the undesireable elements, rather than simply changing them. Do you think parents changing the eye color of their child, or correcting their genes to prevent the development of a mental disorder, is on par with having the state murder children with the wrong eye color or with mental problems?
I would suggest you start by reading Humane Vitae. You're asking permission to rewire the house and install flood lights, while the Pope is asking us to consider the beauty of a sunset, to use a metaphor.
I'll leave it to others to engage in the conversation you are seeking. I think I see the swallows flying over the still lake. :-)
Thank you for the suggestion. I hope you enjoy your evening!
Thank you. :-) You too.
Okay.. but why?
No problem Mr. Timm. I believe you are debating in good faith.
Do you think parents changing the eye color of their child, or correcting their genes to prevent the development of a mental disorder, is on par with having the state murder children with the wrong eye color or with mental problems?
One might be less abhorrent than another, but both are delving into a realm where man has no business.
It's a slippery slope my friend.
I think the difference has to do with trying to do something about & in the present, as opposed to trying to do something to change the future. You do the gene manipulation & things don't turn out as you'd hoped, then what?
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