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| Q: | What is the stand of WELS on genetic engineering, specifically on changing the characteristics of a unborn child? (I don't mean curing genetic diseases: I mean changing genes to enhance intelligence or physical appearance.) | ||||||
| A: | WELS has no position on genetic engineering other than its support of all efforts in concert with Scripture and opposition to all that is opposed to it. The use of measures to cure and alleviate suffering is well supported by Scripture (i.e., Matthew 7:9-12; 25:31ff; Acts 20:35; 1 Thessalonians 5:14). An unbalanced interest in intellect and appearance are cautioned against in Scripture (1 Samuel 16:7; Proverbs 31:30; 1 Corinthians 1:18ff; 1 Peter 3:3-4). Genetic engineering, as with most advancements in science, can be used for good, for evil, and for all sorts of suspect purposes in between. It is well known that a good diet helps enhance the development of mental skills. Exercise “improves” physical appearance. Combing our hair also improves physical appearance. These all represent efforts that are often looked on with little moral, ethical, or spiritual value attached to them. For these reasons we must be careful not to neglect the broader context of all efforts to enhance intellect and beauty. One immediate question is of quantity. When is there “enough” intellectual enhancement? When is a person attractive “enough?” Who sets the standard and how do we measure the achievement of the goal? This kind of questioning has us wandering down the unsatisfying path of looking at results rather than reasons. The question originally asked is not so much a “genetic engineering” question as it is a “motive” question. What is the motive for wishing to enhance intelligence? Why is it important to have a more attractive physical appearance? These are important questions in everyone’s life, regardless of whether it is accomplished by genetic engineering or other means. God’s Word clearly prescribes the proper motive in all things: “Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). To have this motive requires a heart of faith (Hebrews 11:6). One can argue that enhanced intelligence will help us knock down more barriers in our quest to spread the Gospel to all people. An attractive appearance can remove distracting stumbling blocks to our witness to and our example of God’s love for all people. The problem, however, is that our allegiance to God is not perfect (Romans 3:10). This means that in our sin-tainted life we will have other reasons for enhancing our intelligence or appearance, and they will likely not all be God-pleasing reasons. It is when our motives are self-serving that genetic-engineering, and all other efforts to enhance intelligence and appearance, are wrong. When, however, the motive is correct, pursuit of genetic engineering for improving intelligence and appearance fall under the category of Christian freedom (1 Peter 2:16). | ||||||
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