Genetic manipulation and the resurrection body

Abstract

In a recent article, Gerald McKenny suggests that it is time for religious traditions to put behind them the “tired debate” about whether to support gene therapy (McKenny, 2002). They have, he argues, no good reason for rejecting germ-line gene therapy or genetic enhancements in principle, and even if they may have severe doubts about particular means (e.g., because these may involve the destruction of human embryos), such doubts would vanish if morally acceptable alternative means were to be found. Instead of concerning themselves with efforts to distinguish genetic therapy and enhancement, religious ethicists should concentrate on other matters.