OBJECTIVE

To use picture clues, media

clips and Biblical quotes to

understand more about Christian

attitudes to genetic

engineering.

Grade CAll will be able to outline the different Christian views both

FOR and AGAINST genetic engineering.

Grade BMost will be able to explain the

views of Christians on using genetic engineering for the

purpose of cloning and creating ‘designer babies’.

Grade A/A*Some will be able to express an

opinion on Christian attitudes to genetic engineering

comparing them to their own views.

Your GOALS for the end of

this lesson are…

OUTCOMES…

Are these Statements For or Against Genetic Engineering? F? A?

It offers the prospect of cures for currently incurable diseases

It is being done in other countries and so is available to those rich enough to travel and pay for treatments

Researchers have too little information about the long-term consequences

Research into stem cell cloning would only use embryos until it was easier to use adult cells

It has effects which would be irreversible, so if anything went wrong it would be permanent

Genetic research is an integral part of medical research and is bound to include some genetic engineering

It places too much power in the hands of scientists who could use genetic engineering to act like Dr Frankenstein to produce scientifically created humans

Genetic Engineering treats the human body as a commodity no different from plants

It offers the possibility of people having to be genetically screened before getting life insurance, jobs etc.

Genetic research is closely monitored by the law, but has vast potential benefits

STARTER…

Complete PAGE 63 QUESTION 1 – think back to

last lessons to help you

There are two main attitudes to genetic engineering in Christianity. One attitude is that it is COMPLETELY UNACCEPTABLE and the

other is that it is ACCEPTABLE WITHIN LIMITS.

Complete the table in your worksheet booklet using the cards you have been given – when you have finished

with the card you are using swap it for a different one.

Genetic engineering is ACCEPTABLE because...

Genetic engineering isNOT ACCEPTABLE

because…

EXTENSION: Can you add in any EXAMPLES to expand

those points?

Why Christians may ACCEPT genetic engineering...

Some Christians would argue they have been given control

over the world and everything in it, including the genes of

themselves, plants and animals.

For these Christians forms of genetic engineering such as GM foots is taking ‘dominion’ and is acceptable as long as it does not cause harm to the environment.

Why Christians may ACCEPT genetic engineering...

Some Christians would argue that genetic engineering follows the Golden Rule of Jesus. It is also

showing good stewardship (care) of living things.

For some Christians this would mean genetic engineering is

acceptable when it is to cure a painful disease or disorder.

Why Christians may ACCEPT genetic engineering...

It can be used to feed many people especially in parts of

the world where food is scarce.

Genetic engineering allows Christians to care for the world, by

increasing the amount of crops that plants give so we can ensure

that no one starves.

Why Christians may ACCEPT genetic engineering...

The bible teaches that Jesus healed many people, which suggests

Christians should do all they can to heal and improve the health of human

beings.

Genetic engineering allows Christians to follow the

teachings and actions of Jesus by helping those who are sick

and in pain.

Why Christians may OPPOSE genetic engineering

Only God can create life and humans should not

be ‘playing God’.

Christians who believe this disagree with any type of genetic engineering including GM crops

as is it tampering with God’s creation.

Some Christians such as Roman Catholics believe life

begins at conception and see an embryo as a ‘person’

so genetic engineering involving embryos is

WRONG.

Genetic engineering sometimes involved

‘discarding’ embryos which would be seen by some Christians as a form of

abortion and therefore as murder.

Why Christians may OPPOSE genetic engineering

Why Christians may OPPOSE genetic engineering

And God created humans in his image. In the image of God he created them. Male and female

he created them. Genesis 1:27

Everyone was created by God in God’s image to be individual and unique and genetic engineering goes

against this.

Most Christians would be opposed to genetic engineering that

correct ‘defects’ which do not cause suffering as this is being short sighted and going against

our individuality.

Why Christians may OPPOSE genetic engineering

St.Paul said the body is the ‘Temple of the Holy Spirit’ so we should not

interfere with it.

Most Christians would be opposed to genetic engineering

because it would make a person different to how God

wanted them to be; it would be sinful to play around with God’s

creation.

This a segment from the Bible taken from the book of PSALMS - Read it carefully...

FOR or AGAINST genetic engineering?

This quote is also taken from the BIBLE - Read it carefully...

FOR or AGAINST genetic engineering?

Grade CAll will be able to

outline the different

Christian views both FOR and

AGAINST genetic

engineering.

Did you achieve YOUR goals?…

OUTCOMES…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tbxN5uwaqA

Based on what you have learnt this lesson and in previous lessons

answer the following PAGE 62 QUESTION 2FROM A CHRISTIAN

PERSEPCTIVE (if you are not a Christian

pretend you are)

Christian attitudes to CLONING…

What is the difference between stem cell cloning and reproductive

cloning?

Approx how far away are we from human

cloning?

http://www.youtube.com/v/2ixEDLa3Jlchttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oZHfPAugWAE

What are the ADVANTAGES ?

• You can ensure your child is born free from disease or

disability.

• You have control over your offspring – gender, looks etc – it is not down to chance.

Why might Christians

OPPOSE this?

• It is ‘Playing God’

• God created everyone in His own image to be

unique

• It goes against the plan and will of God

Christian attitudes to DESIGNER BABIES...

Grade BMost will be able

to explain the views of

Christians on using genetic

engineering for the purpose of cloning and

creating ‘designer babies’.

Did you achieve YOUR goals?…

OUTCOMES…

What do you think?

Are designer babies

ETHICAL?

http://www.truetube.co.uk/ethics-and-religion/moral-decisions/perfect-human

Grade A/A*Some will be able

to express an opinion on Christian

attitudes to genetic

engineering comparing them

to their own views.

Did you achieve YOUR goals?…

OUTCOMES…

Sum up today’s lesson in 30 WORDS or less.

PLENARY…