Our world is changing very rapidly. We need to be informed about some of these things so that we can make a decision based on a Christian World View. For instance, in the medical field, there are many new developments. What should be the Christian's opinion on genetic manipulation?
Transgene is a gene that is introduced into the organism rather than selectively breeding a gene already there.
Transgenics allow scientists to develop organisms that introduce a trait not normally found in the species; for example, a type of rice known as golden rice has elevated levels of vitamin A. Scientists have also developed sunflowers that are resistant to mildew and cotton that resists insect damage. Possible transgenic combinations can be broken down generally into three categories (here “animal” refers to nonhumans):
· plant-animal-human combinations
· animal-animal combinations
· animal-human combinations
Transgenic plants can contain human proteins to produce edible vaccines.
An example of a plant-animal-human transgenic combination would be one in which the
there are known risks associated with xenotransplantation of transgenic cells or organs from animals to humans. For example, there is a small but significant risk of the transmission of usually fatal zoonotic diseases, such as bovine spongiform encephalopathy (also known as “mad cow disease”), porcine endogenous retroviruses (PERVs), and Nipah encephalitis.12 The introduction of these diseases to the human population could have devastating consequences. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has banned xenotransplantation trials using nonhuman primates until the procedure has been adequately demonstrated to be safe and ethical issues have been sufficiently publicly discussed.
In April 1998, scientists Jeremy Rifkin and Stuart Newman, who are both opposed to genetically modified organisms (GMOs), applied for a patent for a “humanzee,” part human and part chimpanzee, to fuel debate and to draw attention to potential abuses on this issue.
Amendment to the United States Constitution, which prohibits slavery. The decision has been appealed, but the appeal has not yet reached a court, and it may never do so. The appeal may be dismissed on other technical grounds.
If we create a being that has the ability to speak and perhaps even reason but looks like a dog or a chimp, should that being be given all the rights and protection of a human being
Until we as a society can agree on what a "human" is and the worth of that life, we can expect lively debate on both sides.
I. Different Views of Man
A. Man as a Machine
The quality of human life is determined by function. Is a person able to function in society today? If a child is unable to function, discard him. If a older person is not able to function in society, discard him.
Those who have more valued function are more highly valued. Doctors are more highly valued than trash collectors.
B. Man as a Sexual Being
Sigmund Freud is the organizer of this theory. Choices and personality are based on the sexual gratification of the individual. Personal maladjustment is based on how sexual energy is handled. Today homosexuality vs. heterosexuality is a very hot topic.
C. Man as an Animal
This view of man is more fully developed in behavioristic psychology. Motivation is understood in terms of biological drives. Knowledge of man is gained not by introspection but by experimentation. Human behavior is based off Pavlov's dogs who were trained to salivate by ringing a bell.
D. Man as a Pawn of the Universe
Man is at the mercy of forces beyond his control. These forces are often blind and fatalistic.
There is a fictional story about a revolutionary soldier who was captured and tortured to give the where abouts of his commanding officer (Gris) who was hiding in a cellar. The soldier told the enemy that he was hiding in the cemetery. Unknown to the soldier, Gris, because of the soldier's capture, moved to the cemetery where he was eventually captured.
E. Man as a Free Being
Freedom from restraint is the most important issue to pursue. The role of government is to provide a stable environment where freedoms can be exercised.
Information is the only thing that is necessary for someone to succeed. There are three necessary ingredients needed for action: Knowing what should be done, Willingness to do what needs to be done, Ability to do what is desired. Fully education someone will give them the necessary tools to succeed.
II. Christian View of Mankind
Gen. 1:26 Then God said, "Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the seas …
In order to fully understand humanity, you must understand mankind's beginning and purpose. The Bible says that we are made in the image and likeness of God.
A. Image – Presupposes that God has an intended purpose for making us this way. We were specifically designed. Also, that image is intrinsic to mankind alone. Humanity wouldn't be humanity without this image.
Man cannot discover his real meaning by regarding himself and his happiness as the highest of all values, nor can he find happiness, fulfillment, or satisfaction by going out in search of it. His value has been conferred upon him by a higher source, and he is fulfilled only when serving and loving that higher being. It is then that satisfaction caome, as a by-product of commitment to God. It is then that one realizes the truth of Jesus' statement, "For whoever would save his life will lose it; and whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospels' will save it" (Mark 6:35).
B. What we know about Image
1. The image of God is universal in the human race.
2. The image of God has not been lost because of sin.
3. There is no indication that image is more present in some.
4. Image is something is the very structure of mankind.
C. Jesus, the perfect image of God
1. Jesus had perfect fellowship with the Father. John 17:23 You in Me that they may be perfected in unity, so that the world may know that You sent Me, and loved them, even as You have loved Me.
Image is fully realized when we are in fellowship with God.
2. Jesus obeyed the Father's will perfectly. John 4:34 My food is to do the will of him who sent me. John 5:30 I seek not my own will but the will of him who sent me. John 6:38 For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of him who sent me.
Image is fully demonstrated by submitting to God's will.
3. The gospels are full of examples of Jesus' love for people. His love motivated many miracles. That love eventually nailed Him to the cross.
Image is fully mature when we can fully love sinful people.
It is God's intention that a similar sense of fellowship, obedience, and love characterize man's relationship to God and that humans be bound together with one another in love.
Staying Current
