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Coded for LifeRecently a team of international scientists completed (at least in draft form) the Human Genome Project. This is an endeavour started some years back now to map the genetic code for a human, in other words the "blue print for humanity." We might even talk about God's human (biological) language. Some have welcomed this development in almost biblical apocalyptic tones as the New Jerusalem for humanity heralding the conquest of diseases through therapeutic genetics and the modification for good of our evolutionary path. Others have rounded on this achievement with the rhetoric of suspicion and mistrust or even the occasional Luddite fury. Not content with usurping the place of God we are now even trying to act like God. It will "all end in tears" they say. Somewhere the truth is being lost in this polarisation of views. The discovery and understanding of the human genome is, in one sense, a discovery like any other discovery. In the right hands and used humbly with restraint it may indeed prove to be a divine wisdom in man for good. Equally, this is not merely one discovery like any other. The possibility of abuse and creating irrevocable and long lasting damage to our species are immense. We are dealing here perhaps with the biological equivalent of nuclear energy. Humanely used, a great blessing, as an instrument of pride or aggression, a deadly curse. Surely we have tasted from the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. There is no going back. What is required of us now is the clothing of a spiritual revolution to cover the nakedness of our technological brute power. All those who seek to perpetuate the war between science and religion have nothing constructive to offer in these challenging times. All those who seek to listen with understanding and who are then prepared to speak clearly with love will be signs of hope for the safe and fruitful development of this new biotechnology. May their arm be strengthened. Fr. Gregory |
