To use picture clues, media clips and Biblical quotes to understand more about Christian attitudes to genetic engineering.

Grade C All will be able to outline the different Christian views both FOR and AGAINST genetic engineering. Grade B Most 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. Grade C All will be able to outline the different Christian views both FOR and AGAINST genetic engineering. Grade B Most 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.

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

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 is NOT 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

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 C All will be able to outline the different Christian views both FOR and AGAINST genetic engineering. Grade C All will be able to outline the different Christian views both FOR and AGAINST genetic engineering.

Based on what you have learnt this lesson and in previous lessons answer the following PAGE 62 QUESTION 2 FROM 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? What is the difference between stem cell cloning and reproductive cloning? Approx how far away are we from human cloning?

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. 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 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

Grade B Most will be able to explain the views of Christians on using genetic engineering for the purpose of cloning and creating ‘designer babies’. Grade B Most will be able to explain the views of Christians on using genetic engineering for the purpose of cloning and creating ‘designer babies’.

What do you think? Are designer babies ETHICAL? What do you think? Are designer babies ETHICAL?

Grade A/A* Some will be able to express an opinion on Christian attitudes to genetic engineering comparing them to their own views. Grade A/A* Some will be able to express an opinion on Christian attitudes to genetic engineering comparing them to their own views.

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