Ethical Foundations for a response on GM issues
By | Oct 9, 2006
The following was submitted to the Royal Commission on Genetic Modification as the ethical and theological basis for a Christian response to Genetic Engineering issues:
Preamble
The Interchurch Commission was formed to express balanced and considered Christian views on the issues surrounding Genetic Modification research, crops, foods and other products in Aotearoa-New Zealand. The seven commissioners represent the Anglican, Methodist and Presbyterian churches. As an Interchurch Commission we have identified eight ethical foundations on which a response on behalf of the churches can be based. These would be differently expressed by different groups within the churches, but carry the same implications. These insights have emerged from our consultations with groups of interested church people throughout the country, and from the personal enquiries we have made in our own worship settings. These eight foundational categories are as follows :
1. Humility before the Creator
Humility before the Creator is a fundamental attitude which allows Christians to realise that they are part of something far greater than themselves. This inspires reverence in us for that greater being of which we are no more than a tiny part, as is expressed in passages such as Genesis 1:1: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth”, and Jesus’ reaffirmation of the first great law – “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind” (Luke 10:27).
2. Responsibility for/to the whole of creation
Responsibility for/to the whole of creation is another fundamental attitude. This responsibility is not only for what we may think we have power over, but also to that which gives us that power. We come from the earth, we are rooted in (or arise from) it, so that we have a two-fold responsibility, to the Creator and to creation. We find this expressed in Genesis 1:26 as humankind is “made in the image of God” and “given dominion over the creation” and in the New Testament, that “the creation itself will be delivered from corruption into liberty when we responsibly take up our inheritance in Christ” (Romans 8:20).
3. Our being and all of creation is grounded in God
Our being and all of creation is grounded in God. Traditionally that grounding is seen to be in the fact that we are called into being by God (Psalm 149:14), and this is related to the creating and sustaining activity of God through Christ.
4. The truth of God is eternal
The truth of God is eternal, which contrasts with the fact that our knowledge in all areas is limited by time and history. We find this powerfully expressed in Job (e.g. Job 38:4) where God asks: “Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth?” This thought is also found in later writing when we are warned that “we are in danger of becoming fools where we most profess to be wise” (Romans 1:21,22).
5. We are called into Community with the faithful in Christ, and with all creatures who share the creation with us
We are called into Community with the faithful in Christ, and with all creatures who share the creation with us. We are taught that the proper attitude here is love and that it is good and pleasant when families dwell together in unity (Psalm 133). This ideal model includes harmony throughout creation. Love is the underlying principle here. Love is said to be the highest of the fruits of holiness. In expressing this love, the Church has concerns for the humble and needy people of the earth and does not condone the exploitation of their potential productivity, or the takeover of their traditional farming methods and their specialised knowledge of their own environment.
6. We are not in complete control of our own fates in this world, there are forces at work greater than us
We are not in complete control of our own fates in this world, there are forces at work greater than us. Today this in interpreted in many ways, the world has its natural catastrophes and accidents but the power and the riches and resources accumulated by some countries, some consortia and some companies are seen as dangerous, or mistrusted by many, on the evidence of their actions. This frequently-expressed position relates to our concerns for the disadvantaged in the world, as in point 5 above.
7. The reality of sin is an undeniable strand in the faith of the Church
The reality of sin is an undeniable strand in the faith of the Church. From Psalm 53’s vision of our own sheep-like tendency to stray, we are reminded that evil comes from within and we lose ourselves in debased thoughts (Psalm 53). This is harsh judgement, but the history of greed, ambition and the misuse of power by many who set out to be guardians and leaders among human beings gives powerful testimony to the existence in all humans of a propensity for self-interest that allows us to be controlled by forces or motives we know are not good.
8. Faith and hope
Faith and hope are ever-renewable and powerful motivators for Christians. For the scientist, the company or the country working with GM hope can guide and motivate so that decisions are made for good rather than evil.
Conclusion
It is in the light of this framework that we intend to present our case in relation to genetic engineering. We will try, as far as possible, to make our submission from the position of faith but able to be shared by a number of concerned individuals whatever their personal religious or secular orientation. Our use of biblical references is an attempt to resonate with the traditions and narratives of the Church of which we are a part. We recognise that the faithful come in many colours and interpret these strands in different ways, while yet retaining the fundamental attitudes that are expressed. Our submission in its entirety will seek to give expression to the foundational categories identified above.
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“Would to God that all the Lord's people were Prophets.” Num. 11:29
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