This morning I saw a video from John Stossel, featured on ReasonTV, discussing the future of genetically modified babies: Forget GMO foods, they want GMB's.

The linked video discusses the growing technological capability of science to "design" human life. This may include the removal of certain genetic defects, choosing eye color, or even specifying gender.

Genetically Modified Babies: Where does it stop?

Where does it stop? Shouldn't we leave somethings up to God?

According to ReasonTV and Jason Brennan, Philosophy Professor at Georgetown University, no we shouldn't. It’s the "right" thing to do. If we can change our genetics as science sees best, to "improve" the well-being of our families, then we should be socially shamed into doing so.

"Once other people start doing this, we'll all feel like we have to, to keep up."
John Stossel, ReasonTV

"It’s not so clear why that's a problem, if everyone is making their kids healthier and stronger and smarter and less prone to disease, and you feel social pressure to go along with that, well good. Shouldn't you do that as a parent for your child?"
Jason Brennan, Professor, Georgetown University

georgetown university jason brennan.png

Professor Brennan goes on to say there is no logical or moral reason for denying these technological advances. We should move bravely into the new world, dragging foolish critics all the way, and mankind will be better for it.

God himself would not stand in the way of such obvious logical improvements, and if he had reason to do so, why doesn't he come down and tell me so?

"If God appears before me and says don't do this, then I'll stop."
Jason Brennan, Professor, Georgetown University

But the truth is these people don't listen to God and he HAS come in the person of Jesus Christ. Why would one more visit change anything? Look to Luke 16:27-31, if they did not hear the Prophets before, they will not be convinced now.

Luke 16:27-31 English Standard Version (ESV)

27 And he said, ‘Then I beg you, father, to send him to my father's house— 28 for I have five brothers—so that he may warn them, lest they also come into this place of torment.’ 29 But Abraham said, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them.’ 30 And he said, ‘No, father Abraham, but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ 31 He said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead.’”

They are blind and do not see. They are deaf and do not hear. He calls and they know not his voice.

John 10:27 English Standard Version (ESV)

27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.

Stossel: Don't Be Scared of Designer Babies

My Thoughts:

It seems to me that the video stands upon several mistaken presumptions:

Science is capable and will be successful. Their interventions will not bring negative consequences.
"Good" genetic material is obvious, so rightly selecting will be easy.
Life without birth defects, disease and impairment is better.

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Trust Science: Why?

The assumption science can accurately anticipate the ramifications of erasing or inserting a specific gene seems stupid beyond words and we need look no further than all the times scientists got it wrong before now.

The truth is we shouldn't blindly trust science to get it right this time, because they are wrong often: global warming hysteria, leeches cure fever, the universe always existed, and on and on.

Deciding which genes are "good" is difficult

Assuming we wanted to risk trusting fallible scientists as they tinker with our DNA and observe the outcomes, how do we decide which genes should be excluded? Should we exclude all disease? What about genes that feel pain? Is there no value, no benefit, that comes from suffering? They seem to think no, but I disagree and scripture is on my side.

Romans 5:3-4 English Standard Version (ESV)

3 Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope

Life without difficulty is not equivalent to a "better" life

We know this to be true, difficulty may suck in the moment, but it brings us together and gives us meaning as we struggle for our survival.

More over, would these doctors tell my daughter Lumina, she is not worth having? The sad truth is, they would, and they did. Thank God, they were wrong, thank God she is here. This is why we see so many abortions, doctors who do not believe in the soul, and intrinsic beauty of each human life, devalue children and offer abortion as a solution to one of life's problem.

Yet scripture shows us, life without suffering is no life to desire. In fact, it is out of difficulty, trial and challenge that we grow into more, into what we were made for. It is by these mechanisms He makes us His own, as Himself, and calls us into eternal glory.

1 Peter 5:10 English Standard Version (ESV)

10 And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.

Conclusion:

In the video Stossel suggests that genetic manipulation is the same as paying for piano lessons, both just a way we give our kids more chance of success, but this is a false equivalency. Piano lessons are a benefit to help in becoming the best you are capable of, while gene modification is an attempt to change at its core, what you are capable of.

Where do we stop? At what point does this path change, what we are? Humanity is flawed, and the beauty of life is that we do our best in the dark and bleakness of that imperfection.

Sadly, I think GMO babies are a desperate attempt to redefine what we are. It makes me sad, and I think it should you too.

Let me know what you think in the comments below. And as always, thank you for your time and attention. Have an amazing day and God bless.

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Genetically Modified Babies: The future of breeding