Approaching Genetic Modification from a Christian/Biblical Ethical Standard
If you are considering the ethical argument regarding genetic modification in humans through a Christian ethical standard, you will want to turn to the Bible to identify relatable concerns. These relatable concerns will help you to identify ethical standards of Christians—in general—as well as ethical standards for Christians relating to physical, mental, and spiritual defects/disabilities.
One such relatable example of a disability that was prayed against (or rather, prayed for removal of but was not lifted), yet was necessary for God’s work to be accomplished according to His plan was in Saul/Paul's physical thorn. While it is not clear in the Bible what his disability was, what IS clear is that this thorn in his body served a purpose in keeping him humble, focused on serving to the glory of God, and knowing that in death the thorn would be removed. The "thorn in the flesh" to which Paul makes reference in 2 Corinthians 12:7-9:
"To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me." (Paul’s Thorn…Study Resources)
The lessons and personal growth are missed if man tries to eradicate all supposed 'thorns' in physical bodies prior to embryotic conception.
When considering genetic modification, gene-splicing, and general advancements of CRISPR, keep in mind that man may try to ‘alleviate’ an earthly defect; however, God’s will shall always be done in the lives of his followers, and while such earthly manipulation may succeed at times, there will be alternative defects—delivered by Satan or man—that will ultimately be used to advance the Kingdom and its Saints in other ways. As GotQuestions.org declares: “Whether the “thorn” we struggle with today is physical, emotional, or spiritual, we can know that God has a purpose and that His grace is all-sufficient” ("What was Paul's thorn in the flesh?”). Keep the ethical standards established in the Bible and the generally agreed-upon ethics of Christians in mind as you consider the ethical ramifications of genetic modification.
Works Cited
"Paul's Thorn in the Flesh - Study Resources." Blue Letter Bible. Web. 18
Feb, 2019. <https://www.blueletterbible.org/faq/thorn.cfm>.
"What was Paul's Thorn in the Flesh?” GotQuestions.org.
<https://www.gotquestions.org/Paul-thorn-flesh.html>.
Additional Resource URL Links: Insights into physical and mental disabilities as exposed in the Bible relating to Saul/Paul’s ‘thorn’ and harming babies (born or not):
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