The Catholic Man Show Podcast
Further Insight:
SUPER-HUMANS AND THE CATHOLIC CHURCH
Super-humans is a term that refers to a type of genetic engineering done on humans. It is said that this technology may potentially be introduced into the military. However, “is genetic engineering supported by the Catholic Church?” some may ask.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church states, “Life and physical health are precious gifts entrusted to us by God. We must take reasonable care of them, taking into account the needs of others and the common good.” (2288)i Thanks to the advanced technology today, people are able to take better care of one’s health which is something encouraged by the above passage in the Catechism as long as one takes account of “the need of others and the common good”. In other words, if a technology is bringing only benefits to the patient but risking the lives of others, it is not in accordance with the Church.
The issue of the Catholic Church’s stand on genetic engineering was recently published in an articleii published May 12, 2012 in the National Catholic Register written by Rebecca Taylor, a laboratory specialist in molecular biology. She reveals the answer to the question above in her article. “To understand Catholic Church teaching on genetic engineering,” she said in her article, “it is critical to understand an important distinction under the umbrella of genetic engineering: the difference between therapy and enhancement” iii. Therapy refers to a case when one has a genetic disease and requires the aid of genetic engineering in order to live or have a more efficient health. Enhancement however refers to a case when one is in good health, does not require genetic engineering but does so, so they can have an extra “boost” in activities such as sports.
There is a big gap between therapy and enhancement. One refers to a case when one need genetic engineering while the other refers to a case when one needs it just for recreational purposes. The Catholic Church only allows the use genetic engineering for therapy just as the Church allows one to have an organ transplant if one’s health requires so. Therapy aims so that one’s genetic illness may be gone or stop it from worsening. Enhancement does not aim at that goal. Taylor said in her article, “Genetically engineering a normal man who wants more muscle to improve his athletic ability is no longer gene therapy. Instead, it is genetic enhancement.”iv Enhancement in genetic modification is morally wrong. God created each person unique in His image. If one is in good health, has great intelligence that is God’s gift! Each person should accept the talents and gifts God has given them. One should not go and receive genetic modification just because one wants to gain attention or fame. If one wants to do so, they should do so with their God-given gifts.
Based on the info above, does that mean that the use of genetic modification for the military should be banned according to Catholic teachings? Many may have different viewpoints on this. However, let us take a look back at the Catechism of the Catholic Church quote mentioned at the beginning. It stated that we make take reasonable care for our health. However, we must must do so “taking into account the needs of others and the common good.” Is war part of the common good mentioned in the Catechism? In most cases no. Though there may be some positive aspects of war, there are still many who have to suffer through the effects of war. The use of genetic engineering is like a call, “Hey... come and fight me!” Therefore, it may not help but perhaps increase the chances of war even more. “Thou shalt not kill” is the fifth commandment and the Church in no ways endorse war nor do they endorse the use of such technology to harm others.
In other words, the Catholic Church allows the use of genetic modification only if it is used for therapy purposes on those who have a genetic illness. However, genetic editing is morally wrong if used for enhancement purposes on one’s body. Each person should accept and take care of the body God has given each person. Each and every one is unique and is made in God’s image and all should appreciate their image. Will genetically engineered people be present in Catholic Churches in the future? Yes, but likely very few. How about for military use? Likely no.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church states, “Life and physical health are precious gifts entrusted to us by God. We must take reasonable care of them, taking into account the needs of others and the common good.” (2288)i Thanks to the advanced technology today, people are able to take better care of one’s health which is something encouraged by the above passage in the Catechism as long as one takes account of “the need of others and the common good”. In other words, if a technology is bringing only benefits to the patient but risking the lives of others, it is not in accordance with the Church.
The issue of the Catholic Church’s stand on genetic engineering was recently published in an articleii published May 12, 2012 in the National Catholic Register written by Rebecca Taylor, a laboratory specialist in molecular biology. She reveals the answer to the question above in her article. “To understand Catholic Church teaching on genetic engineering,” she said in her article, “it is critical to understand an important distinction under the umbrella of genetic engineering: the difference between therapy and enhancement” iii. Therapy refers to a case when one has a genetic disease and requires the aid of genetic engineering in order to live or have a more efficient health. Enhancement however refers to a case when one is in good health, does not require genetic engineering but does so, so they can have an extra “boost” in activities such as sports.
There is a big gap between therapy and enhancement. One refers to a case when one need genetic engineering while the other refers to a case when one needs it just for recreational purposes. The Catholic Church only allows the use genetic engineering for therapy just as the Church allows one to have an organ transplant if one’s health requires so. Therapy aims so that one’s genetic illness may be gone or stop it from worsening. Enhancement does not aim at that goal. Taylor said in her article, “Genetically engineering a normal man who wants more muscle to improve his athletic ability is no longer gene therapy. Instead, it is genetic enhancement.”iv Enhancement in genetic modification is morally wrong. God created each person unique in His image. If one is in good health, has great intelligence that is God’s gift! Each person should accept the talents and gifts God has given them. One should not go and receive genetic modification just because one wants to gain attention or fame. If one wants to do so, they should do so with their God-given gifts.
Based on the info above, does that mean that the use of genetic modification for the military should be banned according to Catholic teachings? Many may have different viewpoints on this. However, let us take a look back at the Catechism of the Catholic Church quote mentioned at the beginning. It stated that we make take reasonable care for our health. However, we must must do so “taking into account the needs of others and the common good.” Is war part of the common good mentioned in the Catechism? In most cases no. Though there may be some positive aspects of war, there are still many who have to suffer through the effects of war. The use of genetic engineering is like a call, “Hey... come and fight me!” Therefore, it may not help but perhaps increase the chances of war even more. “Thou shalt not kill” is the fifth commandment and the Church in no ways endorse war nor do they endorse the use of such technology to harm others.
In other words, the Catholic Church allows the use of genetic modification only if it is used for therapy purposes on those who have a genetic illness. However, genetic editing is morally wrong if used for enhancement purposes on one’s body. Each person should accept and take care of the body God has given each person. Each and every one is unique and is made in God’s image and all should appreciate their image. Will genetically engineered people be present in Catholic Churches in the future? Yes, but likely very few. How about for military use? Likely no.
References:
i http://www.vatican.va/archive/ccc_css/archive/catechism/p3s2c2a5.htm
ii http://www.ncregister.com/daily-news/human-or-superhuman
iii Ibid. (emphasis added)
iv Ibid.
ii http://www.ncregister.com/daily-news/human-or-superhuman
iii Ibid. (emphasis added)
iv Ibid.