Books

Genetic Turning Points, by James Peterson

Reviewed by Bill Muehlenberg

Contents - Aug 2001 - Buy a copy now Editorial: The Assumption of Our Lady: 15 August - Michael Gilchrist Melbourne's new Archbishop receives Pallium from John Paul II - AD2000 Report News: The Church Around the World After 14 years: why does AD2000 continue? - Michael Gilchrist Denver Archdiocese: the future of Catholicism - David Scott US bishops implement papal teaching on Catholic universities - Charles E. Rice Appreciating the Mass: a successful new publication - Fr Robert Egar PP Australian scholarship for African priest Letters: Balanced presentation (letter) - Denis O'Leary Letters: BEC success stories (letter) - Errol P. Duke Letters: BECs not new (letter) - John Barich Letters: Radical feminists (letter) - Dr T.R. White Letters: Statement of Conclusions (letter) - Mark Power Letters: Orthodox seminary (letter) - Paul Chigwidden Letters: Finding more priests (letter) - Theo Silvas Letters: Evolution/Original Sin (letter) - John Schmid Letters: Vatican II 'ambiguities' (letter) - George F. Simpson Letters: Choosing life (letter) - Mark Whybrow Letters: St Thomas Aquinas (letter) - Valentine Gallagher Letters: Generous response (letter) - Fr Stephen B. Muchemwa Letters: Mass leaflet (letter) - Stephanie McClarty Letters: Correct statement (letter) - Elizabeth Carr Books: Genetic Turning Points, by James Peterson - Bill Muehlenberg (reviewer) Books: The Cross of Anzac, by Tom Johnstone - Mark Posa (reviewer) Books: Hail, Holy Queen: The Mother of God in the Word of God, by Scott Hahn - Catherine Sheehan (reviewer) Books: Learning to Pray, by Julie Keleman - Anthony Cappello (reviewer) Books: The DNA of God: Newly Discovered Secrets of the Shroud of Turin, Garza-Valdez - Anthony Cappello (reviewer) Books: The Christian Travellers' Guides: France, Britain, Italy, Germany - F.T. Long (reviewer) Events: Victorian Thomas More Winter School 2001 in Ballarat, 3 - 5 August 2001 Events: Cardinal Lustiger to visit Australia, 6 August 2001 Events: Second National Chesterton Conference, 30 Sept - 1 Oct 2001 Reflection: Clerical celibacy: Giving ourselves up completely to God and the people He loves - Fr Dennis W. Byrnes PP

New book views genetic engineering from a Christian perspective

GENETIC TURNING POINTS
by James Peterson
(Eerdmans, 2001, 364pp, $44.95. Available from AD Books)

In the past few decades the advances in bio-technology and genetics have been astounding. The scientific and technical breakthroughs have far outstripped our ability to consider their ethical ramifications. The developments in the Human Genome Project alone are raising many legal, ethical and social issues that need to be carefully thought through.

A number of books have appeared recently which examine these new developments, and their impact on society. One of the newest and most helpful discussions to date is to be found in Genetic Turning Points. The author, James Peterson, has the advantage not only of having a PhD in ethics, but of having worked as a researcher in molecular and clinical genetics. So he knows about both worlds, and is able to deftly bring the two together in this incisive and comprehensive volume.

Controversial issues

Writing from a Christian perspective, Peterson is able to discuss in detail the intricacies of genetic engineering without bogging the reader down in an overly technical fashion. He examines a number of the controversial issues: genetic testing, genetic screening, genetic surgery, genetic patents, genetic drugs and genetic manipulation. While acknowledging the tremendous potential for good that the new genetic frontiers can offer, he is also keenly aware of the potential dangers and pitfalls.

Any one of these issues could warrant a whole book. Take the issue of genetic surgery. Many ethical questions are raised here. What exactly is a person? When we alter the physical attributes of a person, do we alter the person? Are we in fact creating people when we use genetic surgery? Could genetic surgery extend to behavioural issues as well? Peterson does a more than adequate job of laying out the issues and options, keeping the reader informed of the latest in scientific and ethical thinking on the debate.

Indeed, all the latest topics for debate are carefully examined: the Human Genome Project, the possibility of human cloning, and debates about human germline intervention versus somatic cell intervention. And all of this discussion avoids any kind of reductionism, whereby humans are reduced to their genetic make-up.

The more we learn about genetics, the more we see their importance. But in spite of their importance, we also know that we are more than our genes. That is where philosophy and theology come in. Science by itself can only give us part of the picture. We need the bigger picture provided by religion and ethics.

Thus the value of this book. Conversant with the latest medical and bio-medical trends and practices, Dr Peterson is also well-versed in the Christian literature - both Catholic and Protestant.

While both components are nicely wedded in this volume, his conclusions on some matters - such as aspects of IVF - may not necessarily please everyone. And on some issues - for example, when does human life begin? - he carefully lays out the options without fully committing himself (although his sympathies do seem to lie with respect for life from conception).

The way ahead is uncertain. As Peterson makes clear, the new revolution in genetics can be helpful if we are very careful. But there is a dark side to this development which must be eyed carefully.

The author's final admonitions are worth mentioning: "Genetics does not so much make us automatically better as it can make us more capable. Genetic intervention, like many technologies, frees us from some constraints and increases our abilities and choices. Pursued as an end in itself it is at best a distraction, and when all-consuming, idolatry. If all we manage to do is relieve physical suffering and to control our physical world in the finest degree, our potential will be wasted."

In the end, the way the genetic revolution transforms life will in large measure be determined by how we, as informed citizens, keep the whole process in check. Runaway technology is always a danger. But new developments in bio-technology can be a blessing as well. Thus it is imperative that we all become as conversant with the issues as possible. Reading this book is a good place to begin.

Bill Muehlenburg, a Baptist, is National Secretary of the Australian Family Association and teaches theology at several Protestant Bible colleges in Melbourne.

Reprinted from AD2000 Vol 14 No 7 (August 2001), p. 16