Gene Editing Go-Ahead!

“UK scientists have been given the go-ahead by the fertility regulator to genetically modify human embryos. It is the first time a country has considered the DNA-altering technique in embryos and approved it… But the field is attracting controversy over concerns it is opening the door to designer—or GM—babies… In a world-first last year, scientists in China announced they had carried out gene editing in human embryos to correct a gene that causes a blood disorder” (BBC, February 1, 2016). “Dr David King, the director of Human Genetics Alert, said: ‘This research will allow the scientists to refine the techniques for creating GM babies, and many of the government’s scientific advisers have already decided that they are in favour of allowing that. So this is the first step in a well mapped-out process leading to GM babies, and a future of consumer eugenics’” (ibid.).

Although many genetic scientists have altruistic motives—they aim to help babies with genetic problems—where will this research lead? Once science can turn off disease genes, they can, theoretically, turn off aging genes and turn on genes for strength, body size and more! In Genesis 11:6-9, God purposefully confused the languages because He knew “nothing that they propose to do will be withheld from them.” If scientists develop the ability to manipulate genes, they will play God and, in theory, could remove the need for our physical “Healer.” God will not allow that to happen! For more on this fascinating subject, read our article “The Miracle of DNA.”