Playing God Without His Wisdom

“E coli microbes have been modified to carry an expanded genetic code which researchers say will ultimately allow them to be programmed… Now, the first living organisms to thrive with an expanded genetic code have been made by researchers in work that paves the way for the creation and exploitation of entirely new life forms” (The Guardian, January, 24, 2017). Scientists hope the new bacteria will help create both new drugs and new materials, and they believe there are no risks of mutation (ibid.).

God created mankind with incredible creative powers, and the ability to create new and non-existing genetic code is truly remarkable! Just as remarkable is the potential utility of the by-products of these new microorganisms. One of the reasons God confused the languages at the tower of Babel was to postpone man’s ability to accomplish virtually everything we could imagine, for good or ill (Genesis 11:6-8). Today, scientific knowledge is expanding at an unbelievable rate. However, scientific knowledge is outpacing our understanding to wisely apply it. The book of Proverbs warns that both wisdom and understanding must be earnestly sought—not just knowledge (Proverbs 4:5, 7; 16:16)! As the history of science proves, there are often unexpected consequences of scientific experiments. Knowledge without understanding can lead to unforeseen problems—and these E. coli experiments may fit that same mold. For more on this topic, read “God and the Foundation of Science.”