In the past decade, the ability to manipulate genetic code directly has provided a new and powerful tool with the potential for revolutionary scientific advances. This tool can potentially lead to cures for presently incurable diseases and to a solution for food supply shortages, with numerous other anticipated and unforeseen breakthroughs as well. The technology raises many ethical concerns, however, such as how to value human life. These challenges cannot be solved through science alone. This publication is based on the conference, "Ethics of Biotechnology: Viewing New Creations with Anabaptist Eyes," held in November 2003 at Eastern Mennonite University. Although many conferences on biotechnology have attempted to provide a secular framework for these issues, no prior major academic conference has presented Anabaptist perspectives as an important way to understand the world and bring helpful ideas to ethical issues generated by genetic biotechnologies. This book focuses on the power and use of new understandings in genetic biotechnology by featuring current applications in cloning, stem cell research, gene therapies, and the use of genetically modified plants and animals. The book is organized in three sections: (1) genetic modifications, (2) perspectives, and (3) critique and synthesis. What do we mean by viewing "with Anabaptist eyes"? Many of the contributors to the book came from an Anabaptist faith tradition or have an appreciation for that theological stream. In American contemporary religious life, Christian church denominations such as the Mennonites, Church of the Brethren, and Mennonite Brethren, are part of this faith tradition. While we consider an Anabaptist perspective to be diverse, this perspective is founded on common principles arising from our heritage and faith, and includes these ideals:
We believe that an Anabaptist perspective can provide refreshing insights into biotechnology. The conference included presentations from diverse viewpoints and disciplines, with researchers studying genetic biotechnology from both agricultural and medical contexts, ethicists, professors, and community members. This array of perspectives from academic and religious communities provided a unique framework for how to approach biotechnology with excitement and caution both now and in the future. We hope that this book will raise awareness about biotechnology and its potential influence in the larger community, so that an Anabaptist perspective is considered in the applications and issues that will affect our lives and those of future generations. —Roman J. Miller, Beryl H.
Brubaker, and James C. Peterson, Editors Viewing New Creations orders:
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