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Pope Says "Nein" to Genetic Manipulation

By evolgen on April 15, 2006.

From the London Times:

In a series of Good Friday meditations that he will lead in Rome, the Pope will say that society is in the grip of a kind of "anti-Genesis" described as "a diabolical pride aimed at eliminating the family". He will pray for society to be cleansed of the "filth" that surrounds it and be restored to purity, freed from "decadent narcissism".

Yo, bro, if you want to free society from "decadent narcissism" you could start by moving out of that huge mansion. I've been there. The place is awesome, but the dresses, funny hats, and some sort of special connection to God sure look like decadent narcissism to this heathen outsider. But that's just foreplay; the money shot comes next:

Particular condemnation is reserved for scientific advances in the field of genetic manipulation. Warning against the move to "modify the very grammar of life as planned and willed by God", the Pope will lead prayers against "insane, risky and dangerous" ventures in attempting "to take God's place without being God".

Genetic modification ain't all The Island of Dr. Moreau (the Marlon Brando version). You want to do away with genetic manipulation Ratzy? Then you get no corn (maize), wheat, or cute little dachshunds. And I'll leave it up to you to tell all of the diabetics that they can't use the insulin harvested from genetically modified bacteria. Looks like the papists and the fundies are pushing the same anti-science rhetoric.

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genetics
Science

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"insane, risky and dangerous" ventures in attempting "to take God's place without being God"

So, if we become God and take his place, there's no problem then?

Darn Scientists and their messing with God's plan... antibiotics, pain killers, metallurgy and all. What do you think, was he condemning all genetic engineering or just messing around with the DNA of humans?