The Church of Scotland on Synthetic Biology

Unlike many of my colleagues, I'm not really interested in the whole "science vs. religion" thing, but I do want to point out the very thoughtful analysis of genetic engineering and synthetic biology by the Church of Scotland's Society, Religion, and Technology Project. On GM food, they write:

The official scientific and economic reports support the view of the 1999 Assembly, that GM is not a simple 'yes or no' issue and must be taken case-by-case, weighing up many different factors. Theologically, SRT has found no convincing reason to say it is a wrong act to transfer genes into a crop from a different species. We do not support the argument from the organic lobby that GM is opposed to nature. In Christian ethics, what is natural is an ambiguous moral guide. Humans have also intervened fundamentally in countless ways since our primitive ancestors walked the earth - including some dramatically 'unnatural' uses of selective breeding. We do not draw a fixed line at GM, just because it's GM. On the other hand, the way God through evolution has ordered the creation is not to be treated lightly, so we advocate precaution about risks. None of our present ways of growing food are risk free, so it's not a case of "if in doubt don't". But novel aspects of GM need careful assessment. While no significant health problems have emerged, spotting any long term effects in the wider population of millions who have eaten GM food is like looking for a needle in a haystack. More specific research on potential health risks is needed, but in general GM seems no more likely to be a cause of major health problems than conventional food, provided tests and regulations are adhered to properly.

Only some applications would be acceptable, however. Our 1999 Church of Scotland report urged that GM crops should focus on applications with obvious benefit to people or the environment. The GM tomato paste on sale in the mid-1990's was cheaper to both producers and consumers because less energy was used in production, and according to taste panels, it tasted better than non-GM tomatoes. It was easily segregated and labelled as GM produce. In contrast, the main GM crops being now being considered by the UK Government may not meet our criteria. Oil seed rape, forage maize and sugar beet made resistant to weed killers do not offer tangible benefits to consumers. In a climate of consumer scepticism of GM foods, the official economic report concludes that costs savings to farmers could be outweighed by the lack of a market. Only GM animal feed or crops for export may be economically attractive to growers.

A brand new report on synthetic biology is similar in its message of cautiously embracing new biological technologies with awareness of both the potential risks and potential benefits. According to AllMedia Scotland:

The authors of the report acknowledge that from novel forms of biofuels to improved medical interventions, the manipulation of micro-organisms in the ways envisaged by synthetic biology has "the potential to revolutionise much of our lives".

However, despite some protestations to the contrary, the report argues that synthetic biology does not put humanity on a par with God and that our "creatureliness remains". It believes this field of research, which has been styled as "creating life" and "Life, version 2.0", holds out much promise, but also brings many concerns....

However, the paper affirms that synthetic biology is a new scientific application which, if used correctly, could revolutionise medicine, transform the primary and secondary sector of industry and offer solutions to energy and environmental problems. If appropriate legislation and effective control could make sure that all potential risks were eliminated, or at least avoided, there is no compelling reason to stop or ban synthetic biology.

The report argues that everybody, including the Christian world, could welcome this scientific innovation. It says eliminating human suffering, protecting the environment, promoting general well-being and advancing scientific knowledge using reason and human ingenuity are goals in harmony with Christian teaching.

People on all sides of the debates about genetic engineering, the environment, and even science/religion can benefit from such open-minded analysis of these complex issues. You don't have to believe in anything you don't want to to be thoughtful and understanding of the concerns and interests of all people.