To Change or Not to Change?

There’s always been the question of “Should we modify DNA?”. Most people would say that it’s perfectly fine while others would say that it goes against religious beliefs. Personally, I believe that it’s a great technology to have and develop.

Just a couple nights ago, my family and I were discussing whether genetic modification was a positive or negative thing and, during the discussion, my father said this: “Genetic modification, like many other things, is like a blank canvas and what we do with it is what makes it good or bad.”

Much like the use of drugs can be used in a positive or negative way, the modification of something or someone’s genes can be for better or for worse. Modifying the genes of various food crops to be more resistant to disease, insects, and weather is very beneficial, not only to countries that have large populations but also to countries where food is a luxury.

Then there’s the question of where the line should be drawn. Should we stop at the modification of plant and animal DNA? Or should we stop at correcting a person’s DNA so they will be “normal”? Both of these points can be argued but here are my thoughts on the issue.

For the modification of plant and animal DNA, only modify the genetics of food products. Although there’re a number of people who believe that genetically modified foods (GMOs) are bad for your health, there has been absolutely no scientific study that suggest this. Not only does the modification of plant and animal DNA make food cheaper, it makes food more abundant for people who are desperate to get a morsel everyday.

In the case of modifying human DNA, I believe that we shouldn’t modify human DNA. There is great suffering that affected people may have to endure. But there are just as many who have actually learned to live with their disabilities and live fruitful lives. Famous movie/TV star Peter Dinklage, a “dwarf” (for those Game of Thrones fans), and well-known Christian speaker Nick Vujicic, who was born without arms and legs, have thrived despite their circumstances.

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Theo's Rants & Inklings