Theology, Disability and the New Genetics: Why Science ...

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Theology, Disability and the New Genetics: Why Science Needs the Church
Edited by John Swinton and Brian Brock
T&T Clark, 2007

"Many with disabilities are wary of genetic technologies, fearing that acceptance of tests to prevent the birth of those with disabilities will only add to the rejection of those who live among us with the very same conditions. Theological scholars and the voices of the disabled come together in this book to wrestle with the promises and perils of today's genetic medicine. This book is an invitation to ponder one of the most disturbing questions of our time: will our acceptance of genetics make us less accepting of others?"
Ron Cole-Turner
Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, USA

"The currant enthusiasm for the 'new genetics' is decisively challenged by this important book on disability and genetics. The exaggerated claims associated with genomics are here challenged by reminding us that there is nothing 'wrong' with the disabled. Rather there is much wrong with us to the extent that we would seek to eliminate the disabled in the name of compassion. Hopefully these essays will receive the attention they deserve."
Stanley Hauerwas
Duke Divinity School, USA

The world's population needs to be controlled. Therefor, reproduction needs to be limited. So, it might as well be limited to the more "fit".

Why? And what is "fit?" It certainly must be of a different standard than is applied to animals out in the wild, and not necessarily one that can be judged by just looking at a set of genes. That neurotypical, healthy child could grow up to be a mooch, a burnt-out druggie, a manipulator, a deadbeat parent or any number of other failures of humanity. On the other hand, a disabled, neurodiverse or otherwise supposedly "unfit" individual could go on to be successful, happy and a source of joy for those around them. Using someone's status of being disabled as a marker for whether or not they deserve to live or will have a happy life without any other context - which, aside from perhaps the mentality and socioeconomic situation of the parents, is impossible to predict before the child's actually been born - is just a disguised form of discrimination that would not be tolerated in any other case.

It sounds like these authors confuse faulty applications with science. Those who study genetics know the importance of experimentation in evolution. However, that's not necessarily the case of those who commission them (e.g. Autism Speaks).

Some more, "God's Will", experts.

It comes down to parents, and at the most a warning that, your children could turn out to be like you.

With 90% of the population growth in the third world, this will have nothing to do with world population.

Genetic research is good, application is science fiction.

While single gene issues, Downes, will stop people from being born, it will not stop the next generation from having the same genes.

Now, breeding a Master Race has some potential.

Potential for what, may I ask?

Sciene will never accomplish what spirituality can already do.

Glad you asked. In my studies I have run across several cultures that produced a sub species. It does take a thousand years or so, but selecting for good health, long life, talents, breeding the best to the best does work. Those within the line are culled for any defect and bred back to the mass Those from the mass who show great promise are bred to the line, and over time a small, less than 1% group has all the best of the whole people, and little of the worst.

The best are given a life of service, thinking of the best ways to live, planning for the long term, so a small group raises the fortunes of all.