Why Should Christians Care about Genetics?

•    Good use of genetics will allow us to feed the increasing world population, and prepare vaccines in unique ways, such as through food crops.  But we have to be concerned and ask “are there dangers to future generations?”
•    In the future we will be able to correct genetic diseases (pre and post natal, as well as in adults).  There may be profound ethical choices as this research continues.  Is this a form of eugenics?  How long should life continue, and at what financial cost?  Should this only be available to the affluent?
•    Cure Cancer.  This seems to be good, but the science used for this also is used for all sorts of other applications.  This treatment may cost a lot of money, should it be available to all?  Should it be covered by all health insurance plans?  What about those without health insurance, and in countries without adequate health insurance?
•    We need to be able to talk to our children and grandchildren.  They may be faced with ethical decisions that we never thought of.  For example, they may be told that the fetus she is carrying has a dreaded disease?  Who can they talk to as they decide the emotional impact of terminating the pregnancy, versus caring for a genetically damaged child for life?  What about the financial impact on them, or society?  Can we put a dollar value on life?  Where will the millions of dollars come from to care for this child?  What will be the emotional impact on the rest of the family?
•    Should we let loose bacteria that will consume the oil from the oil spill?  What will happen if it gets “loose”?
•    Some people suggest that God is the greatest geneticist of all.  The DNA in our cells, plants, and even bacteria and viruses have so much in common.  So little separates us genetically, but those small differences make profound differences in all of us.  The more some scientists look at this, the stronger their faith becomes.  My adult Sunday school asked if God had Jacob make use of genetics as he separated the speckled goats etc. in Genesis. (His dream told him what to do.)