Genetic engineering has become the focus of frenzied global debate following the monumen-tal accomplishments of the human genome project. Taiwan has not escaped the debate. Amid the cross of intellectual swords, however, the philosophical, spiritual and religious aspects are sometimes forgotten.
As global trends commentator John Naisbitt, among others, has pointed out, the ongoing development of genetic engineering has the potential to bring science and religion into conflict. Such a conflict would have an impact far greater than that of the arrival of the information age.
In the West, people in religious circles are actively entering into discussion about the new technology, but the voices of such people in Taiwan have been conspicuous in their silence. I would like, therefore to move the debate on by raising various spiritual issues relating to the elimination of genetic disease.
Many facets of the attitudes of scientists involved in genetic engineering -- especially in genetic modification -- are rooted in US culture. There is, for example, a -- albeit equivocal -- relationship between US-centric, capitalist views and the materialistic, extroverted character of ideas like the "human farm," the "headless man" manufactured to supply human organs, and the creation of taller, stronger, better-looking people. But such attitudes barely touch on the spiritual aspects of human nature.
Genetic engineering -- if not moderated by thinking on other levels -- is very likely to cause deadly discrimination against disadvantaged groups once it begins to wield its influence as a mainstream trend.
Naturally, theological contemplation becomes very important at this point. Western theologists express divergent views in Naisbitt's book High Tech, High Touch but they do tend to concur that it is acceptable to use genetic engineering for the eradication of diseases, though not for cosmetic enhancement. They do not back up their conclusions with an in-depth, multi-faceted exploration, however, and sound somewhat "holier than thou." For example, one says it is right to use genetic engineering in the fight against a "natural devil" like disease. But is disease a devil?
Take Down's syndrome
In Taiwan, we see many parents setting up organizations for mentally challenged children and "fighting the good fight" for them, expanding their personal emotions into a love for others. In this process, life sparkles and shines with precious qualities.
Of course, that does not mean we should halt the development of treatments for people suffering from Down's syndrome or any other disease. The point is that even disease can be a kind of revelation of a complex image of life. Through this image, we understand how body and soul are connected and interact.
Humans should pursue good health, but disease (or suffering) is neither evil nor a karmic obstacle. It can be an opportunity to learn, an intimate encounter with deeper meanings of life. Getting rid of the spiritual message of disease could make our too-perfect bodies all the more dreary.
RSS