Ted Schelble, Joe Naughton, Kareem Malas, Keegan English Senior Seminar 8

What is the Biotech revolution? How does the Church come into play? Bioethics Two sides to the morality of Biotech Goal of Biotech Ideological Fault Newness of Biotech

Cloning Dolly 1997 *In-Vitro Fertilization* *Stem Cell Research* *End-Of-Life Issues* Genetic Engineering

GMOs Chimeras

IVF is controversial for its

Removal of Connection between intercourse and reproduction Left over embryos Counter = Goal of Procreation Similar to Abortion Dignitas Personae (2008) Two sides of the Argument

Stem Cell Research Issues

John Paul II

Ordinary vs. Extraordinary Providing Nutrition while person remains in a persistent vegetative state i.e. Terri Schiavo (2005) Euthanasia Gray Areas

Near Certain

Biotech as a growth Industry Explosion of moral interest in genetics and bioethics Boom in Christian Anthropology defining the humanity, free will, and life Rise of the Theologian-Biologist Catholics educated in both fields of Catholic morality and biology/neuroscience Revival of Natural Law destroy moral relativism, define universal moral thought as a constant not a variable

Probable Consequences

Age of Catholic Alternatives GIFTs, Catholic Family planning, and Adult Stem Cells Hospices and Palliative Care protects human dignity and preserves obligation to the terminally ill as ordinary not extraordinary Advocacy for Global Health Care Justice while advances in medical tech are valuable, people sometimes have more pressing needs Anti-GMO pressures on Vatican rise of Global South presents cautious, critical, and conservative stance on GMOs Theology of Suffering suffering is not good, but can be a powerful witness to the preservation of human dignity

Possible Consequences

Redefining the Culture Wars On the Issue of Bioethics, Left vs. Right politically Church as a Mediator Church has a diverse demography and strives for caution in the Biotech Revolution Will Sin be In? Sin could evolve into a liberating action as a demonstration of free will Programming the God gene? Scientists have isolated a specific gene that correlates to spiritual sensitivity

Long Shot Consequences

Catholic Church has the potential to be a mediator of the Biotech revolution and strive to maintain caution Church should take a middle ground to cater to both sides, while maintaining the universal, moral principles of life and human dignity