This treatise in four parts proposes a reconception of science, theology, and how they can and must interrelate to further the goals of genetic research. In fact, it goes a long way to reconcile faith back into scientific dialogue and debate. Contributors include Michael Banner, John Hedley Brooke, Donald Bruce, Stephen Clark, Mairi Levitt, Michael Northcott, Arthur Peacocke, Michael Reiss, Peter Scott, Christopher Southgate, Jacqui Stewart, and Brian Wynne, as well as the editors.
Part I addresses, in four parts (each with a main article and a response from another contributor), these questions: What contribution does, can and should Christian theology and religious insights make to debates about genetic technologies? And what (if any) major challenge might the new genetics pose to our existing Christian theological resources for thinking about the human place in the world?
Part II deals with specific issues, questions and dilemmas raised by genetic technology. Challenging erroneous notions of knowledge classification, unnatural risk from genetic technologies, and what is or is not permissible concerning the boundaries between species, the authors use Christianity as both a filter and guide to find their conclusions.
Part III give voice to public concerns about genetic technology, focussing on acceptance and understanding of current scientific methods.
Part IV follows part III's lead to solidify the chasm between societal ambivalence of science and governmental inclination to use it to promote social welfare.
The concluding chapter ties each essay into the main theme and posits a marriage of theology with science, or perhaps a theology of science.
Celia Deane-Drummond is Professor of Theology and the Biological Sciences at Chester College of Higher Education and the Director of the Centre for Religion and the Biosciences.
Dr. Bronislaw Szerszynski is Lecturer in Environment and Culture at the Institute for Environment, Philosophy and Public Policy, Lancaster University.
Robin Grove-White is Professor of Environment and Society and Chair of the Centre for the Study of Environmental Change at the Institute for Environment, Philosophy and Public Policy, Lancaster University.
