Created, Not Engineered: Analyzing Human Gene Editing from a Catholic Anthropological and Moral Perspective

Area of Science:

• Bioethics
• Theology
• Human Genetics

Background:

• Advances in human gene editing present ethical challenges to the Catholic Church's view of human dignity.
• Germline modifications, in particular, require careful moral evaluation within established theological principles.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the Catholic Church's moral evaluation of human gene editing, especially germline modifications.
• To apply the Catholic moral framework, using the See-Judge-Act model, to contemporary gene editing technologies.
• To assess whether gene editing interventions respect or compromise inherent human dignity.

Main Methods:

• Doctrinal and hermeneutical analysis of Catholic moral teachings.
• Application of foundational principles: human dignity, imago Dei, solidarity, and responsible care.
• Utilizing the See-Judge-Act model for ethical assessment.

Main Results:

• Gene editing technologies, primarily for genetic diseases, are evaluated against Catholic ethical principles.
• The Church's framework emphasizes respecting human dignity and integrity, distinguishing therapy from unacceptable alteration.
• A future-oriented view is necessary to address both therapeutic and enhancement applications of gene editing.

Conclusions:

• The Catholic Church's ethical response to gene editing prioritizes human dignity and rejects engineering human nature.
• Ethical boundaries are crucial to differentiate legitimate therapeutic interventions from unacceptable alterations.
• A Christian ethical approach must anticipate future biotechnologies while upholding the sanctity of human life.