NEW LIFE?
There was a great deal of fuss for a couple of days this week over the claim that scientists in the US have succeeded in developing the first living cell to be controlled entirely by synthetic DNA.
The scientists were led by Dr. Craig Venter at the J Craig Venter Institute in Maryland and California. They had previously made a synthetic bacterial genome, and transplanted the genome of one bacterium into another. Now, the scientists have put both methods together, to create what they call a "synthetic cell", although only its genome is truly synthetic. Dr. Venter likened the advance to making new software for the cell. The researchers copied an existing bacterial genome. They sequenced its genetic code and then used "synthesis machines" to construct chemically a copy.
The excitement that has been generated is over the claim that new life has been created. Of course that is an exaggeration. Indeed, a number of people have come forward to question many of the claims that have been made. Critics say that the potential benefits of synthetic organisms have been overstated. Dr. Helen Wallace from Genewatch UK, an organisation that monitors developments in genetic technologies, said that synthetic bacteria could be dangerous. "He isn't God," she said, "he's actually being very human; trying to get money invested in his technology and avoid regulation that would restrict its use."
Dr. Gos Micklem, a geneticist from the University of Cambridge, said that the advance was "undoubtedly a landmark" study. But, he said, "there is already a wealth of simple, cheap, powerful and mature techniques for genetically engineering a range of organisms. Therefore, for the time being, this approach is unlikely to supplant existing methods for genetic engineering".
Many ethical issues arise from this and lots of discussions will take place over time. But there is another issue even more significant. A journalist on the BBC used a phrase to describe what Dr. Venter had done which so accurately describes what is really going on in some scientific circles. He said “Man has made a bug in his own image.” Maybe he has. It is a bug that is made for materialistic reasons and selfish promotion. It is a bug designed to further mankind’s exploitation of the world. It is a bug whose potential damage to the earth and humanity cannot yet be measured. Yes it is a bug in man’s own image – greedy, selfish, power seeking and dangerous.
Does it not show that the Bible’s analysis of man is accurate? Despite all the good intentions, and the fact that much of the research in the field of genetics is inspired by the highest motives, the outcome is something that presents as many threats as hopes. Such is the tragedy of man. He has such phenomenal capacities and abilities, but because of sin in the heart even the very good things he does has an adverse element in it.
But there is more to say about it. The ultimate explanation of what we see happening in this instance is found by going back to the very beginning. When Adam was tempted in the Garden of Eden and fell into sin the reason for that act of terrible rebellion was expressed in the phrase, “you will be like God”. And so it has been down through the centuries that mankind has in one way or another sought to exclude God and to put themselves in His place. That is what is happening here with Dr. Venter and his team. Ethical issues have been overridden and the cautions raised by other scientists have been put to one side. To create life in some way is a goal that men pursue at almost any cost: Not because it is essential for resolving some of the great problems we face – there is plenty of other research going on that will arrive at better solutions (or so some scientists maintain). No the issue is that there is a deep desire to be as God and then to seek to remove God completely.
The quest will fail. God will not be sidelined or excluded by men. He exercises a Sovereign control and He will act as and when He sees fit to bring their activities to nothing. But He allows men to pursue their tragic goals, and to pay the price that their actions will bring. In so doing the awful state of men’s hearts and their on-going rebellion against God is shown up for what it is.
How much better if these extremely clever men were subject to God and used their skills under His authority. What will they gain by their research and developments? Fame and power, wealth and applause may come to them. But then they will stand before God and none of those gains will count for anything.
Dr. Venter has not created new life. He never will. Life is the gift of God and He retains that right. But there is a new life that is available. A life that is free from the state of rebellion against God and free from the destructive power of sin. A life that does not come from a test tube but comes from God Himself. It is life that comes through faith in Christ. And that life is not synthetic or artificial. It is not dangerous or unpredictable. It is to quote the Lord Jesus, “life to the full”. (John 10:10)
Roger Hitchings
21 May 2010.