Paul Flaman, Ph.D.
Reviewed by Rebecca Davis-Mathias, Ph.D. in In Defence of Life
Since Dolly, the first cloned sheep, swept into relentless media coverage in 1997, genetics has garnered increased scientific, political, socio-economic, and ethical deliberation. Paul Flaman, who teaches at St. Joseph’s College on the University of Alberta campus, has written a handy, user-friendly genetics resource tool which addresses these various considerations. Flaman’s work helps to develop a richer understanding of who we are as human beings and what our moral obligations are to each other and to all life in any form.
Flaman’s approach is to create a dynamic dialogue in four chapters between Catholic teaching and genetic engineering science. He demonstrates this specifically through discussion in chapter one on plants as they relate to agribusiness, ecological concerns, biological warfare, GMOs, xenotransplants, transgenic animals and hybrids, cloning plants and animals, and patenting life forms.
In chapter two these discussions focus primarily on humans: genetic testing and screening in relation to prenatal diagnosis, fetal therapy, and abortion; pre-implantation genetic diagnosis, genetic testing after birth, and genetic testing before marriage and conception. Central to these ethical issues are the short- and long-term considerations of proper genetic counselling, confidentiality and discrimination considerations. Genetic therapy, eugenics, and “designer babies” are highlighted as well as human cloning for reproductive and “therapeutic” purposes.
Obviously, ethical and theological implications resound throughout the book, but are developed most comprehensively in chapter three when the ambiguous question of “playing God” arises. Are we to control nature for our own purposes and agendas? Or are we to honor, protect and nurture the nature God gave us? If we should “play God”, how may we responsibly uphold the intrinsic value of biological life? After informing us with facts, reasoning, and balanced perspectives on each of the above subjects, Flaman carefully poses penetrating discussion questions at the end of each chapter for further reflection.
The final chapter presents an effective way of working through the morality of genetic engineering dilemmas. By focusing on the inherent dignity of all human life, Catholic teaching offers considerations for Christian/Catholic reflection before choosing courses of action and response.
This book can be borrowed from the Edmonton Prolife office or borrowed from the University of Alberta Libraries.
Or you can buy it from Amazon by following this link.
Return to EPL's Collection.
Send mail to
edmpl@interbaun.com with
questions or comments.
Or call the office at 780-425-1637
Copyright © 2008
