Life is a gift that includes powers to be used and celebrated, but that doesn't necessarily justify the use of every new power that comes along. A Christian Response to the New Genetics appeals to both secular and religious readers in the center of the great debate over our new genetic powers. These essays affirm many traditional Christian perspectives and virtues, while also introducing new insights. The authors explore a broad range of topics, including genetic testing, gene transfer, genetic manipulation, patenting, health insurance, and the moral status of embryos. They conclude it is naïve to either outright reject or wholeheartedly embrace the new genetic powers. In fact, sometimes the best we can expect is to learn how to cope with moral uncertainty. A Christian Response to the New Genetics originated with initiatives of the Episcopal Church, but the book is neither an official statement of Episcopal theological ethics nor a parochial lamentation.

Contributions by: David A. Ames, Mary R. Anderlik, Ellen Wright Clayton, Theodore A. Daniels, Lindon Eaves, Judith A. Granbois, Elizabeth Heitman, Jan C. Heller, Bruce Jennings, James B. Lemler, Timothy Sedgwick, David H. Smith, LeRoy B. Walters, MaryT White