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School Visit
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In Summer 2003, a visit to a school in Maidenhead was organised to add a layer of faith to considerations of the morally difficult issues relating to recent achievements in genetic engineering. The two faith perspectives explored at the event were Christianity and Buddhism.
The article below was written by Revd Dr Lee Rayfield, the Vicar of St Peter's with St Mark's, following the event.
"Tampering with the Script?"
Genetic technology is a subject which tends to raise strong reactions. Most people accept the idea of genetic fingerprinting in order to help catch criminals, but the genetic modification of crops, animals or human beings is far more controversial. Accusations of 'playing God', meddling with Nature and creating an ecological catastrophe are countered by claims that such technology could potentially feed the two-thirds world, dramatically reduce the use of chemicals in agriculture and perhaps eliminate life-threatening diseases. For some genetic technology offers untold promise, to others it can only bring a curse.
To help sixth form students gain a better understanding of the issues around genetic technology Revd Dr Lee Rayfield, the Vicar of St Peter's with St Mark's, organised a morning at Furze Platt Senior which was held in July of 2003. In a 'cafe style' atmosphere of learning, students explored some of the science, ethical implications and religious perspectives realiting to genetic engineering. There were questionnaires, around the table discussions and plenary presentations. Groups of A level biology students explained the technology and a team from a commercial organisation presented their research and its aims. The ethical implications were then explored from two rather different religious perspectives: Buddhist and Christian.
The morning gave an opportunity for students to appreciate the challenges posed by advances in genetics and to reflect on how wise ethical judgements can be made. At the end of the morning, feedback showed that many students had changed their attitudes over how they regarded genetic technologies - some were more accepting, some more critical. They had also discovered the contribution that a religious understanding can bring to a pressing issue in today's world.
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