CRISPR Gene Editing Teach-Out

In this next video, Ron Cole-Turner explains the role of theological discourse in conversations surrounding gene editing. One of the major ideas in theology is that people have the capacity to do wrong and, as a result, safeguards must be put in place to protect against misdoings and blind spots. CRISPR is also important in how it can impact justice. One of the major questions we grapple with is: how can you anticipate whether a technology will benefit some and disadvantage others? Without safeguards on how human enhancement happens, disparities of wealth could turn into disparities in biology.

Then, Ben rejoins the Teach-Out to explore how discussions often focus on technical questions of safety and efficacy, but neglect the human situations. As one example, Ben discusses the potential motivations of and pressures placed upon parents who need to ensure the best possible health for their children.