Religion is a dominant force in the lives of many Americans. It animates, challenges, directs and shapes, as well, the legal, political, and scientific agendas of the new Age of Biotechnology. In a very real way, religion, biomedical technology and law are - epistemologically - different. Yet, they are equal vectors of force in defining reality and approaching an understanding of it. Indeed, all three share a synergetic relationship, for they seek to understand and improve the human condition. This book strikes a rich balance between thorough analysis (in the body), anchored in sound references to religion, law and medical scientific analysis, and a strong scholarly direction in the end notes. It presents new insights into the decision-making processes of the new Age of Biotechnology and shows how religion, law and medical science interact in shaping, directing and informing the political processes. This volume will be of interest to both scholars and practitioners in the fields of religion and theology, philosophy, ethics, (family) law, science, medicine, political science and public policy, and gender studies. It will serve as a reference source and can be used in graduate and undergraduate courses in law, medicine and religion.

Genetically modified foods are foods derived from genetically modified organisms have had specific changes introduced into their DNA by genetic engineering techniques. The main aim of genetically modified crops is to produce a food that is able to survive even if any harmful chemicals or pesticides or herbicides are sprayed. Genetically engineered foods have had their DNA changed using genes from other plants or animals. Scientists take the gene for a desired trait in one plant or animal, and they insert that gene into a cell of another plant or animal. Genetic engineering can be done with plants, animals, or bacteria and other very small organisms. Genetic engineering allows scientists to move desired genes from one plant or animal into another. Genes can also be moved from an animal to a plant or vice versa. Genetic engineering also helps speed up the process of creating new foods with desired traits. Genetically modified material sounds a little bit like science fiction territory, but in reality, much of what we eat on a daily basis is a genetically modified organism. Whether or not these modified foods are actually healthy is still up for debate-and many times, you don't even know that you are buying something genetically modified. The book will be of help to researcher in the field of agriculture, crop improvement, biotechnology etc. It will also be helpful to teachers and students for better understanding of the subject.

Editors Charles W. Colson and Nigel M. de S. Cameron, along with a panel of expert contributors address in twelve essays the watershed legal and ethical challenges before us in twenty-first century biotechnology: stem cell research, cloning, gene therapy, pharmacogenomics, cybernetics, abortion and more.

The field of religion and science is one of the most exciting and dynamic areas of research today. This Companion brings together an outstanding team of scholars to explore the ways in which science intersects with the major religions of the world and religious naturalism. The collection provides an overview of the field and also indicates ways in which it is developing. Its multicultural breadth and scientific rigor on topics that are and will be compelling issues in the first part of the twenty-first century and beyond will be welcomed by students and scholars alike.

Researchers in the humanities and social sciences have examined nanotechnology for more than twenty years. Their interests include the history of nanotech, religious reactions, and public engagement with it. This collection shows that the humanities and social sciences contribute to our understanding of nanotechnology. It will also serve to accompany textbooks in physics, chemistry, molecular biology, and microelectronics because it illuminates societal and ethical issues in these disciplines.

A Science and Religion Primer is a unique resource: an encyclopedia, an annotated bibliography, and a survey of the relationship between two equally complex fields. Editors Heidi Campbell and Heather Looy begin their work with four chapters from expert contributors: history of the science and religion dialogue, the role of philosophy in the science and religion dialogue, theology's intersection with the science and religion dialogue, and science and technology in light of religion. Entries cover such diverse topics as philosopher of science Karl Popper, the anthropic principle, Gaia, theodicy, hermeneutics, Intelligent Design, and more. Professors and students of theology, religion, and science--at both the undergraduate and graduate levels--will welcome this contribution. A Science and Religion Primer is an accessible and affordable contribution to interdisciplinary studies and provides a respectful conversation between science and faith.

George P. Smith, II is a leading figure in the world of medical law and ethics. During his long career he has addressed some of the most important issues in bioethics and has contributed much original thought to the debates in this field. This book celebrates his contribution bringing together his key writings in bioethics. The chapters include previously published material, however, the pieces have been substantially updated to include more recent developments and rewritten drawing out the themes and strands which have run through Professor Smith's thinking over the past fifty years. The book covers topics including: human rights and medical law; the allocation of resources and distributive justice; ethical relativism; science and religion; and public health emergencies. In doing so it offers an excellent overview of the current bioethical issues in medical law in light of recent and ongoing technological developments in medicine. "This collection of essays by one of the world's leading medical lawyers is academic research of the highest quality. With an enviable clarity of thought and force of argument, Professor Smith tackles some of the major issues facing medicine and law today. It is a tour de force by an academic at the height of his powers." Professor Jonathan Herring, University of Oxford.

Developments in biotechnology, such as cloning and the decoding of the human genome, are generating questions and choices that traditionally have fallen within the realm of religion and philosophy: the definition of human life, human vs. divine control of nature, the relationship between human and non-human life, and the intentional manipulation of the mechanisms of life and death. In Claiming Power over Life, eight contributors challenge policymakers to recognize the value of religious views on biotechnology and discuss how best to integrate the wisdom of the Christian and Jewish traditions into public policy debates. Arguing that civic discourse on the subject has been impoverished by an inability to accommodate religious insights productively, they identify the ways in which religious thought can contribute to policymaking. Likewise, the authors challenge religious leaders and scholars to learn about biotechnology, address the central issues it raises, and participate constructively in the moral debates it engenders. The book will be of value to policymakers, religious leaders, ethicists, and all those interested in issues surrounding the intersection of religion and biotechnology policy.

Considers the ethics and challenges of biotechnology.

What role should religion play in a religiously pluralistic liberal society? This work address specific issues such as assisted suicide, stem cell research, cloning, reproductive health, and alternative medicine. It focuses on the interface of religion and bioethics.