Reflection - Genomes

By Steve Hall

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/091821.cfm
I Timothy 6:13-16
Luke 8:4-15

Let’s start with a riddle.

What do soybeans, cotton and corn have in common that is somewhat unique to them in the United States? Several potential answers may come to mind. They would probably all be incorrect. The one correct answer is that 90% or more of each of these crops planted in the US have been genetically modified.

People have been noticing for a long time that there are characteristics that continually appear and reappear through generation after generation. After all it’s not a great surprise that sheep should produce more sheep, or that from an acorn an oak should grow. The matter did not receive any serious study until the mid nineteenth century when an Augustinian monk by the name of Gregor Mendel kept careful records on characteristics of multiple generations of peas. A major result of his investigations indicated that traits are produced by a combination of distinct genes. The carrier of these genes remained a mystery, however, until 1953 when two scientists by the names of James Watson and Francis Crick determined the double helix structure of DNA. Their discovery resulted in an explosion of scientific study resulting in a determined effort to manipulate the genes within living organisms so as to control the end living result. One result of the study and research is the production of genetically modified seeds.

The scientific interest was understandable. Wouldn’t it be nice if this plant was more resistant to disease, or if a certain insect found it distasteful, or if the ‘fruit’ of this species grew larger, or if this plant consumed less water. The list goes on; and genetic modifications continue to be successful. Sometimes there may be a glitch causing changes beyond what was intended. But in genetics such errors can be corrected by simply discarding the change and developing a more suitable one.

Anyone who has purchased seeds for a garden knows that there are distinct varieties within a common group. Tomatoes provide a good example. Some tomato seeds will produce large tomatoes, others will produce ‘cherry’ tomatoes. Some tomato seeds will produce juicy tomatoes, while others produce those that are more pulpy and better suited for making sauces. Similar types of characteristics are found within most plant groups. The geneticist will, when possible, pick and choose the genes that produce the outcome he desires.

The parable of the sower is well known and it’s explanation is easy to understand. In fact, the images of the seed on the rock, on the footpath, among thorns or on decent soil are all pretty basic for anyone who knows anything about farming or even home gardening. Anyone who has brought home seeds or plants knows better than to plant them on rocks, or where the weeds grow or on the dog path along the fence. And, although Jesus doesn’t specify the identity of the sower, it is clear that his identity is immaterial. In fact, when Jesus explains the parable, the sower is not even mentioned. He goes straight to the meaning of the seed and the ground upon which that seed falls. In the parable, therefore, only two things are matters of concern: the seed and its reception. The second is frequently the subject of commentary and reflection; but the first — the seed — is taken for granted. In every age, but particularly in our age of theological geneticists, the seed that is sown deserves special attention. The issue was of concern to Jesus himself, even quoting the prophet Isaiah:

“'This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me; in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the precepts of men.' " (Matthew 15:8-9)

His concern, however, is not just that they were teaching human precepts instead of divine precepts. Rather, they were going so far as to set aside divine teaching as less important than human practices. This becomes crystal clear when the Scribes and Pharisees challenge him about the disciples’ failure to observe the ritual cleansing. He comes back with his own challenge; demanding to know why they have discarded the fourth commandment when it conflicts with their rules about dedicating their resources to God.

“He answered them, ‘And why do you transgress the commandment of God for the sake of your tradition?’” (Matthew 15:3)

These are serious matters. Although Jesus is willing to give their good intentions the benefit of the doubt, he still insists that there are consequences.

“Whoever then relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but he who does them and teaches them shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:19)

Forever and for always the Bible has been the Church’s book. Although the Scriptures have frequently been made subject to the whims of personal interpretation, such practice has always come under the scrutiny of he Church. The definitive interpretation of Scripture has always been subject to the guidance of the Holy Spirit as given through Christ’s body, the Church. Yet, more and more the theological and moralistic geneticists would pick and choose the texts or interpretations that yield the outcomes they desire. In doing so they teach as doctrines the precepts of men. They transgress the commandments of God for the sake of their personal beliefs. They relax, they modify, they confuse every commandment that stands in their way by genetically distorting what was once the Word of God.

There is an arrogant assumption underlying these modification efforts. The work of geneticists as regards the human genome is usually directed toward repairing what is broken or replacing what has gone missing. The genetic code of the divine word, however, has not been broken. It doesn’t need repair. Neither does the genetic code of the divine word have something missing. It doesn’t need repair; it doesn’t need improvement. Like the genetic code, It can’t be fully understood by the study of a singular piece.