Overview

This timely volume clearly lays out the central ethical questions raised by today's rapid advances in biotechnology. James Peterson sorts through the maze of clinical decisions occasioned by human genetic intervention, organizing the range of moral considerations that now face us and exploring their practical impact on individuals, families, and communities.

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9780802849205

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Reviews

Jose A. Bufill, M.D. In Genetic Turning Points James Peterson contributes a clear, courageous voice to the ongoing debate. He offers a comprehensive overview of how genetics is already challenging traditional notions of individuality, family, and community, and he responds by drawing from the wellspring of Christian inspiration. George C. Barrett, M.D. Peterson's book is an excellent resource for those who counsel patients or guardians regarding testing or therapy decisions. Alister E. McGrath This highly stimulating, well-argued, and richly documented work will be warmly welcomed by all engaged in this important field of discussion. An essential resource for religious perspectives on the major new debates concerning the ethics of genetic modification, Genetic Turning Points deserves to be widely read. James F. Childress James Peterson has performed a valuable public service with his clear, well-informed, and instructive theological and ethical reflection on applied human genetics, including genetic interventions. This book should be widely read and pondered. William R. Shea Genetic Turning Points is an outstanding study of the problem of genetic engineering and related ethical issues. It addresses difficult and sometimes technical matters in a style that is both clear and scholarly, and it provides valuable insights into issues that are being thrust to the fore by scientific progress. Genes store the directions for all life on earth. If you want to know where we might be going, read this book. It is a road map that can save you from many ill-fated journeys. Hessel Bouma III A remarkably profound, insightful, sensitive, lucid, and helpful book. John Jefferson Davis Highly recommended for anyone who wants to be well informed in this vital area of modern culture. Health Progress James C. Peterson has written an easily accessible, highly informative book concerning the ethical issues raised by the ongoing revolution in genetic knowledge. . . This is a useful book that will provide a general background for non-specialists and raise for discussion a wide range of issues that deserve attention in the church and among the general public. It is a fine place to start. Theology This is a wide-ranging introduction to the ethical issues raised by genetic science, and has the great virtue of being genuinely accessible to those with no significant knowledge of genetics, or indeed theology. . . Peppered with telling illustrations and useful analogies, this book is infused with both a deep awareness of the real world contexts in which issues are addressed and a genuine compassion for the difficult decisions that have to be made. . . This is not the work of an armchair ethicist, but one deeply informed by individual encounters and the hands-on business of hospital ethics committees -- it deserves to be widely read. Theological Studies Along with its breadth, scope, and organization, the work is particularly helpful in clarifying issues. . . Peterson's writing betrays a fair tolerance that allows the reader the chance to understand accurately the varied stances at play in any debate. With considerable detachment he presents, for instance, the differing arguments about personhood and embryonic and fetal development. An ideal textbook for both graduate and undergraduate course work.

Author Information

James C. Peterson is the Schumann Professor and Director of the Center for Religion & Society at Roanoke College and professor at the Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario. Read more about Peterson on the Roanoke College and McMaster University websites.

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