Jainism's View on Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology 

With completion of human genome project 100,000 genes were identified and DNA straight in the nucleus and put into sequence gave scientist the ability to read nature's complete blueprint for understanding disease process and may be for creating a human being. Dr. W. French Anderson the father of gene therapy predicts that human genetic engineering will not only profoundly change the practice of medicines, but will impact every aspect of our culture. Down the road doctors will be able to give us DNA fingerprints of  genes that predispose us to common kinds of diseases, a computer will then be able to read genetic profile, and help doctors some day diagnose diseases before they occur and dispense medical directives. Gene therapy is based on an understanding of the body in which genes provide the system of defence and healing. Genes protect the body, repair damage, and restore it to health. There are two types of gene[therapy:

• Somatic Cell GeneTherapy: Implied solely for treatment of diseases like sickle - Cell anaemia, haemophilia and Gaucher's disease caused by a defect in a single gene].

• Somatic Cell Engineering: Used solely for a possible enhancement rather than treatment like increasing the height or making people brainier. 

Jain bioethics will welcome such progress towards setting the stage for:

• A new era of preventive medicines

• New insights to treat patient as a person, having a unique genetic profile 

• Affirm belief in Puruśārtha (activity in control of destiny) 

Jainism believes in preserving health of physical and mental body in order to pursue spiritual progress while keeping the principal of non violence in the forefront, especially considering unnecessary experiments on animals and humans, but if these techniques are utilised for the betterment of the humanity as a whole and not solely for purpose of financial gain, Jainism will accept it. Jainism will definitely oppose enhancement gene treatment for betterment of vanity rather than values, as enhancement gene treatment could become an exclusive right of the rich. Somatic cell enhancement engineering threatens human values especially at our present understanding of such technology is limited and we yet have a limited understanding specially in understanding the passes of thoughts, reasoning, logic and consciousness.

Christianity's View on Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology 

Christianity's view on genetic engineering and biotechnology is complex and diverse, shaped by theological principles, ethical considerations, and varying interpretations across denominations. At the heart of the Christian perspective lies a deep respect for the sanctity of life, the belief in humans as stewards of God's creation, and concerns about the moral boundaries of human intervention in natural processes.

The sanctity of life is a foundational belief in Christianity. Life is considered sacred because it is a gift from God, which highlights God's intimate role in the formation of life in the womb. This belief influences Christian responses to genetic engineering, particularly when it involves the manipulation of human embryos or the potential destruction of life. Many Christians argue that all human life, regardless of its stage of development, deserves respect and protection. This belief often leads to strong opposition to practices like embryonic stem cell research, cloning, and any genetic intervention that results in the loss of potential human life.

However, a significant ethical concern among Christians is the fear of "playing God." This phrase reflects the anxiety that genetic engineering might lead humans to overstep their moral boundaries, assuming authority over life and creation that belongs solely to God. This concern is particularly pronounced when it comes to germline editing, where genetic changes are heritable and affect future generations. The Catholic Church, for example, opposes germline editing because it involves profound ethical risks and moral uncertainties, especially concerning the potential for unintended consequences and the lack of consent from those affected in future generations.

While therapeutic genetic engineering, such as gene therapy to cure diseases, is generally more acceptable within Christian ethics, the use of biotechnology for non-therapeutic enhancements raises significant moral objections. Many Christians are critical of using genetic engineering to select traits like intelligence, physical appearance, or athletic ability. Such practices are often seen as commodifying human life, reducing individuals to products designed to meet specific criteria, and fostering social inequalities by privileging those who can afford genetic enhancements.

Different Christian denominations approach these issues with varying degrees of acceptance and caution. The Catholic Church supports genetic interventions aimed at healing but firmly opposes practices that involve the destruction of embryos, cloning, and eugenics-related technologies. Protestant perspectives are more diverse, reflecting the broad range of theological traditions within Protestantism. Some denominations are cautiously open to genetic technologies if used responsibly and ethically, while more conservative groups express deep concerns about the moral implications. The Eastern Orthodox Church tends to adopt a conservative stance, emphasising the importance of humility before God's creation and cautioning against technologies that could disrupt the natural order established by God.

Across all Christian traditions, several key ethical concerns persist. These include the potential impact on vulnerable populations, the risk of commodifying human life, the fear of unintended consequences that could arise from genetic manipulation, and concerns about justice and equity, particularly in terms of access to advanced biotechnologies. Christians worry that genetic enhancements could exacerbate social inequalities, creating a divide between those who can afford such technologies and those who cannot.

In conclusion, Christianity does not offer a single, unified stance on genetic engineering and biotechnology. Instead, it provides a rich ethical framework rooted in theological principles that guide reflection on these complex issues. While there is general support for using genetic technologies to heal and alleviate suffering, there is also profound caution about practices that threaten the sanctity of life, disrupt the natural order, or lead to social injustice. Ultimately, Christian ethics calls for careful discernment, balancing the potential benefits of biotechnology with a deep respect for human dignity, the integrity of creation, and the moral responsibilities entrusted to humanity as stewards of God's world. Overall, I believe that Christianity would disagree with biotechnology and genetic engineering since it defies God's creations.