Hi Katherine,

To the best of my knowledge, your questions do not fall into the arena of Church teaching.

The Church teaches that we need to feed the hungry, and if the science of genetics allows mankind to grow better crops, then it's consistent with Church teaching.

John DiMascio

Hi, Katherine —

The Church teaches stewardship of creation and care for each other.  There is nothing intrinsically evil about changing nature to feed people, but we must be careful that, in making genetically modified organisms, we are not introducing something harmful into either people or the environment.  The modified genes become part of the food chain as:

• the crops are eaten by birds and insects and
• their seeds are propagated.

Scientists are finding unexpected harmful effects on other organisms; effects that raise the specter of ill-effects on humans over the long term.  So, as with most things, the answer is
"it depends."  It depends on the possible harms, the risks, and the balancing of those with the benefits.

Hope this helps,

Mary Ann

Katherine,

There is no teaching on the matter that I am aware of, and there is not likely to be one forthcoming. I imagine the Church would not be too willing to take a hard stand on something where the ethics do not have immediate implications for humans.

This is ironic, considering that the Bible, at least in the Old Testament, has so many indications about how not to tamper with growing foods.

Ever since the abdication of kosher laws, I suspect the view of what is considered available and edible, has been virtually a secular matter. I don't see that changing anytime soon.

Peace,

Bob K.
Good luck with your search.

Kathy,

I just wanted to add the following. John Paul II spoke positively and encouragingly about research into genetically modified organisms, with cautions to respect the dignity of the human person, and to be careful not to introduce harmful elements. There is nothing intrinsically evil, per se, about modifying a gene in a plant for human benefit. The Vatican and various Church conferences have spoken of the need to increase research and to share information for discussion, in light of the hunger present in the world.  Problems with the research are:

1. it is conducted mostly by the private sector
2. the information is often secret and proprietary
3. there are few checks on risks
4. the research is often done in third world areas, where harm to the wider environment is, or may be, ignored, and
5. the technology is less apt to be used to help the poor

We should bear in mind, however, that world hunger is more a function of war and politics than a function of lack of food growing ability. 

For more information, you can go to the:

• National Catholic Bioethics Center, and
• the Vatican web site

Mary Ann

Katherine,

Old Testament teaching about crops represents the agricultural wisdom given in pastoral form for that day.

For example, there were provisions about how many years you could plant a field before it should have rest. Interestingly enough, it was six years and then a Sabbath year.

But to this day, agricultural scientists will tell you to let a field rest. However, these days, we do it by rotating crops because certain plants deplete certain nutrients from the soil, while others don't. This gives the soil the opportunity to replenish itself.

In addition to that, today we have ways of fertilizing a field not known at the time of Our Lord; likewise, many of the other agricultural and dietary provisions of the day are not germane today.

Further, many of these Old Testament rules were meant to be a sign and reminder to Israel to remain “separate” from the surrounding nations, so that they would not pick up the idolatrous practices of their neighbors.

Again, that part of the Mosaic Law has served its purpose and is no longer relevant today.

I would encourage folks to read the Epistle of Barnabas, an early writing, which was excluded from Scriptures but not ruled heretical. It gives much insight to the Church's early allegorical interpretation of the dietary laws found in Leviticus and Deuteronomy. These same principles would apply to laws regarding crops.

John

Hi Ed,

I thought you may want to pitch in your two cents on this question, plus comment on our answers.

I thought Bob's comment was interesting in that, the Old Testament has indications about how not to tamper with growing foods, yet it appears our team is saying it is OK.

• Does Bob have a point that can be reconciled with John Paul II's statements?

Mike

Mike,

I think that the views of your team are correct.

Some of the opposition to genetically modified food comes from genuine concerns about the danger of spreading new breeds of plants and animals that will be difficult to control, but some of it also comes from entrenched interests that do not want to see their share of the world food markets diminished.

The ability to provide more food for more people is an obvious good, especially if more reaches the poor. Feeding the hungry is one of the corporal works of mercy.

Edward J. Furton, M.A., Ph.D.
Ethicist and Director of Publications
The National Catholic Bioethics Center
Editor of Ethics and Medics