"Scripture teaches that humans are to act as earth's caretakers (see Genesis 1:26-28 and 2:15). The opportunity to design and re-engineer microbes to produce renewable resources will help us to carry out this mandate."
One of Venter & Smith's goals is to "engineer a synthetic bacterium that can generate hydrogen gas, providing a renewable form of clean energy." I 'd gladly wait in line to fuel my car with something clean made in our own country rather than from imported oil, benefiting the environment and the balance of world power at the same time.
"The Bible also teaches that we are to love our neighbors as we love ourselves (see Matthew 22:39). . . Surely providing treatment, comfort, and hope for the sick is one way we can love our neighbors. Again, artificial microbes will play a role in finding new therapies and possible cures . . . ."
So there's a strong case to be made for the potential blessing mankind will enjoy from new artificial life forms.
But there's at least one more issue that must be addressed: "playing God." Tomorrow.
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