Link to the Study

Genetics and Faith: Power, Choice, and Responsibility

Welcome to the main page for Genetics and Faith: Power, Choice and Responsibility, the study published by the ELCA Task Force on Genetics. The entire study or any of its segments are available here in PDF format for online reading or printing. The printed study will be available after November 20th. See sidebar for ordering information.

This study is laid out in two parts in order to do justice to both fundamental challenges and particular concerns about genetic developments. Part A addresses fundamental social, theological and ethical themes, while the sessions of Part B engage particular scientific and biotechnological topics in light of those themes. Both parts invite members of this church to faithful conversation, according to their specific interests and concerns. For an overview of what is in each session, click here (pages 2-4). Supplemental resources such as an introduction to the science of genetics are also available as part of the study booklet.

The ELCA Task Force on Genetics appreciates your interest in this study and looks forward to your participation and response.

Please note that the online response form is a work in progress and should be available soon* A PDF file has been provided in the interim

Letter from the Executive Director of the Program Unit for Church in Society	ii
Table of Contents	iii
Introduction to this Study Booklet	1-4
Quick Overview of each Session	2-3
Part A: A Framework for Conversation, Prayer, and Action	5-6
A1: The Global Reach of Genetics: Unprecedented poweres and choices	7-12
A2: Caring for Neighbors: Vocation, responsibility, and community	13-18
A3: Human Power Today: Innovation and accountability before God	19-24
A4: Christian Responsibility Today: Sources for guidance	25-32
A5: Toward a Lutheran Ethic in the Age of Genetics	33-40
Part B: Exploring Responsibilities and Engaging Issues	41-44
B1: Genetics and Congregations: What should we do?	45-56
B2: Genetics and Human Identity: Who we are, really?	57-58
B3: Genetics and Social Location: How do things look from here?	59-68
B4: Genetics and Screening: What do we choose to know?	69-74
B5: Genetics Engineering in Agriculture: How will we be fed?	75-82
B6: Stem Cell Research and Therapy: What should we do?	83-90
B7: Gene Patents: Are they blessings or curses?	91-100
B8: Enhancing Human Life: Would you like to be better than well?	101-110
*Response Form	111-116
Leader's Guide	117-120
Genetics 101: A brief reference for the science	121-130
Glossary	131-142

The entire Genetics study is also available for download	pgs. 1-142

Genetics Study Guide

Ordering information
After November 20th, 2008 a complimentary printed copy of the study will be available by calling the ELCA resources line at 800-638-3522 ext 2996. Multiple copies can be ordered from Augsburg Fortress Publishers' online store (www.augsburgfortress.org) or by calling 800/328-4648 and asking for ISBN 978-6-0002-2205-5. Cost is $4.00 per copy plus shipping. A complimentary copy of the DVD Cracking the Code of Life, part of the NOVA educational series on genetics, is also available to assist your group in its study. Ask for ISBN 978-1-5937-5169-2.

Respond to the study!
Use the Online Response Form (coming soon) to respond to the study. Paper response forms can be mailed to: Attention ELCA Genetics Task Force, 8765 W. Higgins Rd., Chicago, IL 60631.

Deadline
The deadline for responding to the task force concerning the study is NOVEMBER 1, 2009.

Supplemental resource
After November 20th a complimentary copy of Cracking the Code of Life--a supplemental educational resource to the study--can be obtained either by calling the ELCA resources line at 800-638-3522 ext 2996 or by contacting Augsburg Fortress by phone or online. (800/328-4648 or www.augsburgfortress.org) This DVD is part of the NOVA series and is made available for educational purposes by special arrangement.

Link to the Study

Genetics Study Guide

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