Genetics and Spirituality, Conversations at the Nexus of Science and Faith

CRISPR is a new technology that allows geneticists to selectively modify the DNA of living organisms, including the possibility of heritable genetic changes to human embryos. This is a revolutionary breakthrough because it offers tremendous potential for rapid progress in genetics and the development of new possibilities for treating genetic medical conditions.

Yet, as CRISPR continues to develop, some geneticists have become increasingly alarmed by the cultural, spiritual, and ethical challenges posed by this new technology. One of their core recommendations is to create forums that inform the public about this new technology, so that there can be public discussion concerning the risks and rewards of CRISPR. Some of these geneticists believe that these broad public discussions should include spiritual and religious perspectives.

This one-day conference seeks to begin a public discourse that includes a rich diversity of spiritual, religious, and cultural perspectives on genetics. A special emphasis will be the inclusion of Native North American cultural and spiritual perspectives. Our keynote speaker will be Dr. Krystal Tsosie, a Navajo geneticist and bioethicist at Arizona State University. Other speakers and panelists come from other spiritual and religious traditions.

Everyone interested in this dialogue is welcome to attend this conference, regardless of their religious, spiritual, or cultural identity. We seek to promote a mutually affirming dialogue among persons with different cultural, religious, spiritual, and philosophical perspectives.

Host or Publisher Science and Spirituality Institute