Lewis D. Solomon

produce far more that is positive than is negative from its technological advances. In addition, if human beings were given free will by their Divine Creator, limiting their ability to make choices that have moral content would in itself be a denial and denigration of the special place that human beings hold in creation.

For Judaism , there is no doubt of either a practical or philosophical nature that a world that possesses this[gene modification] technology would be far better than a world that does not. I believe, therefore, that the traditional segments of our community would advocate for more research and development of technological possibilities. This should be done with appropriate regulation to ensure that uses of the technology are positive and not abusive.

Even if the question is phrased to focus on human beings gaining control of their own evolution, I do not find that to be any more troubling than discussing any other human capacity to alter the natural world. I take this position as a result of Judaism ’s teaching that human beings are the most important part of G-d’s created universe. In mystical literature, human beings come from a higher place in G-d’s economy than the angels. G-d has entrusted this world to humankind’s hands, and the destiny of this world has always been our responsibility and challenge. Whether or not we live up to that challenge is our calling and essential mission. If G-d has built the capacity for gene redesign into nature, then He chose for it to be available to us, and our test remains whether we will use that power wisely or poorly.