Unprecedented choices : religious ethics at the frontiers of genetic science /

Chapman (Director of the Program of Dialogue on Science, Ethics, and Religion at the American Association for the Advancement of Science in Washington, DC, an ordained minister, and author of Faith, Power, and Politics: Political Ministry in Mainline Churches, 1991) provides a comprehensive review of the literature by which church bodies and individual theologians respond to the ethical and foundational challenges presented by the genetic revolution. The volume focuses on cloning, gene patenting, and the genetic basis of human nature as critical issues for discussion. A thoughtful analysis of the concepts and methods needed to advance the discussion is also supplied. Chapman's chief criticism of work to date is that little specific ethical guidance has been provided for the many unprecedented choices raised by the rapid advances in genetic engineering and artificial reproductive techniques. However, she does applaud the positive contributions made to a more adequate theological anthropology--an indispensable element in a satisfactory account of human responsibility in the face of these new challenges. Recommended for general readers and for all academic levels. P. L. Urban Jr.; emeritus, Swarthmore College