The Presumption of Rewriting Life

Before He confused mankind’s languages, God noted that nothing would be impossible for a unified humanity (Genesis 11:1–9)—and our modern era is beginning to reveal such capabilities. Geneticists have recently been using CRISPR technology to remove and replace what they deem to be defective gene sequences in plants and animals (Deutsche Welle, June 16, 2026). Gene sequences can be introduced that make plants resistant to drought or mold and increase crop yields. Proponents foresee significant benefits to this approach, while opponents question the long-term impacts of consuming foods with edited genes.

While the European Union has eased restrictions on the use of gene-editing technology on commercially available foods, King’s College London professor Michael Antoniou observes that the CRISPR process can cause unintended changes in the DNA of the plant: “The scientific evidence shows that when considered as a whole, the CRISPR gene editing process causes large-scale random, unintended sites of damage to the DNA of the plant, and [those sites of damage] can number in the hundreds or thousands.” Concerned scientists believe more research is needed to better understand the changes and how they will impact consumers.

Scientists who perform gene editing typically view this process through an evolutionary model and fail to see the Creator behind the life they are “reprogramming.” In fact, the complexity and intelligence behind DNA and genetic systems are solid evidence for God’s existence. Tampering with profound systems we do not fully understand, systems God so carefully designed, risks causing serious consequences across the biosphere. You can learn more about the reasons we know DNA did not randomly evolve by watching “Evolution’s Dirty Little Secrets.”