Eerdmans

Changing Human Nature
Ecology, Ethics, Genes, and God
James C. Peterson
How would God have us respond to the brave new world of genetic engineering?
In Changing Human Nature James Peterson offers an informed Christian defense
of genetic intervention.
Given that the material world and human beings are constantly changing,
says Peterson, the question is not if there will be change but whether we will be
conscious of and conscientious about its direction. Part of our God-given calling,
he maintains, is to positively shape our environment and ourselves, including
our genes.
While carefully addressing legitimate religious concerns, Peterson’s theologically
grounded yet jargon-free discussion puts forth clear and specific guidelines
for proper genetic intervention. Distinctive for its integrated, nuanced approach,
Changing Human Nature will fill the need for a thoughtful, positive Christian
perspective on this timely topic.
James C. Peterson is the R. A. Hope Professor of Theology and Ethics at
McMaster Divinity College, Hamilton, Ontario. His previous books include
Genetic Turning Points: The Ethics of Human Genetic Intervention.
Bioethics
November / 978-0-8028-6549-6
6″ × 9″ paperback
264 pages / $18.00 [£11.99]
Nature and Altering It
Allen Verhey
It is true — and troubling — that we humans are increasingly able to control
and manipulate nature in many ways. In this book ethicist Allen Verhey
addresses that reality and shows why we need to bring a fresh Christian voice
into today’s ecological debate.
Verhey identifies and describes the significant cultural “myths” or “narratives”
that have shaped Western perspectives on nature and on altering it. In the biblical
narrative he finds an alternative story that challenges the dominant myths
of Western culture. Acknowledging that Christian Scripture has often been
accused of nurturing arrogance toward nature, Verhey looks anew at the biblical
narrative in a way that moves beyond those accusations.
The genius of this little book is how it deftly unpacks underlying human
narratives and shows the relevance of the Christian narrative for contemporary
ecological ethics.
Allen Verhey is professor of Christian ethics at Duke Divinity School. His
previous books include Remembering Jesus: Christian Community, Scripture, and the
Moral Life and Reading the Bible in the Strange World of Medicine.
Ethics • Ecology
October / 978-0-8028-6548-9
6″ × 9″ paperback
128 pages / $15.00 [£10.99]
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