Predestine in the Scriptures referenced is from the Greek word proorizo, which carries the meaning of "determining beforehand." Explanations of predestination often seek to address the "paradox of free will," whereby God's omniscience seems incompatible with human free will (Houghton Mifflin Company, 2005). No, I do not think that we have the right to alter people's genes to eliminate criminal actions. God gave us free will. God knew us before the universe was created. If people decide to commit criminal acts, be prepared to handle the consequences. Ephesians 1:5 and Ephesians 11 state, "He predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will... in Him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of His will" (Bible, NIV). The freedom argument claims that genetic modification interferes with the ability of the modified human being to make free choices. Han Jonas stated that this is a form of objection to cloning (Hans, 1974). Kass, Davis, and Fukuyama have developed and expanded different versions and interpretations. Genetic modification prevents the person who has been modified from making free choices related to the modified trait. The modifier controls the person's future by controlling his or her genes. It limits the options of the person who is modified by limiting their range of behaviors and life plans, and it interferes with the person's ability to make free choices (Fukuyama, 2003; Davis, 2001; & Kass, 1997). I also believe that we should not "play" God. However, if people want to make the decision to do whatever they please, then they should do so. Yes, you can give that person your opinion and/or advice. However, it will still be up to that person to make the final decision. I believe that Christians should love and pray for the person. We are not on this earth to change anyone. If people want to change, that decision is between them and God. God hates the sins but loves the person. I will always see it that way.

References

The Bible-NIV.

The Book of Ephesians

Fukuyama, F. "Our Posthuman Future. New York: Picador, 2003.

Davis, D. Genetic Delemmas New York: Routledge; 2001.

Jonas, H. Phosophical Essay Englewood Cliffs: Prentice Hall; 1974.

Kass L., The Wisdom of Repugnance The New Republic, 1997

"Predestination", The American Heritage New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition Houghton

Mifflin Company, 2005. 13 June, 2011.

Good post. As psychologists, we must be cautious when conducting human subjects research. Some members (imprisoned individuals) were randomly and unethically selected as research subjects in the past. Fortunately, the National Institute of Health (NIH) now governs all research involving humans. The NIH sets regulations on studies conducted on the vulnerable population (e.g., imprisoned persons, children, pregnant women).

Research on human subjects is challenging and must be approved and overseen by research committees. The ethical guidelines for research on inmates were vigorously overhauled after the Tuskegee Syphilis Study and most certainly would factor into the genetic alteration of genes to eliminate criminal predispositions.

WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS REGARDING RESEARCH ON HUMAN SUBJECTS?? SUPPORT YOUR ANSWER!!