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M. L. DUNN, Dept. of Nutrition, Dietetics and Food Science, Brigham Young Univ., S-129 ESC, Provo, UT 84602 The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) has not stated a formal position nor made any official declarations related to the use of biotechnology in agriculture and food production. Consequently, it is probably safe to say that the views of the 12 million members of the LDS church are as varied on this subject as those held by the general populace. However, various references from the standard scriptural works of the Church provide “food for thought” for food scientists and others engaged in this growing field of research. Biblical and other scripture supports the premise that man has been given stewardship over the earth and its agricultural bounty. Furthermore, scriptural injunctions to care for the poor, hungry, and needy could be considered mandates to operate within the framework of this stewardship to improve the quality and production yield of the world's staple food crops by means of biotechnology. The author discusses the benefit and need for agricultural biotechnology while presenting his view that this stewardship must be managed with wisdom, order, and restraint. [This paper represents the personal views of the author and does not necessarily represent the official views of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.]
Session 40, Biotechnology and religion
2005 IFT Annual Meeting, July 15-20 - New Orleans, Louisiana |