Catholics look at tampering with genes as playing God. This shouldn't be too terribly shocking. Where once such traits as obesity, eye color and sexual orientation were left up to chance, they are now able to be controlled and altered. There is also a concern about how this will change the child-parent relationship. Humanists take a very different approach to thinking about such repercussions.
Humanists hold great value in human nature and values.
Humanists believe that by seeking to understand their evolution in these two areas, they will be able to live a rewarding life in the face of natural and humanistic laws of behavior. Humanists see genetic engineering as detrimental to such ideals. With the capacity to reshape ourselves, our family genetic heritage, and our communities, we divorce ourselves from many of the familiar duties and social connections that once formed the basis of our behavior. Humanist writer Fred Edwords has an enlightening and interesting concern. The original goal of such gene therapy is to heal.