What is the Bible's stance on eugenics?

Definition and Historical Context

Eugenics generally refers to the practice of improving the genetic quality of a human population by actively encouraging or discouraging reproduction based on certain perceived desirable or undesirable traits. Historically, it has often involved coercive policies or selective breeding efforts aimed at “perfecting” humanity according to standards set by governing authorities or social movements. While some have argued for eugenics in the name of progress or societal benefit, this practice raises profound moral, ethical, and theological concerns.

Humanity Created in the Image of God

The foundational premise in Scripture is that humankind is created in the image of God. In Genesis 1:27 it is written, “So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” This establishes the inherent worth of every individual, irrespective of physical or genetic attributes.

The image of God (imago Dei) affirms that each person possesses dignity and value bestowed by God, not by human measurement of capability or desirability. James 3:9 reiterates our equal standing when it refers to humanity “made in God’s likeness.” Any worldview or practice that exalts certain traits or persons as inherently superior stands in direct conflict with this biblical truth.

Value and Protection of All Life

Scripture consistently upholds the principle that life is sacred and to be protected. Exodus 20:13 states, “You shall not murder,” highlighting the seriousness of taking innocent life. From the earliest stages of human existence, the Bible demonstrates God’s intimate involvement in creation. Psalm 139:13-14 declares, “For You formed my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”

God’s care for the vulnerable shines throughout the Old and New Testaments. Deuteronomy 10:17-18 proclaims God’s defense of the fatherless, widow, and foreigner, and Jesus Himself frequently extended compassion to the sick and disabled (e.g., Matthew 9:35). These examples contradict any notion of eliminating those deemed “unfit” or “inferior.” Rather, existence itself—regardless of an individual’s perceived advantages or disadvantages—is presented as a divine gift.

Scriptural Warnings Against Partiality

Leviticus 19:15 instructs, “You shall not pervert justice; you shall not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the rich; you are to judge your neighbor fairly.” The call to impartial treatment is repeated in James 2:8-9, which points out that showing favoritism contradicts God’s command to “Love your neighbor as yourself.” These passages make clear that any systematic bias—whether based on genetics, race, socioeconomic status, or any other factor—violates God’s mandate of love and justice.

Eugenics, by definition, imports partiality into decisions about who should reproduce, often leading to the oppression or marginalization of entire groups. The consistent biblical call is for justice and equality before God, regardless of socio-genetic circumstances.

God’s Sovereignty Over Life and Purpose

Scripture portrays God as the sovereign creator who grants varied gifts, abilities, and appearances to individuals according to His wisdom. Acts 17:26 declares, “From one man He made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and He determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their lands.” Human life and diversity flow from God’s design. Attempts to engineer humanity’s genetic future through processes like eugenics interfere with this divine sovereignty.

In John 9:2-3, Jesus addresses the assumption that a man was born blind due to sin or a defect: “Rabbi, who sinned...that he was born blind?... Neither this man nor his parents sinned...But this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him.” Such a statement elevates God’s overarching purposes above purely human judgments about what constitutes a life worth living.

Countering Cultural Pressures and Misuse

Historically, proponents of eugenics have often justified their views by misapplying scientific concepts or embracing purely secular philosophies of survival and competition. Scripture, however, calls believers to discernment and reminds them that moral truth does not change with human trends (cf. Romans 12:2). The promotion of eugenics has repeatedly led to forced sterilizations, abortions, or other unethical measures—even culminating in atrocities in the twentieth century.

By contrast, the biblical ethic demands care for the weak, love for one’s neighbor, and trust in God’s divine order. Such an approach rejects the idea of elevating “genetic purity” as a moral good. Instead, each human is to be treated as a unique bearer of the image of God.

Redemption and Equality in Christ

In spiritual terms, all people share the same condition of needing salvation, and all can receive redemption by faith in Christ. Galatians 3:28 proclaims, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” This fundamental unity in Christ rebukes efforts to segregate or prioritize people based on genetics. Rather than striving to eliminate perceived weaknesses, Scripture sees even human frailties as opportunities for God’s power to be revealed (2 Corinthians 12:9).

Practical Implications for Christian Ethics

1. Respect and Compassion: The biblical command to love one’s neighbor (Matthew 22:39) implies that believers should exhibit compassion to those with physical, mental, or developmental challenges. Any endeavor to disadvantage or eliminate them violates this principle of care.

2. Advocacy for the Vulnerable: Believers are called to stand up for those who cannot defend themselves (Proverbs 31:8). In the context of eugenics, this entails protecting unborn children and individuals targeted by selective breeding or sterilization policies.

3. Recognition of Divine Authority: A robust view of God’s sovereignty highlights that humans should not overstep their roles by attempting to reshape humanity’s genetic makeup. Ultimately, God is the creator and sustainer of life (Job 12:10).

4. Humility in Scientific Advancements: While the sciences can provide therapies and interventions that alleviate suffering, believers should exercise discernment in genetic research and healthcare practices, ensuring ethical boundaries align with scriptural principles.

Conclusion

The biblical stance on eugenics is one of clear disapproval. Scripture proclaims the sanctity and inherent value of human life, calls for impartial love and justice, endorses concern for the vulnerable, and upholds God’s authority as the sovereign designer of each individual. It teaches that every person’s worth is infinite because of being created in the image of God and because of Christ’s redemptive work on the cross.

Therefore, eugenics conflicts with fundamental biblical truths about life, justice, compassion, and the sovereignty of God. Instead of seeking to manipulate human genetics to achieve a human-defined ideal, Scripture invites believers to honor the Creator’s design, recognizing each life as precious and purposeful in His sight.