In the year 2025, through recent technology we have taken one step further in fulfilling my childhood dream – being able to ride a full-grown triceratops. While the road to Jurassic Park is transitioning quickly from science-fiction to science fact, and the statement posed by the infamous Ian Malcom seems to be more critical than ever before. “Your scientists were so preoccupied with whether they could, they didn’t stop to think if they should.”
“Your scientists were so preoccupied with whether they could, they didn’t stop to think if they should.”
“Ian Malcom” from Michael Crichton’s Jurassic Park
In recent developments, Colossal Biosciences, a Dallas-based company, has announced the birth of three genetically engineered wolf pups—Romulus, Remus, and Khaleesi—in an attempt to recreate the extinct dire wolf species. By editing 20 genes in gray wolves using ancient DNA extracted from fossils, these pups were created to mirror their prehistoric counterparts. While Colossal hails this as the first successful de-extinction, the company has come under scrutiny from biological experts claiming that these genetically altered wolves are not the same as their corresponding ancestors.
This endeavor raises a profound ethical question for Christians to consider: Are such acts a form of stewardship over God’s creation, or do they verge into sacrilege by altering the natural order established by the Creator?
Understanding Stewardship in Creation
From a biblical standpoint, stewardship involves responsibly managing the resources and creatures that God has entrusted to humanity. Genesis 1:26-28 emphasizes humanity’s role in having dominion over the earth and its creatures, prescribing a duty to care for and preserve creation. This perspective supports conservation efforts aimed at protecting endangered species and restoring ecological balance appropriately. While many ecological organizations may not pursue wildlife conservation in a suitable manner, the biblical principle still remains for Christians to wisely steward the gift of creation that God has entrusted to our stewardship.
The Ethical Implications of De-Extinction
The concept of de-extinction, particularly through genetic engineering, introduces complex ethical considerations to say the least. While the goal of restoring lost species may align with the desire to heal and repopulate the earth, the methods warrant careful scrutiny. Altering the genetic makeup of existing creatures to recreate extinct ones raises questions about the boundaries of human intervention in creation. Are we, in our pursuit of scientific advancement, assuming a role that belongs solely to God?
Potential Benefits and Risks
Proponents of de-extinction argue that reviving extinct species could restore ecological functions and promote biodiversity. For instance, Colossal Biosciences envisions that such efforts could support rapidly plummeting biodiversity across the globe. Proponents of the organization frequently cite studies that show that an estimated 30% of the earth’s biodiversity will be destroyed by year 2050 due to human intervention. While it remains to be seen if these studies will prove true, the desire to conserve these species is a well-meaning goal that many of us naturally support.
However, the introduction of such genetically modified creatures into modern ecosystems could have drastic unforeseen consequences. The balance of nature is both delicate and complicated, and introducing organisms with genetically engineered traits may unintentionally disrupt existing habitats and species interactions. As a Florida native, the Burmese Python introduction into the Florida Everglades is a cautionary tale to the unforeseen consequences of foreign species to a natural environment (even if they were likely not purposely released). As stewards of creation, it is imperative to consider whether our actions contribute to the flourishing of life or inadvertently cause harm.
Moreover, this technology has much broader implications—particularly for humans. The same gene-editing techniques used to bring back ancient species are already being explored for use in human embryos, with the promise of eliminating genetic diseases, enhancing physical traits, extending life, and potentially choosing desirable characteristics in children based on mere preference. What starts in the lab with animals rarely stays there. In fact, we can be assured that the human experimentation has already begun. As history has shown us, technological breakthroughs, no matter how well-intentioned, often outpace our ethical and spiritual readiness to handle them wisely.
What starts in the lab with animals rarely stays there.
From a Christian perspective, this trend is deeply troubling. Humans are not merely biological machines to be optimized—they are fearfully and wonderfully made in the image of God. When we begin to edit the human genome in pursuit of an ideal or to play God with our biology, we risk crossing the sacred line between human achievement and humble submission. The temptation to perfect humanity through science can lead to a devaluation of life, especially for those who don’t meet society’s new “engineered” standards.
For example, organizations such as the Trisomy 21 Research Society (T21RS), have begun to use genetic engineering technologies to remove the condition of Down syndrome. While the desire to alleviate the physical and cognitive challenges associated with Down syndrome may seem compassionate, such interventions risk promoting a standard of perfection that is more rooted in human pride than divine love. We’ve seen echoes of this in the eugenics movements of the past, and the writing is on the wall. What is sold to us as healing could easily become a pathway to inequality, discrimination, and the loss of individuals who are made in the image of God.
Theological Reflections
Scripture reminds us of the sovereignty of God in creation. Job 12:10 declares, “In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind.” While human beings are granted dominion, this authority is not absolute but is to be exercised with humility and reverence for God’s design.
Engaging in genetic manipulation to resurrect extinct species may reflect a desire to correct past mistakes that led to their extinction. However, it also raises the question of whether such actions demonstrate trust in God’s providence or an overreach of human authority. The pursuit of de-extinction should be weighed against the biblical call to seek wisdom and understanding and to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God (Micah 6:8).
As followers of Christ, we are called to ensure that our interventions align with the principles of life, balance, and the flourishing of all creation. Let’s pray that the cautionary tale of Jurassic Park takes root before this technology comes back to bite us.
