How Faith Shapes Views on Gene Editing

A recent survey of nearly 5,000 adults across the United States explored how religious beliefs and personal experiences influence attitudes toward gene editing.

Key Findings

• Overall Support
  Most respondents were willing to use gene‑editing technology, yet they expressed moderate concerns.

• Religious Affiliation & Support
• Atheists: Highest support, lowest concern.

• Mainline Protestants: Lowest level of support.

• Fears & Concerns
• Muslims: Highest concerns about gene editing.

• Atheists: Least concern.

• Predictors of Support
• Belief in evolution.

• Spiritual community values on health.

• Predictors of Concern
• View that the body is a direct reflection of God.
• Experiences of religious discrimination.

• Trust & Knowledge
• Greater trust in the healthcare system → higher support.
• Higher genetic literacy → lower support.

Implications

• Education Alone Isn’t Enough
  Simply providing more information about genetics does not automatically increase approval of gene editing.

• Building Trust
  Engaging religious communities and fostering trust are essential to align gene‑editing decisions with their core values.

• Practical Uses
• Counselors can tailor guidance that respects diverse beliefs.
• Lawmakers can craft policies sensitive to religious perspectives.

Understanding the interplay between faith and opinion on gene editing offers a roadmap for more inclusive dialogue and policy development.