To what extent can de-extinction be theologically and morally justified?

Abstract

No longer condemned to the realms of science-fiction, de-extinction projects across the globe continue to excavate the very real possibilities for restoring lost creatures to the biosphere. From ambitious endeavours to resurrect the mammoth to the manipulation of genetic codes in order to ‘back-breed’ other species, it is clear to see why such projects capture the imagination. This thesis will seek to address the key concerns raised by the issue from a theological standpoint as well as engaging with the ethical dimension elicited by such engagement. The theology of de-extinction is an area that has not seen overly extensive research in the discipline and one of the aims of this project will be to establish a framework for the theological vocation in relation to the restoration of lost species. This will be guided by an engagement with thinkers from across the Christian theological spectrum such as Schaefer, Southgate, McLaughlin and Jenkins. Additionally, a survey and critical engagement with theological ethics will argue that a theocentric approach, akin to that developed by James Gustafson, offers the most attractive and adaptable approach to the issue, as well as to our relationship to the wider creation. The project will conclude that whilst de-extinction could well be sanctioned under the theological vocation, theocentric ethics would counsel restraint, for the time being.