What to Start With: General References

Print Resources:

Vrede van Huyssteen, J. W. (Ed.). (2003). Encyclopedia of science and religion. (Vols. 1-2).
New York : Macmillan Reference.

--The most applicable and comprehensive general reference in this area, topics include Genetics; Gene Therapy; Genetic Engineering; Gene Patenting; Cloning-Buddhist view of, Human versus nonhuman animals, Religious opposition to; Embryo, in vitro fertilization, Genetic testing, Hindu view of; and DNA-Genetic code. Main sections include helpful bibliographies of seminal works (both book and journal articles) over the decades.

Steinberg, A., & Rosner, F. (2003). Encyclopedia of Jewish medical ethics. (Vols. 1-3). Feldheim.

--The unique resource includes entries on Genetics (with information pertinent to genetic disorders prevalent among Jewish families), Cloning, In vitro fertilization, and other specific bio-medical and genetics related topics, all analyzed through both ancient and modern Jewish law and theological texts.

Becker, L. C., & Becker, C. B. (Eds.). (2001). Encyclopedia of ethics. (Vols. 1-3). New York : Routledge.

--Although this is a very general reference covering all aspects of ethics, it also has a variety of applicable entries that have a strong focus on the background and formal ethical arguments and justifications in areas such as Genetic Engineering, Bioethics, Medical Ethics, Islamic Medical Ethics, Jewish Ethics, and Reproductive Technologies.

Schmidt, D. (2002). Using the biological literature: A practical guide.
New York : Marcel Dekker, 2002.

--This Scientific research tool gives a "detailed guide arranged by broad subject categories (e.g. Genetics) and then subdivided into different forms of information material (Databases, Dictionaries etc.)." It might prove especially helpful for those looking to find specific sources on narrow topics in a specific area of genetics or genetic practices, or simply for those who require a further listing of scientifically oriented general references.


Online Encyclopedia:

Tanzella-Nitti, G., Larrey, P., & Strumìa, A. (Eds.). (2002). Interdisciplinary encyclopedia of religion and science. Città del Vaticano : Urbaniana University Press. Retrieved April 22, 2007, from http://www.disf.org/en/default.asp

--Provides an article related to experimentation on Human Embryos, as well as a lengthy general entry on Bioethics which includes sub-entries on Experimentation on Humans Beings, Genetic Experimentation, Themes Related to Transplants, The Beginnings of Life and Human Procreation, The Contribution of Philosophy and Theology and the Thesis of a “Lay” Bioethics, The Presence of Theology in the Debate, On the Possibility of a “Lay” Bioethics, and The Discussion Relating to the Principles of Bioethics.