Here’s a quiz. Could a food that causes sterility, depressed immune systems and increased allergies--and contribute to wide-spread suicide among Indian farmers--be considered “biblical”?

I believe that genetically modified organisms (GMOs) have been altered so severely by man that they no longer qualify as “food” according to the Bible.

What is a GMO? According to the Institute for Responsible Technology (IRT):

“A GMO (genetically modified organism) is the result of a laboratory process of taking genes from one species and inserting them into another in an attempt to obtain a desired trait or characteristic...”

This goes way beyond natural hybridization that mankind has done since Jacob increased his flocks by selectively breeding speckled and spotted sheep and goats (see Genesis 30:25-43). The IRT article continues:

“In traditional breeding it is possible to mate a pig with another pig to get a new variety, but is not possible to mate a pig with a potato or a mouse...With genetic engineering, scientists can breach species barriers set up by nature. For example, they have spliced fish genes into tomatoes.”

Biblical eating’s Principle One is to eat only the foods that God created for us to be eaten. Could such an unnatural process be considered food for us? Considering all of Scripture--and applying common sense--helps us discern the answer to this question.

The Bible is filled with life and health. In Deuteronomy 30:19 God commands His people to “choose life.” He promises long life and freedom from disease to those who are faithful to Him. A variety of Psalms and Proverbs exalt health as a blessing from God. And Jesus Himself--the Great Physician--healed people throughout His ministry.

Clearly, God loves life. As such He provided His perfect Genesis 1:29 foods as the starting point to nourish our bodies. Fruits, vegetables, legumes, beans, nuts and seeds--these are unanimous, life-giving super-foods for our bodies.

Genetically modified organisms, on the other hand, are made from man, not God, and lead to death, not life. In fact, a primary purpose of Monsanto's Round-Up Ready (GMO) corn is to produce its own pesticide. Read that again: a vegetable that produces pesticide from within. Most of processed foods today contain this type of corn or derivative of it. Banned or restricted by China, Russia and Europe, GMOs are toxic, and recognized by most of the world as a menace to the food supply. It is time that we do, too.

To be clear, I don’t think it’s a sin to eat genetically-modified food, simply that these foods are made by man, not God. While I try to avoid foods made with GMOs, I cannot say that I never eat them--they are nearly impossible to avoid. But like many things, I am on a long journey away from them and urge you to be, too.

Get informed!
For more information about the myriad of health, environmental and other issues related to GMOs, visit the Institute for Responsible Technology. This non-profit, educational site is run by Jeffery Smith, author of the book Seeds of Deception: Exposing Industry and Government Lies about the Safety of the Genetically Engineered Foods You are Eating, and producer of the documentary film Genetic Roulette: the Gamble of Our Lives.

This is another great, independent site: The GMO Project.

Finally, two other good health sites, NaturalNews.com and Mercola.com have many articles about genetically modified foods.