Prof says DNA has become modern-day soul

Standing in the middle of a dimly lit room in the Christian Association, History and Sociology of Science Professor Susan Lindee spoke to a captivated audience about the power of DNA in today's society and how it has taken over as the contemporary soul. Lindee's lecture, which took place Wednesday night and was entitled "Sacred DNA: Identity, Immortality and the Human Genome Project," was part of a semester-long Science and the Sacred series sponsored by the Religious Studies Department. Visiting Religious Studies Professor William Grassie, who is in charge of the series, explained that the lectures attempt to reconcile the religious aspects of science with science's place in society. "The series is a chance for students and teachers to explore these issues in a conversation outside of the classroom," Grassie said. Grassie added that the series is a valuable supplement to classroom activities. During Wednesday's second lecture in the series, Lindee discussed how DNA has taken on a major importance in modern times. She said the importance of DNA is emphasized today in part because many people in the science and fertility fields "have a stake in its place" as a determinant of human activity. She said that her research shows that DNA resembles the soul because both are immortal identity markers and boundary makers. She suggested that the emphasis placed on DNA has dangerous ramifications, especially because society has begun considering people as mere "DNA readouts." "Systems of control grounded in bodily control are unsavory," Lindee said. "It is one of the ways that social inequalities appear to be natural, immutable?. Is that what we want?" Approximately 30 students, faculty and community members attended the lecture and had varied reactions to Lindee's conjecture. During a question-and-answer session that followed the lecture, one man suggested DNA should have an important place in society, especially if people do not look to religion for answers. In response, Lindee questioned the man, emphasizing the danger of genetics as the solution to social problems. "In other words, why shouldn't we worship DNA?" she said. Most of those present seemed to agree with Lindee, noting that in the nature versus nurture debate, one's environment plays a significant role. "This lecture reaffirmed my belief in the cultural power DNA is gaining and can potentially have," College freshman Allison Menell said. "It's potentially scary and amazing all at once."