Predictably, this has set off a firestorm
about science and faith, and whether the former can confirm or disprove
the latter. Using biotechnology and statistics to suggest that Jesus
was married, procreated, and left bones behind is probably enough to
make Pat Robertson’s head explode. But several other important issues
have received less attention, such as whether Cameron’s use of DNA
tests can be considered “science,” what kind of respect spiritual
beliefs deserve in a pluralist society, and what might be in store now
that some think Jesus’ DNA is among us.
DNA testing’s perceived certainty is having a growing cultural resonance,
from the burgeoning C.S.I. franchise to real life prosecutors offering
genetic tests as “slam dunk” evidence. But the “science” behind this
film’s claims is far from dispositive. What’s most troubling is that
Cameron and company know this, and apparently don’t care. When asked
why their investigations did not lead to further DNA testing to confirm
their claims, Simcha Jacobovici (the film’s director) said
“We’re not scientists. At the end of the day we can’t wait till every
ossuary is tested for DNA. We took the story that far. At some point
you have to say, ‘I’ve done my job as a journalist.’”
Few find these claims any more credible than the Virgin Mary “appearing” in a grilled cheese sandwich.
But, in many ways, the damage has already been done. The danger with
society’s current relationship with biotechnology as reflected here is
not simply that science might run amuck and cause harm. Rather, it also
implicates the delicate balance that needs to be struck between science
and faiths that, by definition, cannot be proved or disproved. For
example, when given access to what they believe might be the remains of
a key religious figure who many consider to be God’s physical
incarnation, what do Cameron and company decide to do? They flippantly
subject these remains to DNA testing as if they have the same social
significance as finding out “Who’s the Baby’s Daddy” on Maury Povich’s
show. Indigenous communities have been struggling
for quite some time with biotechnology being used to belie deeply held
traditions concerning who they are and their origins. Now, major
religions like Christianity appear to be in the cross hairs.
What
does this all mean? Surely, it’s too early to tell. But, a number of
scenarios are possible. For example, if people like Cameron and
Jacobovici are not above DNA testing what they believe to be Jesus’
remains, will they not also be tempted to use related technologies (if
available) to see which persons living today are genetically linked to
him? And, if a real life Sophie Neveu was putatively “found,” what are the implications? If David Geffen is concerned
over what he calls the Clinton and Bush royal families in American
electoral politics, what in the world would happen if a candidate
claims to have DNA matching Christ? Are you going to oppose his tax
cuts?
