Supporters might see new enhancements as a way to help the Muslim world catch up with the West or “at least not get left further behind,” she says.Others would oppose enhancements out of a desire “not to change what God has created.”

Other churches and religious traditions, however, probably would not be opposed or even divided on the issue, scholars say.For instance, mainline Protestant denominations, such as the Presbyterian, Episcopalian or Methodist churches, are unlikely to attempt to prevent their members from taking advantage of new enhancements, says Cole-Turner of Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, which serves a student body made up mostly of mainline Protestants.“I see no clear expression of opposition coming from any of the [mainline] denominations over this, because they will not view it as threatening,” he says.“What you might see instead are efforts to assure fair distribution of these benefits, so that can we mitigate any injustices or inequalities that might be caused by this.”

According to Lutheran theologian Peters, many mainline churches will view enhancement positively because they will see aspects of it as attempts to improve human well-being and alleviate suffering.