Scientists agree on the enormous potential benefits of biotechnology, yet strong opposition to such methods exists in even the most technologically advanced Western societies. American Christian fundamentalists rail at biotech scientists "playing god" with stem cells while New Age purists object strenuously to "artificial medicine," food engineering, and other trespasses against Mother Nature. In Challenging Nature, Dr. Lee Silver describes how Western faith and spirituality are undermining biotechnology's potential to alleviate human suffering and stabilize our ailing biosphere. He notes that, paradoxically, "less advanced" cultures based on Hindu and Buddhist spirituality are more able to accept the worth of these emergent technologies.

“This book will surely fuel precisely the kind of debate Silver recognizes as essential in a democracy storting out perplexing scientific possibilities.” ──Booklist

“Silver’s provocative ideas and his graceful prose open new avenues for discussion of the challenges that face science and spirituality.” ──Publisher’s Weekly