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While the Bible does not specifically address human cloning, there are principles in Scripture that may provide insight into the concept. Cloning involves both DNA and embryo cells. Initially, DNA is extracted from the nucleus of a cell from a living being. This material, containing coded genetic information, is then inserted into the nucleus of an embryonic cell. The recipient cell would have had its original DNA removed to accommodate the new genetic material. If the cell accepts the new DNA, a duplicate embryo is created. However, there is a possibility that the embryo cell may reject the new DNA and perish. Additionally, the embryo may not survive the removal of its original genetic material from the nucleus. Often, multiple embryos are used in cloning attempts to enhance the likelihood of successful implantation of the new genetic material. While it is feasible to create a duplicate organism through this process (e.g., Dolly the sheep), the chances of achieving an exact duplication without variations and complications are exceedingly slim.
The Christian perspective on human cloning can be understood in light of various scriptural principles. Firstly, human beings are made in the image of God and are therefore unique. Genesis 1:26-27 affirms that humans are created in God’s image and likeness, distinguishing them from all other creations. Human life is clearly precious and should not be treated as a commodity for trade. Some individuals advocate for human cloning to generate replacement organs for individuals in need of transplants who cannot find a suitable donor. The rationale is that creating an organ using one’s own DNA could reduce the risk of organ rejection. While this may have merit, the concern is that it diminishes the value of human life. The cloning process necessitates the use of human embryos. While cells can be used for research purposes, human embryos should not be exploited for this purpose.
To generate new organs, it is necessary to destroy several embryos to obtain the required DNA. Essentially, cloning would result in discarding many human embryos as “waste material,” preventing those embryos from developing into full maturity.
Many individuals believe that life does not commence at conception with the creation of the embryo, and thus embryos are not truly human beings. The Bible presents a different perspective. Psalm 139:13-16 states, “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.” The author, David, affirms that he was personally known by God before birth, indicating that he was a human being with a God-ordained future at his conception.
Moreover, Isaiah 49:1-5 recounts God calling Isaiah to prophethood while still in his mother’s womb. Additionally, John the Baptist was filled with the Holy Spirit in the womb “For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother’s womb.”, (Luke 1:15). All these instances support the Bible’s stance on life commencing at conception. Therefore, human cloning, with its destruction of human embryos, would not align with the Bible’s perspective on human life.
Furthermore, if humanity was created, then there must be a Creator, and humanity is consequently subject to and accountable to that Creator. Despite prevailing beliefs in secular psychology and humanistic ideologies suggesting that man is only accountable to himself and is the ultimate authority.
Authority, the Bible teaches differently. God created man and gave him responsibility over the earth (Genesis 1:28-29, 9:1-2). With this responsibility comes accountability to God. Man is not the ultimate authority over himself, and he is therefore not in a position to make decisions about the value of human life. Neither, then, is science the authority by which the ethics of human cloning, abortion, or euthanasia are decided. According to the Bible, God is the only one who rightfully exercises sovereign control over human life. To attempt to control such things is to place oneself in God’s position. Clearly, man is not to do this.
If we view man as simply another creature and not as the unique creation he is, it is not difficult to see human beings as mere mechanisms needing maintenance and repair. But we are not just a collection of molecules and chemicals. The Bible teaches that God created each of us and has a specific plan for each of us. Further, He seeks a personal relationship with each of us through His Son, Jesus Christ. While there are aspects of human cloning which may seem beneficial, mankind has no control over where cloning technology may go. It is foolish to assume that only good intentions will direct the utilization of cloning. Man is not in a position to exercise the responsibility or judgment that would be required to govern the cloning of human beings.
A frequent question is whether a cloned human being, assuming that human cloning is one day successful, would have a soul. Genesis 2:7 says, “And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.” Here is the description of God creating a living, human soul. Souls are what we are, not what we have «And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit. », <a href="https://www.bibliatodo.com/en/bible/kin
(1 Corinthians 15:45). The question is, what kind of living soul would be created by human cloning? That is not a question that can be conclusively answered. It seems, though, that if a human being were successfully cloned, the clone would be just as much of a human being, including having an eternal soul, as any other human being.
