Genesis 11:1-9 recounts the unfortunate tale of the construction of the tower of Babel, serving as the initial chapter in an ongoing narrative that encompasses numerous comparable endeavors. As mankind’s technology and capabilities advance, so does their capacity to pursue endeavors that ultimately prove detrimental.
Cloning is not considered wise according to biblical teachings. Proverbs 14:15 suggests that the sensible person carefully considers their actions, while Proverbs 22:3 advises individuals to anticipate and avoid evil. It is important to anticipate and prevent harm before becoming deeply entangled in it. This concept is reinforced in Luke 14:28ff, where Jesus encourages individuals to count the costs before embarking on any endeavor, including serving Him.
Wisdom suggests that we pause for various reasons. Firstly, there is a lack of understanding about the operation, replicability, and precise reasons for its success. However, we do know the actions taken and the process followed. Nevertheless, Roslin scientists acknowledged that cloning involved extensive trial and error and requires further refinement through more research. Secondly, the safety of the procedure is still uncertain.
Despite the uncertain outcome and unexplored benefits and drawbacks of human cloning, it is important to acknowledge that little discussion revolves around its positive aspects. The possibility of curing cancer through human cloning is not mentioned, as the focus solely lies on achieving it rather than questioning its ethical implications. However, it is widely recognized that the potential for harm outweighs any potential good, considering complications such as dealing with malformed babies resulting from unsuccessful cloning experiments. The mind becomes overwhelmed by the numerous possibilities for immorality and wrongdoing that accompany human cloning.
Cloning is not a wise decision. The Babel team should have considered if they should clone before considering if they can. Are we capable of making better choices? The reality is that cloning is an attempt to control the birth process. It is doubtful that we possess the necessary wisdom, moral judgement, or ethical foundation to make appropriate decisions in this realm. We lack the insight to effectively develop, utilize, or comprehend cloning. Why should we persist on this course? Is it wise to embark on a journey without knowledge of the destination and uncharted paths?
The second objection to human cloning is its potential for being morally wrong. This assertion holds true for various reasons. Firstly, the process of cloning often leads to abortions. Due to the complexity of cloning, numerous cloned embryos are typically created, but only a small percentage succeed. In the case of the Dolly experiment, there were 277 cell fusions, resulting in 29 embryos that showed signs of growth and were implanted. Out of those, only 13 sheep became pregnant, and ultimately, only one lamb was successfully born. As stated by an ethicist, if these were human cells, the sheer number of failed attempts would be regarded as an alarming loss of life. While experimentation with and destruction of sheep embryos may not trouble everyone, the ethical implications become apparent when applying the same practices to human embryos. Although this is not an article about abortion, it is essential to acknowledge that according to the principle that life begins at conception (as supported by Psalm 139:13-16; Jer. 1:5), it is unjust for scientists to end countless lives (which embryos are) in their pursuit of scientific knowledge. The means employed in this process lack ethical justification.
The act of cloning can be utilized to reproduce beyond the traditional family structure, disregarding the biblical belief that a family should consist of both a mother and father raising children (Ephesians 6:1-4). If an individual is in a marriage that cannot provide this type of environment, it is important for them to recognize that procreation is not part of God’s plan for their situation. The homosexual community has shown particular interest in cloning as an alternative means of having offspring, which contradicts the established pattern set by God. Ursula Good, a cell biologist from Washington University in St. Louis, mentioned in an article published by The New York Times that cloning could eliminate the necessity for men, suggesting that single women could clone themselves without male involvement. This raises concerns about whether we are utilizing technology to circumvent God’s moral and natural laws. We firmly oppose the development of this technology solely with the purpose of enabling reproduction outside of marriage for homosexual couples or unmarried individuals.
One of the most severe consequences of cloning is the potential to create exploited children. Experts often discuss using cloning to produce a child solely for the purpose of serving as a source of “spare parts” for themselves or another sick child, such as donating a kidney within 3-5 years if a three-year-old has kidney disease and will eventually need dialysis. This concept can also apply to bone marrow transplants and other medical conditions. However, this raises moral questions about creating a child exclusively for organ donation. While instances of “spare parts” children already occur occasionally, the ability to ensure a genetic match through cloning would likely lead to an increase in this practice. It is unsettling to consider how long it would take to clone a child exclusively for their heart, subjecting them to intense growth stimulation without proper care or affection until they are large enough for their heart to be harvested. It is deeply unsettling that clones may be exploited by taking what we need from them and disregarding their value simply because they were created as organ donors.
The Bible, in Psalms 127:3-5, emphasizes that children are a precious gift from God and compares them to arrows in the hands of a warrior. Having many children is seen as a blessing. Hence, it is essential to acknowledge and value children as divine gifts instead of exploiting them for personal gain or using them for someone else’s advantage.
The Bible serves as a guide for us, doesn’t it? It is wise to cease cloning experimentation before it becomes further uncontrollable, or more accurately, before Pandora’s box opens wider. Scripture clearly indicates that cloning is a sinful method and will certainly lead to more sin, particularly the exploitation of children. When considering all of this, it is challenging to see it and say “Yes, God approves of this; it will benefit humanity, let’s proceed at full speed.” Human cloning increasingly resembles our own Tower of Babel. Instead, let’s be satisfied with the knowledge that God created us and we did not create ourselves (Psalm 100:3). May we utilize our intellect and technology to grow closer to Him rather than constructing monuments fueled by human arrogance that will only cause harm and suffering for everyone.
