What does the Bible say about Therapeutic Cloning?
The Bible Against Therapeutic Cloning
As with many medical ethics topics, there are no specific Bible teachings that make it clear how a Christian should respond to these issues. The Bible itself does not say that life begins at conception, although some Christians interpret various passages this way:
Before I formed you in the womb I knew you.
Jeremiah 1:5
If the embryo is a human being, all of the sanctity of life quotes apply - made in God's image, temple of the Holy Spirit, known and loved by God who has a plan for each unique individual etc. If the embryo is a person, then the 10 Commandments are clear - do not murder.
There are other important Bible teachings that are relevant. You should not do a bad thing, even if it leads to other good things:
Or can we say, “Let’s do evil so that good will come from it”? Some slander us and claim that this is what we say. They are condemned, and that’s what they deserve.
Romans 3:8 (God's Word Translation)
The Bible For Therapeutic Cloning
Many Christians believe an embryo is not a human being. As such, the sanctity of life quotes do not apply to the embryo, and could be used to apply to the millions of people dying from conditions that might be cured by therapeutic cloning.
Further teaching on love and following Jesus' compassionate example may be used to support embryonic stem cell research. Jesus broke the rules (about the Sabbath) and healed people - shouldn't doctors do the same if they can?
