Volume 45   Number 8                                                                  April 2003

As we continue our consideration of Bioethics and the Bible, we would like in this issue to consider transplants, cloning and genetic engineering. These words do not occur in scripture, as technology was not at that point yet, but that does not mean God has not given us guidance on these issues.

Transplants:
The receipt of a transplanted organ has prolonged the lives of many in recent years. Some of you reading this article would not be with us were it not for a transplant. While some would try to use Acts 15:29 to prohibit transplants (the transfer of blood) and Ezekiel 36:26 (a new heart) to support the practice, neither passage seems to be dealing with the issue of physical transplants.

Possibly the closest the Bible comes to commenting on transplants would be Galatians 4:15, where Paul speaks of the brethren being willing to give their own eyes for him. Paul is not addressing transplant specifically, as the technology did not yet exist and he was certainly not advocating self mutilation. But he does seem to speak well of the attitude of being willing to give a most cherished gift for the benefit of another.

In the absence of a clear edict, we must then look to see if it violates any principles we are given. It does not violate the principle of not taking a life, as the donor is to have already deceased, or, in the case of kidney donation, able to continue to function. It does not violate the principle of "being the temple of God", as once deceased the body is no longer said temple. It does not violate the principle of trying to produce or genetically alter life as it is only to perpetuate life in its God given form. I am not aware of any biblical principle that it does or would violate; therefore, I would conclude a Christian is free to participate in transplant technology either as a donor or a recipient. That is not to say the a Christian must participate. If the body cannot sustain life on its own, I do not think it would be wrong to not avail oneself of a transplant and let nature take its course.

If one takes a position against transplants, it would seem one would also have to oppose blood transfusions and bone marrow transplants as they transfer tissue/cells from one body to another to save life. Of course, we must stand firmly against any transplant from a living organism (i.e.. fetal) which would result in death to that being. That becomes murder, which is clearly wrong.

Cloning and Genetic Engineering:
When we enter these areas, we enter areas of reproducing and altering life. Areas far different from simply using medical technology to sustain life and functions.

We must remember that we are created in His image. We have intrinsic value. We are not simply a genetic mass; we are spiritual beings. Since we are created in His image, our worth comes from and is based in Him. Hitler's pursuit of a "Master Race" was predicated on the false premise that some people are more valuable than others. And the holocaust followed.

What do these principles have to do with cloning or genetic engineering? One of the goals of cloning or genetic altering is to do away with many of the problems we now face. To allow people to be healthier, smarter or more attractive or generate more people like the ones we want. But this will result in simply having healthier sinners, smarter sinners or better looking sinners. Because the problem of man is not a genetic problem, but a spiritual problem. The problem of man is not a DNA issue, but a sin issue. And the selection of who populates the world is God's not man's. The claim is often that cloning and genetic engineering will improve the human race. It could allow us to cure diabetes in the womb, repair irreversible spinal cord injuries, eliminate birth defects, replace loved ones who have died, etc. And all of these possibilities touch our hearts.

But by whose standards? Who will decide who is worthy of being cloned. Will one's wealth or political connection be the determinate? Who will determine the characteristics of the child yet unborn? The government, the family, the church, you or me? Who will play God?

ONLY GOD CAN PLAY GOD.

I believe that when we enter into human cloning or genetic engineering, we cross a line into God's domain. David wrote that he was "fearfully and wonderfully made" as a work of God (Psalms 139:14). In Genesis 3 we find Adam and Eve desiring to become as God. In Genesis 11 we find again man trying to exalt himself into God's domain. And none of these cases pleased God and He put a stop to them. Cloning and genetic engineering place man at a decision place that is best reserved for God. God has told us to "be fruitful and multiply", but He has also given us His way to do it. A way that leaves Him in control of our individual composition. Ultimately, our hope for a better life, a life free of pain, a life of eternal bliss lies not in science, no matter how advanced- but in Jesus Christ.