Human cloning

[redhen]

Although there are no peer reviewed examples of human cloning (the Raelians don’t count), the concept is similar to the research, and successful reproductive cloning of plants and animals. What is the offiical RCC stance on the soul of a human clone? Is a clone produced from only a single parent still a human? Does this “force” God to create a specific, unplanned soul for that individual?

If human life starts at conception, what happens if conception plays no role in future human reproduction?

What about genetic combinations? What I mean is the everyday, routine work that mixes genetic material from two different species. If and when scientists start adding non-human genetic material to people, will they still be classified as human?

Thanks

 

[magdelaine]

Although there are no peer reviewed examples of human cloning (the Raelians don’t count), the concept is similar to the research, and successful reproductive cloning of plants and animals. What is the offiical RCC stance on the soul of a human clone? Is a clone produced from only a single parent still a human? Does this “force” God to create a specific, unplanned soul for that individual?

If human life starts at conception, what happens if conception plays no role in future human reproduction?

What about genetic combinations? What I mean is the everyday, routine work that mixes genetic material from two different species. If and when scientists start adding non-human genetic material to people, will they still be classified as human?

Thanks

In a nutshell, the Church holds that this is gravely immoral, because procreation should never be separated from the marital act (sexual intercourse). However, if you are interested in reading further on these topics, here are some excellent articles: ncbcenter.org/makingsense.asp

 

[redhen]

Thanks for that link. From a glance it seems a definitive answer is still forthcoming. Most of the debate centers on the ethical concerns of human cloning, I only found one article that deals with the problem of clones and souls;

We must recognize that it is God’s business as to precisely when He ensouls embryos. We do not need an answer to this fascinating and speculative theological question, like counting angels on the head of a pin, in order to grasp the fundamental truth that human embryos are inviolable and deserving of unconditional respect at every stage of their existence.

ncbcenter.org/FrTad_MSOOB_33.asp

Again, the ethical concern is stressed, and the issue of a soul is dismissed as just unproductive speculation. But, surely, if humans can be reproduced from clones, without the need for two parents, does this not leave God out of the picture?

 

[Mark77]

Thanks for that link. From a glance it seems a definitive answer is still forthcoming. Most of the debate centers on the ethical concerns of human cloning, I only found one article that deals with the problem of clones and souls;

ncbcenter.org/FrTad_MSOOB_33.asp

Again, the ethical concern is stressed, and the issue of a soul is dismissed as just unproductive speculation. But, surely, if humans can be reproduced from clones, without the need for two parents, does this not leave God out of the picture?

The “issue of a soul” is not dismissed as just unproductive speculation. You are way off.

The issue of the soul is paramount, it is the pinnacle of all existence. Our physical bodies are mortal, our souls are immortal.

That is exactly why ethical dilemmas posed by cloning or the destruction of frozen embryos for research, etc…, are so important. If we choose correctly we choose eternal peace, if we choose incorrectly, we choose eternal damnation.

The issue of exactly when a soul is placed in an embryo is God’s prerogative, we can only speculate, but the soul is surely created by God, just as we are.

God can never be left out of the picture. He is the artist who created the picture.

Sancta Maria, Mater Dei, Ora Pro Nobis Peccatoribus!

Mark