Cloning is a process by which identical cells are produced from preexisting cells. The two current types of human cloning come in the form of human reproductive cloning and human therapeutic cloning. As with any new technology, both present unique benefits and potential detriments. On July 5th, 1996, Dolly, the first ever cloned sheep, was born through a reproductive cloning method known as somatic cell nuclear transfer or SCNT (Vos). SCNT involves taking an ovum that has had its nucleus removed, injecting a nucleus from a donor, and then developing the cell into a full, genetically identical organism to the donor through a surrogate (Stocum). Therapeutic cloning, on the other hand, involves developing an embryo outside of the womb, or In Vitro,
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Religion plays a key role in the lives of millions of people, and as such, levies immense power in shaping the way people think. However, different religious groups and denominations view the issue of cloning in different lights. In a survey of different religious groups and denominations, Protestants showed the strongest disagreement with human cloning at 72.4% while those describing themselves as atheists had only 50.2% against human cloning. In fact, Christianity is the primary religious opponent of cloning. Unfortunately, Christianity is the largest religion in the United States, making up 77.4% of the population (Bainbridge). Because the United States is home to such a large number of Christians, it becomes easy to understand how a majority of the citizens are against human reproductive cloning. Arguably the biggest religious argument against human reproductive cloning is the religious belief that children should be the byproduct of the love between a man and a woman. If children could be produced without procreation, then the critical bond between man, woman, and child could be broken. To many, it is not right that a child could be born without real parents (Reproductive Cloning (1)). However, Moeinifar and Ardebeli, two Islamic theologians, argue that, in determining lineage and the rights of a clone
Religion plays a key role in the lives of millions of people, and as such, levies immense power in shaping the way people think. However, different religious groups and denominations view the issue of cloning in different lights. In a survey of different religious groups and denominations, Protestants showed the strongest disagreement with human cloning at 72.4% while those describing themselves as atheists had only 50.2% against human cloning. In fact, Christianity is the primary religious opponent of cloning. Unfortunately, Christianity is the largest religion in the United States, making up 77.4% of the population (Bainbridge). Because the United States is home to such a large number of Christians, it becomes easy to understand how a majority of the citizens are against human reproductive cloning. Arguably the biggest religious argument against human reproductive cloning is the religious belief that children should be the byproduct of the love between a man and a woman. If children could be produced without procreation, then the critical bond between man, woman, and child could be broken. To many, it is not right that a child could be born without real parents (Reproductive Cloning (1)). However, Moeinifar and Ardebeli, two Islamic theologians, argue that, in determining lineage and the rights of a clone