100% safe is a standard that would require us to forgo most everything we do. And also consider that under the best of circumstances normal reproduction is not even 100% safe.

As I recall, Some of these same concerns were expressed in the early days of invitro fertilization, etc. Recall the scifi speculation that some day we would not need a human and that babies would grow to term in a test tube, there would be baby factories, made to order babies, etc.

I think we tend to get carried away with going down the scifi speculation track. That train left the reality station a long time ago.

Tom

I just thought of something else that could also open up another can of worms.

What about the methods used to make medical advances?

Look at what Hitler did in the name of medical advancement.

Look at what is happening today to mice, cats, dogs, etc. in the name of medical research.

It could be that this cloning is the lesser of these other evils that are being committed, and all in the name of medical research.

Daryl:

I have read some of what Hitler did in the name of medical research. I have talked to other people about those "experiments". It is that history that has had a part in developing the ethical protocols that we have today. Such would never be allowed today. Also, I have been told that nothing of any real limportance came from those "experiments".


If you really knew about the etiical protocols applied to the use of animals in research, . . .
I am not certain as to what you mean by your comment about animals.

By the way, I have walked in to an animal surgical suite where a pig was being operated upon. I have been there. I have seen it. They are treated humanely.

I was referring to the testing of drugs on animals to see if it is safe for humans.

How many cats, dogs, etc. have died a horrible death on account of drugs being tested on them.

I am under the assumption that it is still happening today.

If I am wrong, then I will be happy to accept the fact that I am wrong.

Daryl,

To keep some comparative perspective, the treatment of animals for medical/scientific purposes is far more humane than what happens in the name of food. A visit to a slaughter house could help convince many toward a veggie diet. Or just take a look at the conditions under which many of these animals are raised to maximize growth and being fattened for slaughter. And for those who are not vegan, visit a mega-dairy where the majority of your milk comes from, or a egg producing factory and consider how inhumane this may be. Most people would be nauseated and appalled. The lab rats have it lucky! And let's not forget the fate of most animals born in the wild, the majority of which never survive infancy. Nature in this sinful world is exceedingly cruel to animals, many of which starve to death, are killed for food by humans and other animals, etc. But I think a more compelling concern is man's inhumanity to his own kind. Our pets and farm animals have better living conditions than a very large percentage of humanity. It is all a matter of perspective.

At least look at the potential positive benefit derived from research and consider whether as an alternative to testing on animals we could tolerate some of the early medical/scientific testing to be on humans. Would you rather have a surgeon learn and develope new techniques on a pig or you?

Tom

There is a big difference between scientific research, and animals used by cosmetic companies.

It's the lessor of two evils, which is inevitable in a sinful world. Consider all the suffering God endures for the good of mankind knowing it is He who keeps things alive until death overcomes the victim. Remember how God used sickness to prevent Sister White, and countless others, from going astray?

Can we as humans sit idly by as disease runs rampant claiming the lives of millions when we have the knowledge and ability to create effective cures? So what if a few animals must suffer or die in the process; yes it's sad, but in the long run it is best for mankind, a worthy sacrifice. It is our moral duty to invent new ways to ensure the survival of the race.

I just saw on the TV news last evening about how cosmetics are being tested on animals.

The question remains as to the effects human cloning will have on the human clones themselves.

Things like this makes me long even more for the 2nd coming so all this misery can come to an end.

The potential of cloning is to procreate people without certain evil propensities. Of course, we will always have to resist our sinful flesh nature, and dependence upon the Holy Spirit will always be necessary, but cloning could greatly subdue some violent traits making it easier to be kind.

While it is true that a cloned Hitler might turn into a Helmit Schmidt (Chancellor of West Germany, 1974-1982), it is also true that a cloned Helmit Schmidt might turn into a Hitler.