Frankenstein vs. Cloning - Man: Created or Creator

The novel” and the concept of cloning have a lot in common. In reading the novel “Frankenstein,” and taking a look at cloning, one can see how much the two topics have in common. Several controversial issues come up. What is life? What defines a person? Does the idea of being your own creator literally appeal to cloning and Frankenstein’s monster. Cloning does bring up a lot of questions. On a site titled Frankenstein for Cloning Tech. it says, “This is controversial because many see this as a wrong in the human society. Much like Victor saw his creation as a devastative plague on the people of his time.” ("Frankenstein for Cloning Tech." 25 Oct. 2005 .). In general, cloning is the modern Frankenstein, just like Frankenstein is the modern Prometheus. Prometheus stole fire from the gods. He took something that did not belong to the humans and gave it to them. He was punished. In the same way, Frankenstein let his ambition overpower him. He took from God what was not his and created a monster.

Cloning also creates something that was not given to humanity. The possibility of human cloning was raised when Scottish scientists at Roslin Institute created a sheep, "Dolly," in 1997. There are different types of cloning technologies including recombinant DNA technology or DNA cloning, reproductive cloning, and therapeutic cloning. “In the not too distant future it is envisaged that we will be able to replicate a person's body, mind and memories.” (Edmiston, John. "Has Science Gone Too Far With Cloning?" 25 Oct. 2005 .). According to dictionary.com, the definition of a clone or cloning is to make multiple identical copies of (a DNA sequence); to create or propagate (an organism) from a clone cell; to reproduce or propagate asexually. The process of cloning uses “one cell and the ovum of another creature of the same species to produce an ‘embryo’. This is then implanted into the womb of a mother resulting in a ‘clone,’ or an exact replica.” ("Frankenstein for Cloning Tech." 25 Oct. 2005 .). The most common method of cloning is Reproductive Cloning. “Reproductive cloning is a technology used to generate an animal that has the same nuclear DNA as another currently or previously existing animal…. In a process called ‘somatic cell nuclear transfer,’ scientists transfer genetic material from the nucleus of a donor adult cell to an egg whose nucleus, and thus its genetic material, has been removed. The reconstructed egg containing the DNA from a donor cell must be treated with chemicals or electric current in order to stimulate cell division. Once the cloned embryo reaches a suitable stage, it is transferred to the uterus of a female host where it continues to develop until birth.” ("Cloning Fact Sheet ." Human Genome Project Information. 25 Oct. 2005 .).
Because cloning involves the creation of man by man, it is especially controversial in the church. What exactly does the Bible say about cloning? Before this question can be answered, we must look at the idea of creation and how it is used in cloning and the in the story of Frankenstein. Frankenstein strives to do what no one has ever done before; he thirsts for knowledge and finds his comfort in books and scientific theories. (Shelley, Chapter 2, Paragraph 11). As he becomes more knowledgeable, he learns how to control life. He learns the intricacies of the human body, and begins to assemble a new being. (Shelley, Chapter 4, Paragraphs 2-3, 9). Once assembled, the being, or rather monster, is brought to life. (Shelley, Chapter 5, Paragraphs 1-3). Frankenstein, himself, becomes the creator, thus denying God, but leaves the creature to live on its own without family, friends, or loved ones. (Shelley, Chapter 5, Paragraphs 3-4, Chapter 15, Paragraph 9). The parallel between this and cloning is evident. Modern Scientists continue to advance in knowledge. They strive to discover the secrets of the universe. By doing this, they wish to become all-knowing and thus take the place of God. Even so, there is no originality in cloning. Scientists just use their knowledge of what already is to recreate and imitate. Why do most Christians believe this is wrong? First off, God is the creator, not us. We cannot take His place. Cloning gives man the ability to create as a god, when he really is the created. Biblically, this can be compared to when sin first entered the world (Genesis 3:1-7). God said not to eat of the fruit of the one tree set out as forbidden. The serpent tempted Eve and told her that it would make her as great as God, so she disobeyed. However, no one can be as great as God. Adam and Eve were punished for their sins. They desired to be God, but there is only on God. “It seems that we shall be like God on the day we head (the) direction (of cloning). It appears that it will make us wise and be good for us. But this is an illusion born of strong temptation. In fact it will leave us naked and desolate and under the judgment of God” (Edmiston, John. "Has Science Gone Too Far With Cloning?" 25 Oct. 2005 .). Another case in the Bible this can be compared to is the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1-9). Just like science has a desire for self-exaltation and a want to go above the limits that have been set out for us, cloning sets itself high and wishes to rise above God.

Yes, man may be creating and trying to take God’s place, but what exactly gives creation its definition? When something is created by man, what does it mean for the creation? Dictionary.com defines create as to cause to exist; bring into being, give rise to, and produce through artistic or imaginative effort. If God created everything out of nothing in the beginning (Genesis 1:1), He must have been pretty imaginative. What is so creative about cloning? Cloning only imitates something or creates something out of something. He invented everything we know and strive to know. He knew what we were going to be like before we were even born. He gave us life. Life is the property or quality that distinguishes living organisms from dead organisms and inanimate matter, manifested in functions such as metabolism, growth, reproduction, and response to stimuli or adaptation to the environment originating from within the organism. We know this. If someone pointed out someone lying on the ground, covered in blood, you would be able to tell whether the person is alive or dead. Except, what do we define a person as? How are people different from any other living thing? God gave us souls; He created us in his image; He calls us His children (1 John 3:2). This is what distinguishes humans from anything else that is living. Do clones have souls? The Bible talks about babies forming in mother’s womb. Does a person have to be formed naturally in a mother’s womb to have a soul? God has a perfect plan. He planned you and knew you before you were even born. But what if the scientist, or Frankenstein, clone or create their own creation or imitation? In most cases, clones still grow in womb, but in an unnatural way. What about recreation? Clones imitate original? Are imitations as good as the originals? The Bible does not say animals have souls, although we may believe that they go to heaven. Does this have anything to do with cloning? Are clones like animals because they did not come about in a natural way? The clone would still be human, with all human parts, just developed in a slightly different way. Does this make a difference when it comes to having a soul and having the ability to gain salvation? “The clone would also be a unique person in the eyes of God. He would have an independent soul and could come to God as any other individual. He is just as capable of attaining salvation from the Lord as is his progenitor, even if the donor rejects the gospel. God would allot him the same value as a member of the human race, and all the admonitions we read in how to treat others would apply here, also.” ("The Christian Position on Cloning." Convincing Christianity. 2005. Come Reason Ministries. 25 Oct. 2005 http://www.comereason.org/sci_bible/sci020.asp.).

Frankenstein’s monster had all parts and feelings of being human, but was not born out of a woman’s womb and was not sexually produced. He was created not in God’s image, but in Victor’s image. He was not accepted because of his appearance. God accepts everyone, no matter what they look like, but is this what happens always with things God considers unacceptable? Cloning has a lot to do with the desires of man. Frankenstein desired to create life in a new being. Desires, otherwise known as temptations in these cases, bring us down. By taking the place of God, desiring to build their own Tower of Babel, and making their own definition of a “person,” Prometheus, Frankenstein, and the creators of cloning are defying God and going against the Bible’s moral standards. In defining life, souls, people, cloning, and creating we get a deep look into how Frankenstein and cloning compare. They are very alike in many ways. These things teach us that life and the universe are unknowable, and are not meant to be completely known. We are not meant to become all-knowing creators. Rather, we are the created – created by God.


Bibliography

("Cloning Fact Sheet ." Human Genome Project Information. 25 Oct. 2005 .).

("The Christian Position on Cloning." Convincing Christianity. 2005. Come Reason Ministries. 25 Oct. 2005 .).

(Edmiston, John. "Has Science Gone Too Far With Cloning?" 25 Oct. 2005 .).

("Frankenstein for Cloning Tech." 25 Oct. 2005 .