Difficult Issues Bible Study

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1. Ps 147:5 Great is our Lord, and abundant in power; his understanding is beyond measure.
Jer 10:12 It is he who made the earth by his power, who established the world by his wisdom, and by his understanding stretched out the heavens.

2. 1 John 4:10 In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

3. This girl is still alive for a reason. She has a will to live and her strength and faith can uplift others for God's glory. I believe that God is still using her lif to bring others closer to him. Her eternal body shall be perfect and this body is temporary.

4. Faith can help in all circumstances. You can be bitter about your circumstances or learn from them. No matter what you are going through, God is with you. He will comfort you if you let Him.
Ps 23:4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,* I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

5. It won't be easy, but yes she should forgive him. God will hand out judgement.
Rom 12:19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it* to the wrath of God, for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord."

6. 1 Ki 8:50 and forgive your people who have sinned against you, and all their transgressions that they have committed against you, and grant them compassion in the sight of those who carried them captive, that they may have compassion on them
Mat 6:14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:
1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us [our] sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

7. Luke 23:34 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots. Yes, God forgave them.
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1) Psalm 37:23 A man's steps are established by the LORD, and He takes pleasure in his way.

Jeremiah 10:23 I know, LORD, that a man's way of life is not his own; no one who walks determines his own steps.

2) John 3:16 For God loved the world in this way: He gave His One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will now perish but have eternal life.

Psalm 138:8 The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me. LORD, your love is eternal;do not abandon the work of Your hands.

3. For one thing, God allows us free will. If He didn't, we'd be robots. That means we can choose to do evil, as well as good. This is proof of His goodness, in a way, since it shows He wants us to follow Him lovingly, rather than Him break our spirits. I don't think we have cause to question His goodness or power, since God has promised us life and peace eternally after this world, and justice will be brought to evil in a big way.

4) Depends on what you mean by religious. If you're using it to refer to Christianity, a relationship with God, then yes. "Religious beliefs" can help us cope with life, because God helps us cope with life (Psalm 139:1-12). If you mean "religious beliefs" as in a the typical sense...I hesitate to say. Certainly, so an extent, they can "help" by changing the way people see things...but belief doesn't triumph truth, so that help will never be permanent. Yeesh...I hope that makes sense outside of my head. XD

5) The simple answer, and the right one, is yes...at the same time, it's not necessarily an easy one. I hope I could forgive him. I think I could, and I know it would be right, and the only way to go about things, I just feel bad saying that since am not the one who got shot.

6) We are to forgive all that is done to us, since we have been forgiven all that we have done. (Luke 17:3 and 23:34, Matthew 18:21-22)

7) Jesus asked for God to forgive us, even as he was being crucified. I believe He did; at least, if we ask His forgiveness.
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1. 2 Corinthians 13:4 For he was crucified in weakness, but lives by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but in dealing with you we will live with him by the power of God.

Isaiah 26:4 Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD GOD is an everlasting rock.

2. 1 John 3:1 See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him.

Ephesians 2:4-5 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ— by grace you have been saved—

3. We should not question God's goodness or power even after this tragedy. God would not allow something so horrible to happen without a reason. I do not believe this tragedy was his doing either. Sin consumes the world and the devil is out there. We may want to blame God in times like this but you have to remember he is all loving and well, perfect.

4. I believe religious beliefs can help a person cope with life's tragedies. Wherever we are, whatever we're doing God is there. He is never going to hurt us or betray us. He will always be there to listen and to help.
Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

5. I believe Melissa should forgive Michael even after what he did to her. It is what God tells us to do. If I were in Melissa's shoes I will be honest I don't know that I could forgive him. I know we must be forgiving to everyone no matter what but I know that I am a sinner. I can't answer with a yes or no though, I would like to say I could be forgiving, I don't know that I would be.

6. Matthew 6:14-15
For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

Mark 11:25
And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins. "

Micah 7:18-19
Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy. You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea.

7. When Jesus was being crucified on the cross he asked God to forgive us. Even though we are the reason he was crucified he still asked for us to be forgiven. I believe God did grant Jesus' request.
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1.Revelation 1:8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”
2 Chronicles 20:5-6 " And Jehoshaphat stood in the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem, in the house of the Lord, before the new court, 6 and said, “O Lord, God of our fathers, are you not God in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. In your hand are power and might, so that none is able to withstand you."

2. John 3:16 “For God so loved the world,[a] that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life."
1 John 4:8-9 "Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9 In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him."

3. God will always be there to help you through tragedy. His love and promise to give us everlasting life is what makes us understand that He is there and He cares for us. Even though she won't be able to walk again, she is thankful that she is still alive, and trusts that God will help her through her struggle. Although it may not make sense now, there is a purpose why she is still alive on this earth, and her positivity, determination, and love for God will uplift others who are dealing with tragedies themselves.

4.Through faith, God will help you through any struggle. I've witnessed God's power while dealing with issues in my family myself, and in moments where I feel like everything is about to break down, God helps me in ways that I would never have imagined.

I'm having trouble finding a passage, but Luke 12:22-34 is pretty helpful when you're worried about the future.

5. As hard as it is, God wants us forgive everyone and love our enemies. It's beneficial to forgive for your yourself. Keeping hate and negative emotions bottled up inside will cause you more pain, heartache and bitterness. The enemy will suffer the consequences for his actions in due time, but don't work up a sweat waiting for that to happen. I don't think we should sit there and wait for God to punish someone, because that means you never truly forgave that person.

To be honest, I admit I have trouble forgiving people that have hurt me in the past, and it's very hard to let go. I do know that I will feel much better if I do forgive them, though. It's something I know I need to work on.

Mathew 5:44-45 "But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust."

6. Mathew 6:14 "14 For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you,"
Luke 6:37 "Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven;"
John 20:23 "If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.”
1 John 1:9 "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

7. Luke 23:34 "And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”[a] And they cast lots to divide his garments." Through Jesus Christ, we are forgiven of our sins. So yes, he did grant his request.
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1) I believe, at least from the way the case is presented in this excerpt, she was wrong to take them to court. The bible talks about lawsuits among Christians in several spots, I think. But The only one I'm certain of is 1st Corinthians chapter 6.

2) Fornication is having sex outside of marriage, I think. Adultery is having sex with someone who is married to someone else (and/or lusting after someone else). The bible says no adulterer will enter heaven (1st Corinthians 6:9) and that sexual immorality is a sin against our own body, the temple of the Holy Spirit (1st Corinthians 6:8-19).

3) Matthew 18:15. If someone sins (my translation has "against you here, so that threw me off a bit)", we are to first rebuke them in private. If they're unresponsive in that, then we take a brother and go to them again. If they fail to that, then we are to take it to the church. If they don't respond even then, then they are to be "made like an unbeliever and a tax collector to you", which I'm guessing means they get removed from the church.

4) Yes, I believe it is their job (at least according to the stuff Paul says later); they're supposed to care about the spiritual well being of the person in question, which is tricky to do if you ignore their stumbles. I hope, that if I knew for certain the person was still sinning, that I would go ahead and alert the church in this fashion. We "must obey God rather than men". But yeesh, that'd be hard. No wonder Paul warned about how church leaders were asking for pain upon themselves by seeking authority. XD

5) There's one in 1st Corinthians 5:1-13. Essentially, we're to "put away the evil person from among yourselves" and "turn them over to Satan", so they see their sin for what it is, and return to life. The intent is to restore them, not to hurt or anger them.
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1. 1 Cor 6 says not to address spiritual issues in a secular court. Her actions were morally wrong and she did not change even after being confronted. She should have left the church instead of taking them to court.

2.
adultery: sex with someone other than your spouse
Mat 5:28 But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart

fornication: consensual sexual intercourse between two people not married to each other
1Cr 6:18 Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.

3. Matt 18:15-17 Confront alone, confront with a couple others, bring it to the church

4. Act 5:29 Then Peter and the [other] apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.
Matthew 18:15-17 gave the formula for dealing with wayward Christians. It's up to the elders to maintain a healthy church body no matter the cost.

5. 1Cr 5:13 But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.
It will give the wrong doer time to think and reflect without causing other brothers and sisters in Christ to stumble.
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1. Responsible means:

a) Having an obligation to do something as part of a job or role.

b) Being the primary cause of something and so able to be blamed or credited for it.

I believe it was Adam and Eve's fault they fell (especially Adam). Adam though, blamed Eve and Eve blamed Satan (Gen 3: 12-13). Aaron tried to blame the Israelites and some mystical force for creating the golden Calf (Exodus 32: 22-24).

2. Steve Courson is. Even if he didn't know the trauma his actions would case years later, he had to know what he was doing was wrong, and bad for him.

3. The word used is "pharmakia", like the english word "pharmacy". It means (quoted from Vine's) '"the use of medicine, drugs, spells;" then, "poisoning;" then, "sorcery,"'. I'm actually uncertain of what we can conclude from this...perhaps that, even in bible times, people were misusing chemicals, and that it could be a sin?

4. 1st Corinthians 6:20 says "for you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body.". A "vice" means a defect, or a fault; immoral or wicked behavior.

5.Illegal, Sinful drugs: I'd probably count speed, cocaine and meth here as well as marijuana (admittedly, marijuana would mostly be to annoy punks who consider it harmless. >_>) and most steroids. As far as legal sinful drugs, I remain hesitant to say. I'm leaning toward tobacco products, certain types of birth control, and alcohol (on a situational basis). The tricky thing for me with the legal, not sinful drugs, is that you can kill or injure yourself or others with even the most helpful, harmless meds. Sinus medicine, cough syrup and orange soda would probably make this list though. I think it's probably the spirit in the taking or administering; steroids for example, have a lot of helpful uses.
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1. responsible - answerable or accountable, as for something within one's power, control, or management
Adam and Eve were responsible for their fall, they blamed the serpent.

Gen 3:13 And the LORD God said unto the woman, What [is] this [that] thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat.

David tried to have Uriah sleep with his wife after David impregnated her but he refused 2 Sam 11:8

2. Steve is responsible for his actions, he knew what they were doing to his body. Other than a little wine, alcohol isn't that great for your body.

3. Pharmakeia, pharmacy, The Abuse of Drugs

4. 1Cr 6:19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost [which is] in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?

vice- moral depravity or corruption

5. illegal sinful-cocaine, heroin, marijuana
legal sinful - alcohol, tobacco
legal non-sinful - tylenol, ib profin
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1. To be honest, I'm not sure. I've always believed it was OK for Christians to watch TV and see movies. They're fun, for one, and that can encourage you. There's also an element of keeping up with pop culture (to understand it and the people behind it), and perhaps even an element of learning in general. Movies and TV can also inspire us. On the other hand, they are a way to beam evil directly into our heads. But...I think it's OK with a few caveats.

I think they're referring to David, and it was entirely his fault. He should've been off fighting in the war anyway, and he shouldn't have acted upon his seeing Bathsheba; he should've just turned away.

2. I hate this movie, so I may be a bit biased. I'd say no on the principle that it's a dumb movie, and you could learn all the historical facts from a book with less drama. :P

That said, 1st Corinthians 10:23 and 6:18, and Matthew 5:28 seem to apply here. In the first verse, we're told that we have a large amount of license as Christians, but that not everything is helpful or builds you up. In the second, we're told strenuously to flee from sexual immorality, and in the third we're warned that lusting after someone is equal to committing adultery. Given that, I'd say it's probably not a great idea to see it, especially if you happen to be a guy given to lust (or maybe a guy in general).

3. If we can, change the channel, fast forward, or maybe give up watching the show altogether. Or close your eyes and ears...probably not grit your teeth and keep watching...

4. Those ratings range from general audiences to porn, with G being the lightest, and X being the worst. Off the top of my head, I'd say X was automatically out, and the rest it would depend on the movie. I think the verse is 101:3:

I will not set anything godless before my eyes. I hate the doing of transgression; it will not cling to me.

5. I wouldn't want them to see Titanic anyway. But in general, no. Guys don't need to see stuff like that, and (though I happen to be a guy, and so am fairly ignorant on the way they think) I'd imagine it could give girls the wrong idea about relationships (I honestly cannot believe they'd be in danger of lust with Leonardo DiCaprio. >_>).

I don't have kids, so maybe this will change. But here's my best shot:

a) No nudity, or sexual situations (at the very least, let someone with already scarred eyes fast forward, if applicable, or change the channel).
b. No extremely foul language, since that eats into your head and you start using it (when they got older and had stronger hearts and the ability to not parrot what they hear in grocery stores, I'd likely loosen this one)
c. Gratuitous, pointless, over the top violence is also a no.
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1. I think Christians can go see movies or watch TV, they just have to exercise caution when doing so. King David lusted over Bathsheba, a married woman. David pursued her even though she was married, he was at fault.

2. It definitely has some unnecessary scenes. I saw the movie in the theaters so I can't judge. :D It definitely has some issues though. 1 Cr 6:18 1 Tim 6:11 2 Tim 2:222

3. Turn it off or walk away

4. Psalm 101:3 G and PG are the safest I would imagine those more and more filth is getting into those ratings these days

5. No I wouldn't let my kids watch it yet
1. We watch it first to make sure its okay
2. No language
3. No sexual content
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1) I'm for it, in cases where the guilt is cleanly established. If there's reasonable doubt (meaning "reasonable" doubt, not "I lawyered up and he whined" doubt), I tend to say no thanks.

Capital Punishment is right because:

1. Most crimes that earn the death penalty involve killing another person in either a hideous way or in cold blood, so the person likely doesn't value life very much.
2. Sitting in a room comfortably for the rest of their life, the person in question isn't receiving punishment equal to the crime
3. It's part of God's law


Capital Punishment is wrong because

1. It forces someone to take a life when they're not in danger or defending others
2. They might not have a chance to repent of their sins
3. It is an easy way to punish someone (they don't have to dwell on their sins)

2) Yes; it is; commanded in some spots. Exodus 21:17, Deuteronomy 13: 6-10, and Romans 13: 4 make that fairly clear, I think.

3) Clemency means "mercy", and to be honest...I don't think so. She has been forgiven by God, and is a new creation. But she still has to deal with the consequences of her sins down here on earth. When I steal something and repent, I still have to repay what I took.

4) I have a feeling those statistics are skewed. That said, I have no idea. XD It may be that the women are more repentant of their crimes, or that male judges have more compassion on them than men, and female judges relate to them. God doesn't show partiality, and he doesn't want us to either. Exodus 23:3 and Deuteronomy 1:17 (and Mark 12:14) are direct commands that we don't show partiality.

5) Tough question. The answer is simple in that I should back up what I've said above, but...it'd be hard. I don't think I'd get much sleep that night, or for many days afterward. If the crime deserved it, and the perpetrator was unquestionably guilty, I think I'd have to for sake of justice. Everyone needs mercy, but out mercy shouldn't cause harm to others, I think.
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1. I am for it in clear cut murder trials where there is no doubt and plenty of supporting evidence.

Reasons for capital punishment:
1. Justice for the families of the murdered
2. No chance of them being released to be a threat to others
3. No more tax dollars spent on them
4. A warning to others

Reasons against capital punishment
1. Always the chance of killing an innocent person
2. Some of the methods are cruel
3. People who "push the button" may feel guilt
4. Last meals may be expensive? Can't really think of another reason it may be considered wrong...

2. The Bible is for capital punishment
Lev 24:20 Breach for breach, eye for eye, tooth for tooth: as he hath caused a blemish in a man, so shall it be done to him [again].

Num 35:27 And the revenger of blood find him without the borders of the city of his refuge, and the revenger of blood kill the slayer; he shall not be guilty of blood

Exd 21:14 But if a man come presumptuously upon his neighbor, to slay him with guile; thou shalt take him from mine altar, that he may die

3. Clemency is mercy, I'm sorry but she was hopped up on drugs when it happened and that was cold blooded murder. Justice has to be served, those people she killed didn't get a second chance...why should she?

4. Women are just as capable of committing crimes, I don't see why they should be treated any differently.

In Numbers 30 a woman's vow can be overruled by her husband or father but in every other case it will stand

1 Corinthians 14:34 - Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but [they are commanded] to be under obedience, as also saith the law.


5. If the evidence was clear cut I would be for the death penalty
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1) Saul killed himself in 1 Samuel 31, and Ahithophel killed himself in 2 Samuel 17. Judas is reported hanging himself in Matthew 27. Saul and Judas would fall under "Bad. but I am uncertain regarding Ahithophel. Saul was a bad king, and his constantly tried to murder David because he was Jealous of him. Judas was greedy, and betrayed Jesus. Ahithophel though, was a wise man up until the point he betrayed David; then, when his 'good" advice was ignored, he went and hung himself.

2) Isaiah 40:1-2:

"Comfort, comfort My people," says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and announce to her that her time of servitude is over, her iniquity has been pardoned, and she has received from the LORD's hand double for all her sins.

2nd Corinthians 1:4:

He comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any kind of affliction, through the comfort we ourselves receive from God.

3) As for Corinthians 3:16-17, that would only apply to Christians.

Exodus 20:13: Do not murder.

1st Corinthians 3:23: and you belong to Christ, and Christ to God.

I believe suicide is wrong. It's murdering yourself, and you do not own yourself (non-Christians too, belong to God. Their steps and path is ordered by Him) to the point of being sovereign over your life or death. Murder, clearly, is wrong.

4) It depends entirely on whether they knew Jesus as their Lord and Savior before their death. I have no doubt suicide is a sin, but if we trust in Jesus, He forgives all of our sins; past, present and future sins are wiped away, and so I don't think Christians that commit suicide are instantly damned anymore than a Christian that steals, lies, or lusts is. I could be wrong, but I think God's forgiveness is entire. If the person didn't know Jesus, then the answer is no.

5)

a. Hebrews: God wants us to endure the hard stuff, and not draw back at it. We can't take the easy way out and expect Jesus to greet us at the gate, thrilled that we got to the party early.

b. We are forewarned about evil and pain, and need to be faithful until death, and we will receive the crown of life. "Be faithful until death" implies that we need to resist or endure the pain, not escape it.

c. When we are reviled or suffering, the answer is to commit ourselves to God, instead of letting the despair and evil win.

d. Sometimes we suffer in life, and we need to accept the good from God as well as the adversity (which is, being completely honest, very hard; it's easy to say, but not easy to do).

e. Even prophets wanted to kill themselves sometimes...When things get hard, my natural desire is to escape. When things get really hard, and I feel like even God has left me, I just want to die. Doesn't mean it's OK though. God wants us to learn from stuff, not let it overcome us.

f. Though, for Christians, it actually would be better to die, God is in control of our lives and our deaths. We need to live as long as he wants us to, and let our deaths be up to Him.

6) I...don't know. Mayhaps only Samson knew; if he was primarily aiming to kill himself and wanted as many dead as possible with him, I'd say yes. If his aim was to take down as many philistines as possible, and knew he was as good as dead in their imprisonment, it's more hazy to me. Technically, he did kill himself, but (in my thoughts) it would be closer to someone getting hit by a car while pushing someone else out from in front of it.

Or I might be overthinking.
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1. Saul ran himself through when his armor bearer refused to kill him. Saul was insane at the time and was trying to kill Gods anointed, David.

Judas hung himself after regretting turning Christ in to be executed.

2. Job 2:11 Job's friends came to comfort him in his trials
2 Cor 1:4 we are to comfort others as God comforts us

3. Exodus 20:13 Thou shall not kill, Deut 30:19 God wishes for us to live, As Christians we are to honor God with our bodies but unbelievers wouldn't be applicable to that verse (1 Cor 3:16-17)

4. I don't see why not as long as they were a Christian, there is only one unpardonable sin in Mark 3:29 (blaspheming the Holy Spirit)

5. Heb 10:36-39 - God wants us to endure and not fall back
Job 2:9-10 - We are to accept the good and bad circumstances from God
Rev 2:10 - We are to be tested and need to stay strong
Jonah 4:8 - God wants us to learn from our trials, not give up
1 Pet 2:23 - Don't curse those who torment you
Phil 1:21-25 - God has a purpose for us to live, complete it!

6. Technically yes since he willingly ended his own life (along with thousands of others)
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1) Oh chunks. This is just hard. XD I can't think of a good reason to clone another human. Parts of them? Sure. It'd be epic to be able to clone hearts or kidneys or livers for people. Even eyes or limbs. But to create an exact duplicate of someone? No.

Reasons against is slightly easier. For one thing, you cannot replace people just by copying them. If your kid died, you can't make an exact copy and have it be the same. They may look the same, but personality and spirit wise, they'd be a completely different person. There's also a sort of...disposability to clones. You use, harvest or do whatever you want to them, because they wouldn't be viewed as "real" people. There's also the risk the article mentioned of a slave class of "nonhumans" engineered to serve and nothing else.

2) I'm not sure, again. There are passages saying how God knits us together in the womb (Psalm 139:13) and how God knows us before we were born (Psalm 139:16) but on the other hand, neither of those are particularly anti-cloning.

3) I'm uncertain. I imagine it will be (and in fact, I imagine it has already been done, or attempted, in some shady off the map lab; it's too tempting a prospect), and I do believe the creation would have a soul and be subject to God's laws. Cloning, as I understand it, does not change any of God's processes for babby forming; it just uses them in creepy and unethical ways.

4) Yes. Specifically? No. None of those verses say 'hey chumps; cloning is wrong. Don't do it". But they show, clearly, that God is the origin of life and each life is not only crafted by Him, but is sacred and cherished by Him. By that, I believe we shouldn't be tampering with with human lives, especially children's lives, for the sake of curiosity and "scientific progress".
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