The Trumpet Herald

Giving the trumpet a certain sound

May 2002

Cloning Continues

During April, news reports have surfaced that at least two groups are actively in process apparently attempting to be the first to clone a human being. An Australian news source reported, "Scientists from Clonaid, a firm linked to the Raelian movement, say they have implanted the first cloned human embryos in women in the hope of bringing the first human clone into the world" ("Raelians claim cloning first,"News.com.au, 4/13/02). A spokesperson for the group said the work was being done in a secret location, and also the risk of miscarriage was high, the process was going very well.

Meanwhile an earlier report about another group attempting to clone a human being has generated controversy,

"An Italian scientist claims one of his patients is pregnant with a cloned human fetus — with emphasis on the word ‘claims.’

"The truth regarding what would be a landmark event in the annals of science, culture and — for that matter, all of humanity — remains elusive.

"The medical community is alternately outraged, skeptical and enthralled" ("The Human Clone: What Gives?" Wired News, 4/6/2002).

The report involved an apparently offhand remark by Italian Dr. Severino Antinori who last year announced his intention of cloning a human and who is apparently working at a secret location in the Middle East since cloning of humans is banned in his native Italy (and also in the U.S.).

Inspired Commentary

It is instructive to note why these cloning efforts are under way. There is the fame that will come to the first to clone a human, and/or notoriety if the experiment produces a damaged result (as some predict). One report said the "father" was a wealthy middle eastern man. In the Clonaid report, a 59-year old man with a terminal disease was mentioned. The "tower of Babel" mentality comes to mind where man seeks to be in control of God rather than seeking to please Him.

"And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth." (Gen. 11:4)

"The whole undertaking was designed to exalt still further the pride of its projectors and to turn the minds of future generations away from God and lead them into idolatry" (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 119).

Catholic U.S. Cardinals Called to Rome

MSNBC reported recently that Pope John Paul II has called a meeting of all U.S. cardinals in Rome to discuss the present sexual abuse scandal going on regarding U.S. Roman Catholic clergy. The reporter noted that the meeting was hastily called and "highly unusual" ("Pope summons U.S. cardinals to Rome meeting", News from MSNBC, 4/15/02). Besides the allegations of homosexual acts with young people, the apparent efforts of some Catholic leaders to hide the problem has distressed many American Catholics and others.

Inspired Commentary

The scandal has raised the issue of the Catholic teaching of celibacy of the priesthood and even of the Catholic church’s viability in the face of rising numbers of lawsuits.

Bible prophecy does not seem to predict the fall of the church represented by the beast power in Revelation 13:

"And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast" (Rev. 13:3).

Disease in Elk

The Associated Press recently reported, "Colorado wildlife officials have killed more than 1,720 elk since last fall to stanch the spread of a fatal brain illness related to mad cow disease" ("More Than 1,720 Elk Killed in Colo.," The Wire, 4/11/02). The online article noted that the disease in Elk is not known to spread from animals to people, but "scientists say that cannot be ruled out."

Inspired Commentary

There may be indications of the present situation in the words of the Apostle Paul:

"For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now" (Rom. 8:22).

There is also this statement from a more recent inspired source:

"The animals are diseased, and by partaking of their flesh, we plant the seeds of disease in our own tissue and blood. Then when exposed to the changes in a malarious atmosphere, these are more sensibly felt; also when we are exposed to prevailing epidemics and contagious diseases, the system is not in a condition to resist the disease" (Counsels on Diet and Foods, p. 386).

"Tell them that the time will soon come when there will be no safety in using eggs, milk, cream, or butter, because disease in animals is increasing in proportion to the increase of wickedness among men. The time is near when, because of the iniquity of the fallen race, the whole animal creation will groan under the diseases that curse our earth" (Ibid. p. 460 [published in 1902]).

Wars and Rumors of Wars

The intensity of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has substantially increased according to several news reports. The U.S. was also reported to be involved in capturing or killing foreign fighters smuggled in to Israel from Lebanon:

"This seek-and-destroy mission is underway in deep secrecy. But when it is over, Arafat’s latest threat will be exposed as having posed one of the most decisive confrontations of the global war against terror. U.S. and Israeli commandos are now focusing all their strength on the effort to catch the infiltrators before they can do their worst" ("U.S. helping foil Arafat’s next offensive," WorldNetDaily, 4/4/02).

Inspired Commentary

"And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places" (Matt. 24:6, 7).

Some wonder if the ancient prophecy regarding Ishmael might also be currently applicable:

"And he will be a wild man; his hand will be against every man, and every man’s hand against him; and he shall dwell in the presence of all his brethren" (Gen. 16:12)

As apparently unsuccessful peace efforts are going forward, God is still in control.

"Daniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his: And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding:" (Dan. 2:20, 21).