Is xenotransplantation against Jewish religious teachings?
RS: Judaism teaches that only human beings are created in God’s image and does not put animals at the same level as human beings. So, if it might save a human life, Judaism would accept the transfer of an animal organ to a human being. However, there are two important factors to consider: * Xenotransplantation can have harmful effects. As an item I found on the Internet indicates: ‘Although the potential benefits are considerable, the use of xenotransplantation raises concerns regarding the potential infection of recipients with both recognized and unrecognized infectious agents and the possible subsequent transmission to their close contacts and into the general human population. Of public health concern is the potential for cross-species infection by retroviruses, which may be latent and lead to disease years after infection. Moreover, new infectious agents may not be readily identifiable with current techniques.’ * A switch toward plant-based diets and other positive lifestyle chang
Related Questions
- I’ve heard that certain cultures and/or religious teachings frown on dabbling in this type of activity, and that many insist that it’s somehow bad [or evil]... If I open myself to receiving information from those in the afterlife, am I putting myself in any danger?
- Why is it necessary for the Jewish people – or any other religious or cultural group – to address environmental issues such as climate change?
- Is the model compatible with religious teachings?
