Will there ever be real Clone Wars?

A few decades ago, a virtually unknown screenwriter created a nine-part, feature-length saga, telling of an intergalactic fight between good and evil. The screen writer, George Lucas, shot to stardom virtually overnight with the release of his blockbuster film Star Wars, over 30 years ago.

His nine-part saga was cut to six, and the Star Wars movies have been watched by hundreds of millions worldwide, ever since. Lucas' second installment of the series, Attack of the Clones, focused on a secret military project to develop a fully cloned army. These forces, apparently designed for good, were clones whose DNA had been manipulated to create the strongest, smartest, quickest, and most "obedient" army ever. And this is the stuff of dreams – it is just science fiction – right?

In recent years, scientists from around the globe have constructed their own, man-made organisms by manipulating existing DNA codes. College students have successfully manipulated bacterium genes to turn the organism different colors or to emit pleasant odors when they change phases. But, scientists have not been able to successfully "create" entirely new organisms through DNA programming.

Very recently, however, a team of US scientists from the Venter Institute in Maryland, built their own DNA code for a man-made organism. They then, apparently, successfully transmitted the DNA code into a living organism. Essentially, they imbedded the genetic material for a new, never-before-existing bacterium, into a host yeast cell and the cell and DNA survived. Based upon this successful experiment, the scientists predict that now "synthetic life could be created by the end of the year."

Their findings are reported in the prestigious journal Science: "The aim of the research is to make new microbes that can perform useful jobs, such as to produce biofuels, clean up toxic waste, and soak up carbon. But there are worries that man-made organisms could escape the laboratory and harm the environment, or rogue scientists could exploit the technology to create new kinds of deadly bacteria" (Telegraph, August 21, 2009).

DNA is the central "computer code" for all life on the planet. It is the most complex information storage system known to man and operates not with binary code or in data-sequences of two, but in data-sequences of four. DNA is infinitely more complex than man's computer code. But, man has now discovered how to reprogram DNA in order to get the desired results, and apparently implant that DNA into host organisms, creating entirely new, never before existing life.

The potential for this technology is exciting, and at the same time, sobering and possibly limitless. Is humanity, with all its inherent faults, ready to control and direct the power to create new life? This new technology puts us at the cusp of awesome, yet terrifying advances. In Genesis 11:6-7, God's reason for confusing the languages at Babel was to prevent man from doing everything he set his mind to do. We appear to be coming to the point where man will accomplish anything he desires, unless the days are cut short (Matthew 24:22).

Will there ever be true Clone Wars? Science appears to be at a critical crossroads and could potentially make this happen in the future. But will it really happen? The Bible does not specifically say. However, God did prophesy a time, at the end of the age, when a great worldwide war would consume much human life (Revelation 6:8; 16:12-16). But that same God also prophesied the return of His triumphant Son, to usher in unprecedented peace on this earth (Isaiah 2:2-4; 9:6-7; 11:1-9).

The destiny of mankind is not to be ruled by an evil galactic emperor, nor is it to be freed from tyranny by the efforts of a small band of tenacious rebels. God's plan is even more exciting and rewarding than science fiction.

For more information on the true destiny of mankind, please check out our exciting booklet Your Ultimate Destiny. And for a deeper look at the future of mankind, make sure to read our deeply insightful booklet The World Ahead: What will it be like?