^^^
Still, I would have questions about it being possible because there a few ways to go about this.
1.) Scan the object, convert data to signal, transmit signal to receptor, receptor rebuilds object. Problem 1 - what do we do with the original? Problem 2 - from what materials do we create or build the new object from? Problem 3 - let's not forget the first rule of chemistry: You cannot create nor destroy matter.
2.) Convert object to signal that will be transmitted. Signal is made up of energy. Transmit signal to receptor. Receptor converts signal to physical matter. Problem 1 - converting mass to energy and back again Problem 2 - Heisenburg (sp?) uncertainty principle Problem 3 - look to problem 2 above.
Now, on to the religious side. There is the very valid argument (provided you believe in souls) of if the soul could be scanned and transmitted. If there is a copy of you, as with the first method, does the copy have a soul? Enter cloning.
However, religious or not, how is personality created, stored, etc? Memories, knowledge, etc all fall in the same boat. Can that be scanned and stored or transmitted? If the above is nothing more than a set of chemical reactions, can the "new" you be copied in exactly the same way? If the above is stored as a series of electrical pulses, fine, but where? If I lose a chunk of my brain do I lose a chunk of my personality?
On the ethical side, I don't see a problem (soul/personality/knowledge aside) because to me it is just a faster, more effecient method of transportation.
I feel, if ever accomplished, it would be a boon to the world economy. Health care supplies, food, material would be instantly transported across the globe. There would be no jet lag. Think of the other benefits. Teleport a deadly pipe bomb to space or the bottom of the ocean. Wars would change - teleport an entire enemy base to the nearest volcano. Teleport a high ranking enemy general to your "tender" care. Do I still think it will replace short distance travel - across town, to the office, to school, from one point in a building to another? no, it won't be effecient enough for that. The largest polluting vehicles - ships, airplanes, etc, would be negated. I think it would be great, but there are many obsticals to over come.