Introduction
Abortion stands as one of the most divisive topics in both the United States and the wider world, with a vibrant divide between those who adopt pro-choice and pro-life stances. However, from a biblical perspective, the act of abortion holds no acceptance. This work will explain why abortion should be considered unacceptable from a biblical viewpoint through a comprehensive analysis of the biblical texts concerning this topic and the presentation of a theological framework to contextualize the discourse. Within the Bible, life is deemed holy, with every individual created in the image of God. Hence, the deliberate termination of life is viewed as a sinful act. This is evidenced in the relevant passages from the Old and New Testaments, which prohibit the spilling of innocent blood and attest to the worth of human life.
The topic of abortion has engendered a contentious debate for multiple decades and is now established as both a political and social issue in various countries. Supporters of the legalization and accessibility of abortion collide with those seeking its prohibition. Within the Christian perspective, the dialogue revolves around the sanctity of life and the ethical implications of ending human life. This scholarly research centers on the biblical perspective regarding abortion and its prohibition due to the non-acceptance of such an act in the religious framework.
The Sanctity of Life and Abortion
The violation of the sanctity of life is one of the primary reasons why abortion is deemed unacceptable from a biblical perspective. The Bible, which is widely revered as the sacred scripture, explicitly affirms the the sanctity of life and emphasizes the importance of safeguarding it. For instance, in the book of Genesis, it is stated that “Then the LORD God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.” (The Holy Bible 1986). This passage, which depicts life as a divine gift, underscores the significance of safeguarding and cherishing it. The Sacred Scriptures also talk about the fact that God knows us even before we are born, and we are predestined in the world: “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you. Before you were born, I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations” (The Holy Bible 1986). Therefore, abortion contradicts this teaching as it denies the divine value of life and destroys it.
The Teachings of Jesus and Abortion
Furthermore, the teachings of Jesus, as espoused in the Gospel of Matthew, attest to the fact that life is valuable and ought to be respected. In Matthew 5:21-22, Jesus declares, “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.” (1999, Matthew 5:21). This pronouncement elucidates that Jesus unequivocally endorsed the protection and preservation of life.
The Will of God and Abortion
Ultimately, abortion is considered inappropriate from a biblical viewpoint because it contradicts the will of God, who desires that life be respected and safeguarded. Psalms 145:20 says, “The Lord watches over all who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy.” (Sternhold and Hopkins 1999, 251). This passage implies that taking life is an insult to God and that those who engage in such actions will face divine retribution. Hence, it is evident that the Bible emphasizes the sacredness of life and underscores the need for its protection, rendering abortion unacceptable from a biblical point of view. The Bible teaches that human life has divine value and should be respected, which is the first biblical reason against abortion. This means that man is a unique creation of God and has an irreplaceable value. God has granted man life, and we should respect and protect it.
Although this work focuses on arguments against abortion from a Biblical perspective, it should be noted that other authors also recognize the inadmissibility of abortion. Some of these arguments include medical, ethical, and philosophical considerations. For example, many medical experts emphasize that an embryo is already separate from the moment of conception because it has its genetic code(Cantens 2019, 106). Consequently, the interruption of pregnancy means the interruption of the life of an innocent person. Moreover, many of them emphasize that modern medicine can offer alternative solutions to save the lives of both mother and child. Ethical arguments also deny the correctness of abortion (Cantens 2019, 136). Many philosophers and ethicists believe that life begins at conception and everyone has the right to life. Therefore, interrupting pregnancy violates human rights, even if it is done at the early stages of pregnancy.
Another example could be given of other prominent theologians. Martin Luther, one of the founders of Protestantism, considered abortion to be a sin. He noted that one must protect life from the very beginning. In his pastoral letters, Luther wrote that the child in the mother’s womb is a divine gift and that no one has the right to take away this gift.
Jean Calvin, another founder of Protestantism, also had a negative attitude toward abortion. In his writings, he said that the child in the mother’s womb has the divine right to life and that killing in any form is contrary to Biblical teachings. The Catholic Church, in general, relates to abortion as a severe sin that violates the fifth commandment, “Thou shalt not kill.” In Catholic theology, teaching the attitude to life and the dignity of man is considered an essential aspect of Christianity (Cantens 2019, 151). The Catholic Catechism states that abortion is a sin and a violation of the right to life of a person. At the same time, the Church supports assistance to mothers in need of help raising their children. It emphasizes that the child’s life begins at conception, making abortion unacceptable.
Conclusion
To conclude, it can be emphasized that abortion is unacceptable from a biblical point of view as it contradicts the biblical teachings of the value of life, the commandment “Thou shalt not kill,” and caring for the most vulnerable members of society. The Bible teaches that human life has divine value, and we should respect it. Instead of abortion, the Bible calls us to care for life, to protect the vulnerable, and to treat it with respect and love.
Furthermore, we can find alternative solutions for situations when the life of the mother or the child is in danger without resorting to abortion. The Bible calls us to treat life with reverence and to care for its preservation in any situation. So, it is essential to respect the biblical teachings and to reject abortion as incompatible with them.
Bibliography
Cantens, Bernie. 2019. A Critical Introduction to the Ethics of Abortion Understanding the Moral Arguments. London Bloomsbury Academic.
Press, Grove. 1999. The Gospel according to Matthew: Authorized King James Version. New York: Grove Press.
Sternhold, Thomas, and John Hopkins. 1999. The Whole Book of Psalms: Collected into English Metre. Corby Glen: Sg Pub.
The Holy Bible. 1986. New York: American Bible Society.