Abortion

Defending the Sanctity of Life: A Traditional Christian Perspective on Abortion

Abortion is one of the most contentious issues in modern society. It is one that is

sure to divide opinions and sparking passionate debates. This is true of opinions held by

those who would say that they are Christ followers. Those who hold a Christian

worldview that adheres to the sanctity of life must ground their moral and ethical stance

on abortion in Scripture, the intrinsic value of human life, and a commitment to uphold

biblical principles. The Christian worldview places emphasis on the sanctity of life, the

role of morality, and the call to action for believers. The following paragraphs will discuss

in further detail the position that should be held by Christians as well as some common

objections.

The Biblical Foundation of Life

At the core of the traditional Christian view on abortion is the belief in the sanctity

of life as ordained by God. The Bible teaches that human life begins at conception.

Psalm 139:13-16 eloquently expresses this belief: “For you created my inmost being;

you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and

wonderfully made.” This passage affirms that God has a purpose for each individual

from the very moment of conception thus highlighting the value and significance of

every life. This means that every single life that is created in the image of God. This

includes those lives created through instances that many may view as an exception to

the rule. Jeremiah 1:5 states, “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you, and before

you were born, I consecrated you.” This scripture reinforces the idea that God has a

divine plan for each person. This only serves to underscore our responsibility to protect

and honor that life.

The Moral Imperative

From a traditional Christian perspective, the moral implications surrounding

abortion are profound. We believe that taking a life, especially that of an innocent

unborn child, violates the commandment “You shall not murder” (Exodus 20:13). It is

important to note, as apologist J. Warner Wallace shares, “Scripture delineates a

distinction between killing and murdering. ‘You shall not kill’ is actually not a command

found in the Ten Commandments. The command from scripture in the original language

actually says ‘you shall not murder. The Hebrew word for ‘murder’ literally means ‘the

intentional, premeditated killing of another person with malice.’” This points one to

understand that abortion, by definition is premeditated killing. This commandment is

foundational to our understanding of morality and ethics, emphasizing the importance of

valuing life and adhering to God’s laws. While some may dismiss this idea as irrelevant

to the modern-day Christian because it is located in the Old Testament, the New

Testament teachings of Jesus call us to love and protect the vulnerable. In Matthew

25:40, Jesus reminds us that “whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers

and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Unborn children are among the most vulnerable in

our society, and as Christians, we are called to advocate for their protection and defend

their right to life.

Common Objections

In discussions about abortion, it is essential to address common objections with

compassion and clarity. We will examine some of those that are among the most

common. One of the more prevalent arguments centers on women’s rights. While it is

crucial to respect women's rights, we must also consider the rights of the unborn child.

The right to life should be paramount, and we must advocate for solutions that support

both women and their unborn children. Some may argue that “clumps of cells” have no

rights. This is the crux of the matter. When you strip away all of the other fallacies and

misrepresentations, the crucial issue is how one defines the unborn. If it is nothing more

than a clump of cells, then the question that must be asked is what kind of cells are

they? Anyone operating within any sort of logical framework would concede that the

unborn is composed of human cells and DNA. The question then becomes, what makes

the unborn a non-person. We would stand in horror at the suggestion to kill a three-

year-old toddler because everyone recognizes the personhood of the toddler.

The issue then is not about women’s rights but rather about the personhood of

the unborn. One of the primary possible options is that the location determines

personhood. One may argue that the unborn in utero are not yet persons. The issue is

that penal code begs to differ. J. Warner Wallace further shares, “In my home state of

California, the Penal Code provides this definition of murder: 187. (a) Murder is the

unlawful killing of a human being, or a fetus, with malice aforethought.” One does not

get charged with murder for killing non-persons. Thus, it is reasonable to conclude that

the unborn does, in fact, qualify as a person.

Another common objection comes by way of instances of incest and rape. These

situations are tragic and complex, and it is vital to approach them with sensitivity.

However, we believe that the unborn child is not responsible for the circumstances of

conception. Rather than ending a life, we should focus on providing support, healing,

and alternatives such as adoption. Still another objection points to the health of the

mother. In cases where the mother’s life is at risk, the focus should be on saving both

lives whenever possible. Medical interventions can often be pursued that prioritize the

health of both the mother and the child without resorting to abortion.

The Role of the Church

The church plays a vital role in addressing the issue of abortion within society. It

is our responsibility to educate our congregations about the biblical principles

surrounding life and to foster a culture of support for women facing unplanned

pregnancies. This includes many things which the church can facilitate to assist those

facing unplanned pregnancies. One way of assistance is providing resources. Churches

can offer counseling, financial assistance, and parenting classes to support women and

families in need. Another option is advocating for policy change. Engaging in political

advocacy to promote pro-life legislation and support organizations that provide

alternatives to abortion is essential. Still another option is creating a supportive

community for women who are affected by unplanned pregnancy. By cultivating an

environment of love and understanding, we can help remove the stigma surrounding

unplanned pregnancies and encourage women to choose life.

Conclusion

The traditional Christian perspective on abortion is rooted in a deep commitment

to the sanctity of life as defined by Scripture. We believe that every unborn child is a

unique creation of God, deserving of protection and love. As believers, we are called not

only to uphold these values but also to actively support those in challenging

circumstances. In a world where the sanctity of life is often compromised, we must

stand firm in our convictions with grace and compassion, advocating for the voiceless

and offering hope to those in need. By embodying the love of Christ, we can create a

society that cherishes life at every stage and provides a safety for mothers and their

children.