Aii] What biblical and church teachings might be used in a discussion about abortion?

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Aii] What biblical and church teachings might be used in a discussion about abortion?

There are several teachings a Christian may use in a discussion about abortion. Both biblical and church. One of them and probably the most obvious is the 6th commandment:

Do not Kill”, Exodus 20.  

A lot of Christians see abortion as murder, as it is the taking of an innocent life, or at least a potential one. The teaching above backs up this statement. Abortion being the equivalent of murder is mainly seen by Roman Catholics as they are against abortion all together, even contraception is seen as stopping a life developing.. Although some people argue an embryo is not a life until it has been born, or when it can live outside the mothers body. Another teaching which might be used about abortion being the same as murder is:

“Thou shalt not kill the fruit of the womb”.

    The Bible teaches Agape. Agape is the Christian term for love and affection. Many famous Christians have portrayed Agape, such as Mother Teresa, who spent her life tending to the poor and sick, (she was against abortion). Parables such as the Good Samaritan and the story of The Rich man And The Beggar help teach Christians agape. The story of the Rich man and the Beggar is about how a wealthy man did not show agape to another less fortunate  person, therefore he was punished because he didn’t show love and care. The story of the Good Samaritan is about how two people from two different rival religions meet, one is lying injured in the road while the other helps him, despite their differences. Both these stories show agape and have a lot of  moral issues Christians can learn from. Christians put agape into action by dissuading women to have abortions to show love and care to the unborn child and to help them cope if they get depressed or cannot cope. They may also show agape if the woman does have an abortion, by showing support and offer counselling advice.  A biblical teaching which could link in with agape is:

 ‘Rescue the weak and needy; Deliver them from the hand of the wicked’ (Psalm 82:4).

 

Agape can be used in an discussion for abortion also. Agape can be shown in whatever circumstance, as long as it is a caring love for another human being as the teaching illustrates below-

'Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven;  give, and it will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For the measure you give will be the measure you get back.'  Luke 6:37-38

   The term “rescue the weak”, which was shown in a passage several lines above, could be referred to as the defenceless embryo inside the woman’s womb. “Wicked”, could be referring to the idea of abortion, or the mother who is considering having an abortion. Weak could also be referring to the mother, who is weak and desperate. This passage suggests to Christians they should go and help the “weak mother” to become strong and to stop her killing her child.  

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    Some Christians believe that life starts at fertilisation, therefore Gods spirit is dwelling in even tiny embryos and foetuses. If that embryo is destroyed you are destroying Gods temple, and as a result he will destroy you. Some Christians believe even embryos have souls, and therefore should be valued greatly as life. Christians use this teaching to back up there ideas on life starting at fertilisation:

‘Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s spirit dwells in you? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person. For God’s temple is holy ...

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