The bible gives Christians large amounts of ‘ammunition’ for discussions about when life begins. Christians may use the following quotes in a discussion:
Psalm 139: 13-16
You created my inmost self,
Knit me together in my mother’s womb.
For so many marvels I thank you;
A wonder am I, and all your works are wonders
You knew me through and through,
My being held no secrets from you,
When I was being formed in secret
Textured in the depths of the earth.
Your eyes could see the embryo.
In your book all my days where inscribed,
Every one that was fixed is there.
1 Corinthians 3:16-17
Do you not realise that you are the temple of God
with the spirit of God living in you?
These quotes tell Christians that a human life is formed and planned by God from conception and that God is in each person from conception. Catholics may use the church teaching ‘Humanae Vitae’ during a discussion.
Humanae Vitae teaches us that life is sacred and should not be destroyed. It is the teaching of the pope.
Jeremiah 1:5
The Call of Jeremiah
Before I formed you in the womb
I knew you,
Before you came to birth
I consecrated you;
I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.
This also tells us that God knows us and has planned our lives before conception and before birth.
The Editor
Western Morning News
Devon
Dear Sir,
I am sure you know of the British Pregnancy Advisory Services plans to open a new clinic in our area. I understand that at this centre abortions will take place. Abortion is every woman’s right but I am concerned that women attending this clinic will not receive information on all choices available to them. As a Christian I believe it is important for young women to be given all the information they need to exercise their own choice. As a Christian I believe that sometimes abortion may be the loving thing to do (Luke 6: 34-38) this talks about Agape (Love) For instance when the pregnancy is the result of rape or when the health of the mother, un born child or previous children is in danger. I also believe in the Christian teaching that being judgemental is wrong which is also in (Luke 6: 37)
Your sincerely
Mrs J Thompson… a concerned Christian
The Editor
Western Morning News
Devon
Dear Sir,
I am very concerned about the possibility of an abortion clinic opening in my area. I believe that abortion is always wrong, whatever the circumstances. Killing is wrong and abortion is killing (Exodus 20:13 Thou shall not kill) Ending a life prematurely is destroying Gods plans, God makes plans for every one of us from the moment of our conception (Psalms 139: 13-16). I must also draw on the catholic teaching Humanae Vitae, this tells us that life is sacred and should not be destroyed Abortion is the destruction of life. I feel that it would be morally wrong for another ‘death’ clinic to be opened and so object strongly to the British pregnancy advisory boards plans, I do however understand that the board does provide women with information of other options available to them.
Yours Sincerely,
Mr V Jones
‘ Life is precious and sacred from the moment of conception’
All evidence suggests that life is sacred and precious. We work hard to preserve, prolong and create life. We also punish those who take it away, those who commit murder. Christianity also suggests that life is precious and sacred. The bible tells us not to kill (Luke 6: 34-38) it also tells us that every human is gods temple and should not be destroyed (1 Corinthians 3:16-18). God is involved in life from conception, he plans life from then. If life is important enough for this then it must be sacred. These are all things Christians would draw on when thinking about the above quote.
I agree that life is precious and sacred, whether this is so from the moment of conception I am not sure. When does life begin at conception or later, I don’t think anyone really knows if the statement is true. Life is defiantly sacred and precious but from when?
