The Mormon Church is Pro-Abortion. Can this be true?

Question

The following is a recent quote from President Gordon B. Hinckley on the Mormon church's official stance on abortion:
"While we denounce it, we make allowance in such circumstances as when pregnancy is the result of incest or rape, when the life or health of the mother is judged by competent medical authority to be in serious jeopardy, or when the fetus is known by competent medical authority to have serious defects that will not allow the baby to survive beyond birth. But such instances are rare, and there is only a negligible probability of their occurring. In these circumstances those who face the question are asked to consult with their local ecclesiastical leaders and to pray in great earnestness, receiving a confirmation through prayer before proceeding." (The Ensign Nov.1998 pg.71)
But the God of the Bible, (Psalm 139: 13-14)
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.'

a point that you all may want to take into consideration is that No Christian Church regardless of the reason a women got pregnant would ever say it is ok. for any reason. they claim to be Christian, therefore does that mean that Jesus would say that these are allowable reasons to abort a child?
They claim to be the true church. so answer the question, is it true? I am merely asking because it seems a little contradictory.

Answer 1

Distinctive Beliefs of the Mormon Church


Are Mormons Protestants? No, but their founder, Joseph Smith, came from a Protestant background, and Protestant presuppositions form part of the basis of Mormonism.

Still, it isn’t correct to call Mormons Protestants, because doing so implies they hold to the essentials of Christianity—what C. S. Lewis termed "mere Christianity." The fact is, they don’t. Gordon B. Hinckley, the current president and prophet of the Mormon church, says (in a booklet called What of the Mormons?) that he and his co-religionists "are no closer to Protestantism than they are to Catholicism."

That isn’t quite right—it would be better to say Mormons are even further from Catholicism than from Protestantism. But Hinckley is right in saying that Mormons are very different from Catholics and Protestants. Let’s examine some of these differences. We can start by considering the young men who come to your door.

They always come in pairs and are dressed conservatively, usually in white shirts and ties. As often as not, they get from place to place by bicycle. They introduce themselves to you as Elder This and Elder That. The title "Elder" does not refer to their age (many are not even shaving regularly, yet) but means they hold the higher of the two Mormon priesthoods, the "Melchizedek" order. This priesthood is something every practicing Mormon male is supposed to receive at about age 18, provided he conforms to the standards of the church.

The other priesthood—the Aaronic—is the lesser of the two and is concerned with the temporal affairs of the church, and its ranks are known as deacon, teacher, then priest.

The Melchizedek priesthood is concerned mainly with spiritual affairs, and it "embrac[es] all of the authority of the Aaronic," explains Hinckley. The Melchizedek ranks are elder, seventy, and high priest. At age twelve boys become deacons and thus enter the "Aaronic priesthood."

If the terms for the various levels of the Mormon priesthood are confusing, still more confusing is Mormonism’s ecclesiastical structure. The basic unit, equivalent to a very small parish, is the ward. Several wards within a single geographical area form a stake, which corresponds to a large Catholic parish. The head of each ward isn’t called a priest, as you might expect, but a bishop. A Mormon bishop can officiate at a civil marriage, but not at a "temple marriage," which can be performed only by a "sealer" in one of Mormonism’s temples.


Polygamy



Mormons try to attract new members by projecting an image of wholesome family life in their circles. This is an illusion—Mormon Utah has higher than average rates for suicide, divorce, and other domestic problems than the rest of the country. And if Mormonism’s public image of large, happy families, and marriage bring to mind anything, it is polygamy.

Hinckley explains that "Mormonism claims to be a restoration of God’s work in all previous dispensations. The Old Testament teaches that the patriarchs . . . had more than one wife under divine sanction. In the course of the development of the church in the nineteenth century, it was revealed to the leader of the church that such a practice should be entered into again." Although polygamy was permitted to Mormons, few practiced it. But enough did so to make polygamy the characteristic that most caught the attention of other Americans.

Mormonism, you should understand, is one of those religions which is peculiarly American. (A few others come to mind immediately, such as the Jehovah’s Witnesses and Christian Science.) Although now spread beyond the borders of the United States, Mormonism is so tied to a certain brand of American nationalism that you couldn’t imagine the religion starting anywhere else.


Mormonism: Made in America



If many of today’s Fundamentalists are known for their belief that America is destined to play a key role in the events of the Last Days, Mormons are identified even more closely with America. The Mormons’ theory is that Christ also established his Church here, among the Indians, where it eventually flopped, as did his original effort in Palestine.

The situation is somewhat similar to that of the Anglican church. In England, the Anglican church is not just the church of Englishmen; it is the Established Church. In theory, and even at times in practice, Parliament can decide what Anglicans are to believe officially and can make and unmake clerics of all grades, from the lowliest curate to the Archbishop of Canterbury. Just as Anglicanism is tied to England, so Mormonism is tied to the United States. Although it is not the established religion of this country, Mormonism has allowed itself to be modified by Congress.

"In the late 1880s," says Hinckley, "Congress passed various measures prohibiting [polygamy]. When the Supreme Court declared these laws constitutional, the church indicated its willingness to comply. It could do nothing else in view of its basic teachings on the necessity for obedience to the law of the land. That was in 1890. Since then officers of the church have not performed plural marriages, and members who have entered into such relationships have been excommunicated."

Before Congress acted, Mormons were convinced polygamy was not merely permissible, but positively good, for those "of the highest character who had proved themselves capable of maintaining more than one family." (Section 132 of Doctrine and Covenants is officially subtitled this way: "Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Nauvoo, Illinois, recorded July 12, 1843, relating to the new and everlasting covenant, including the eternity of the marriage covenant, as also plurality of wives.")

Yet this position was dropped when Washington, D.C., threatened to deny statehood to Utah. Similarly, and more recently, a "revelation," saying blacks would no longer be denied the Mormon priesthood, was given to Mormon leaders when the federal government became involved.


Continuing Revelation



These continuing revelations are not exceptions to Mormon practice. "We believe all that God has revealed, all that he does now reveal, and we believe that he will yet reveal many great and important things"—this is the ninth article of faith for Mormons and is an official statement of doctrine.

Hinckley notes that "Christians and Jews generally maintain that God revealed himself and directed chosen men in ancient times. Mormons maintain that the need for divine guidance is as great or greater in our modern, complex world as it was in the comparatively simple times of the Hebrews." Thus, revelation continues.

It might be added: public revelation continues. Catholics hold that public or "general" revelation ended at the death of the last apostle (Catechism of the Catholic Church 66, 73), but private revelations can be given still—and have been, as Marian apparitions at such places as Fatima and Lourdes testify (CCC 67). Such revelations can never correct, supplement, or complete the Christian faith, which is precisely what Mormon "revelations" claim to do.


Mormonism’s Debt to Puritanism



"Mormon theology," says Hinckley, "deals with such widely diversified subjects as the nature of heaven and the evils of alcohol. Actually, in this philosophy the two are closely related. Since man is created in the image of God, his body is sacred. . . . As such, it ill becomes any man or women to injure or dissipate his or her health." So alcohol (as well as tobacco, tea, and caffeine) is out for the believing Mormon.

Here we have an example of Mormonism borrowing from Puritanism. The religion Joseph Smith developed uses elements of various forms of Protestantism. The emphasis on "temperance"—which, to the old-line Protestants, meant not the moderate use of alcohol, but outright abstinence—is one such borrowing.

The curious thing is that this attitude is contrary to the Bible. It is one of those doctrines, shared by Fundamentalists and Mormons, that is believed independently of the Bible, though the Bible has been searched unsuccessfully for verses that seem to back it.


Jesus Wasn’t a Teetotaler



The ancient Jews were a temperate people—temperate used in the right sense. They used light wine as part of the regular diet (1 Tim. 3:8). Jesus, you will recall, was called a wine-drinker (Matt. 11:19), the charge being not that he drank, but that he drank too much (that, of course, was false, but the charge itself reflects the fact that he did drink alcoholic beverages, such as the wine that was required for use in the Jewish Passover seder).

The New Testament nowhere says the Jews claimed Jesus should have been a teetotaler. Wine was used also at weddings, and our Lord clearly approved of the practice of wine drinking since he made wine from water when the wine was depleted at Cana (John 2:1–11).

Something Mormons seldom refer to is wine’s medicinal uses (Luke 10:34). You will recall that Paul advised Timothy to take wine to ease stomach pains (1 Tim. 5:23). Such apostolic admonitions co-exist uneasily with Mormonism’s strictures against wine.

Mormons practice tithing, yet would be shocked to learn that in a key Old Testament passage where tithing (the practice of donating 10% of one’s income for religious use) is discussed, God says: "you shall turn [your tithe] into money, and bind up the money in your hand, and go to the place which the Lord your God chooses, and spend the money for whatever you desire, oxen, or sheep, or wine or strong drink, whatever your appetite craves; and you shall eat there before the Lord your God and rejoice, you and your household" (Deut. 14:25-26). We’re also told, "Give strong drink to him who is perishing, and wine to those in bitter distress; let them drink and forget their poverty, and remember their misery no more" (Prov. 31:6–7).

Often when founders of new religions get an idea, they take it to an extreme. So Joseph Smith confused the misuse of wine with its legitimate use. The Bible does condemn excessive drinking (1 Cor. 5:11; Gal. 5:21; Eph. 5:18; 1 Pet. 4:3), but the key here is the adjective "excessive." This is why Paul says Church leaders must not be addicted to wine (1 Tim. 3:8).

When Hinckley refers to the "evils of alcohol," he gets it wrong. Alcohol itself is not evil, but the misuse of it is, just as a hammer, which can be used to pound in nails, can be misused to pound in skulls.


Plural Heavens



Polygamy was a doctrine some Mormons found hard to accept. Abstinence from alcohol is a teaching many find difficult. But one unique Mormon belief has supposedly brought blessing and relief to many souls, particularly potential converts.

Mormonism teaches that practically no one is forever damned to hell. Aside from Satan, his spirit followers, and perhaps a half-dozen notorious sinners, all people who have ever existed will share in heavenly "glory." Not, mind you, all in the same heaven. There are, in fact, three heavens.

The lowest heaven is populated by adulterers, murderers, thieves, liars and other evil-doers. These share in a glory and delight impossible to imagine. Their sins have been forgiven, and they now enjoy the eternal presence of the Holy Ghost.

The middle heaven contains the souls and bodies of good non-Mormons and those Mormons who were in some way deficient in their obedience to church commandments. They will glory in the presence of Jesus Christ forever.

The top heaven is reserved for devout Mormons, who go on to become gods and rulers of their own universes. By having their wives and children "sealed" to them during an earthly, temple ceremony, these men-gods will procreate billions of spirits and place them into future, physical bodies. These future children will then worship their father-gods, obeying Mormon commandments, and eventually take their place in the eternal progression to their own godhood.

Mormons think this doctrine is a strong selling point. They point out (erroneously) that only their church offers families the chance to be together forever in eternity. But read the fine print. The only way you can have your family with you is if each one of them has lived a sterling Mormon life. Otherwise, a spouse, parent, or child may be locked forever in a lower heaven. Indeed, the faithful Mormon wife of a lukewarm Mormon man will leave him behind in an inferior place while she goes on and is sealed to a more devout Mormon gentleman. These two will then beget and raise their own, new family.

The LDS slogan, "Families are forever," means fractured families.

Answer 2

From: www.lds.org, the official church website:


"Question:
What is the position of the Church on Abortion?

Answer:
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believes in the sanctity of human life. Therefore, the Church opposes elective abortion for personal or social convenience, and counsels its members not to submit to, perform, encourage, pay for, or arrange for such abortions.

The Church allows for possible exceptions for its members when:

• Pregnancy results from rape or incest, or

• A competent physician determines that the life or health of the mother is in serious jeopardy, or

• A competent physician determines that the fetus has severe defects that will not allow the baby to survive beyond birth.

The Church teaches its members that even these rare exceptions do not justify abortion automatically. Abortion is a most serious matter and should be considered only after the persons involved have consulted with their local church leaders and feel through personal prayer that their decision is correct.

The Church has not favored or opposed legislative proposals or public demonstrations concerning abortion."

I hope that answers your question

Answer 3

Please read the FULL quote before presenting it in a different spirit than it was intended:

"Question 3: What is your position on abortion?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention there were more than 1,200,000 abortions performed in 1995 in the United States alone. What has happened to our regard for human life? How can women, and men, deny the great and precious gift of life, which is divine in its origin and nature?

How wonderful a thing is a child. How beautiful is a newborn babe. There is no greater miracle than the creation of human life.

Abortion is an ugly thing, a debasing thing, a thing which inevitably brings remorse and sorrow and regret.

While we denounce it, we make allowance in such circumstances as when pregnancy is the result of incest or rape, when the life or health of the mother is judged by competent medical authority to be in serious jeopardy, or when the fetus is known by competent medical authority to have serious defects that will not allow the baby to survive beyond birth.

But such instances are rare, and there is only a negligible probability of their occurring. In these circumstances those who face the question are asked to consult with their local ecclesiastical leaders and to pray in great earnestness, receiving a confirmation through prayer before proceeding."

What exactly were you trying to stir up by misrepresenting the comment?

Comment: Your addendum was I fully anticipated. You were purposely posting the quote out of context in order to make your point against the Church. The fact you chose not to include the part in front of the portion quoted denouncing abortion coupled with the fact you chose not to include the after about people being directed to counsel with their leaders and pray about any such decision takes the center piece of the quote out of context.

The Church does not put all they do in the press for the recognition of men. It's also significant that the Church fully encourages adoption, has an adoption agency and encourages members to work with their local adoption agencies is something that isn't known widely. I think you will find in the case of rape that most women are encouraged to give the child up for adoption.

Answer 4

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believes in the sanctity of human life. Therefore, the Church opposes elective abortion for personal or social convenience, and counsels its members not to submit to, perform, encourage, pay for, or arrange for such abortions.
The Church allows for possible exceptions for its members when:

• Pregnancy results from rape or incest, or

• A competent physician determines that the life or health of the mother is in serious jeopardy, or

• A competent physician determines that the fetus has severe defects that will not allow the baby to survive beyond birth.

The Church teaches its members that even these rare exceptions do not justify abortion automatically. Abortion is a most serious matter and should be considered only after the persons involved have consulted with their local church leaders and feel through personal prayer that their decision is correct.

The Church has not favored or opposed legislative proposals or public demonstrations concerning abortion.

Answer 5

I think this is resonable. The church does not condone abortion but there sre circumstances in which abortion is a plausable course of action. In the cases of rape, an unwanted baby from such a serious crime will create a necessary reason for abortion because it might be better for the mental health of the mother in the long run because rape alone is such a traumatic event. In the case of the health or life of the mother that is usually up to the doctors to say that having this baby could kill the mother and it would be better to terminate the preganancy. In the case of serious birthj defects I can understand as well because it is difficult to take care of a child let alone one that may need to have constant medical care for the rest of the baby's life. Some cicumastances warrent abortion but other instances like conviences is not a reason for abortion.

Answer 6

Yes, this statement was made by the prophet of our church. There are reasons for abortion that some may not agree with. If the pregnancy was an act of rape or incest, then the person had no say in what happened to their own bodies. If the mom was to die, or the baby would not live, then wouldn't it be better? I believe that if there is serious reason, and the Lord has told you through prayer, faith, fasting and serious contimplation that is what is best for you, then who are you to question God? It isn't only our church that believes this. Check with other denominations and see what they say.

I feel I need to add something here. I've read the rest of the answers, and let me tell you that most people on here know nothing about the LDS faith. If you don't know what we believe, please don't say what you think we believe. We have never, ever said that we believe in abortion. In fact, it is seen as horrible. I will never perform an abortion, always send women elsewhere to get it done. That is because of my strong belief against it, instilled in me by my church. We are not pro-abortion. The statement was taken out of context to the rest of the article. Please check out the rest of the article to learn what we really believe.

Answer 7

Read that quote again...
"... we denounce it..."-- doesn't sound particularly pro-abortion, but...

"We make allowances in such circumstances as..." then there is a VERY short list of situations when abortion is tolerated. Those are "allowances", not recomendations...

Yes I'm "Mormon" and I'm my own brand of "Pro-choice"--
1) In rape or incest, the mother didn't have much of a choice about the matter, now, did she? And she still has the option of adoption- great opportunity!! (I have a wonderful story... let me know if you're curious.)
2) Choice is the whole reason we're born- God put us here on Earth to learn, grow and make choices. The baby deserves the opportunity to learn, grow and make choices along with the rest of us.

Answer 8

I am Pro Choice and always have been. When I was pregnant for the second time there was a lot of problems do to migraines and right after we found a blood clot in my brain. I would not have made any other choice for myself but to keep the baby. But someone else living in poverty, with no help, no insurance, no family. What happens to the baby when she dies of a stroke or has an episode. Can you really relate. Do people really understand that there are more than just the few instances brought up every time. I believe that in my cozy home with my loving supporting husband, and my close knit family, my free country with exceptional doctors, I still have NO right to say what may exist in the polar opposite of my circumstance. I pray that it isn't necessary, but that it's available if it is.

Answer 9

The e book of Mormon is a surprising e book. One has to ascertain it to have self belief it. Joseph Smith became into shown in a imaginitive and prescient the place it lay buried, and given the potential to translate it. the technique took months, and various of alternative scribes have been employed, and witnessed the interpretation technique. Joseph never had a lot as somewhat paper, and translated the entire element from start to end with out ever dropping his place, or going decrease back over any passage. whilst the interpretation became into complete, 3 adult males have been promised that they'd see the gold plates and meet the angel Moroni. David Whitmer, Oliver Cowdery and Martin Harris have been chosen to be witnesses, and did see the e book of Mormon, and the angel Moroni, and heard the voice of God declare the interpretation to be nicely suited. Their testimony may be chanced on interior the front of the e book of Mormon. Others additionally testified to seeing the gold plates and the angel Moroni. although many interior the Christian international are loathe to settle for extra scripture, many do have self belief that the e book of Mormon is real scripture written with the aid of historical prophets. some million/2 of the person club of the LDS church are converts from different church homes. Like I mentioned earlier, one has to ascertain it to have self belief it. We invite human beings to ascertain the e book of Mormon, and then ask God whether it fairly is actual. God will answer the easy prayer.

Answer 10

You need to go over terminology. 'Pro-abortion' would mean they root for the abortion of any fetus. I think you mean 'Pro choice' I'm not at all Mormon but I agree with them 100%.
Have you ever met the parents, relatives, or anyone associated with a handi-capped individual? If you had, you would NEVER imply it was 'wrong' in some way to end a horrible fate. There's so much psychological damage for anyone involved-not just the individual (who, btw, may not even be intellectually aware enough to understand your silly beliefs)
I can't imagine judging a person's actions after being molested or raped.

Answer 11

Sounds similar to the stance of other Christian denominations, though the decision is left to the individual rather than the local ecclesiastical leaders.

I wouldn't call it Pro-Abortion, but maybe more like a form of reasonable, logical pro-life without the abortion doctor killings and angry mob stuff.