The Bible goes on an on about all sorts of things which we would consider absolutely trivial. If you don't believe me, try reading Exodus through Numbers.
If God hates abortion so much, why can't we find one condemnation of it in the Bible? Did he just forget? In fact the few passages that even remotely touch on the subject make it sound like abortion is just fine.
2007-11-12 02:17:05 · 30 answers · asked by Defunct 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
The Bible was written by men (complete with spelling errors) thousands of years ago.
Any attempt at saying it is the voice of God is laughable. God may have effected the people writing it, but it is stamped all over with the imperfactions of humanity.
2007-11-12 02:20:08 · answer #1 · answered by Elana 7 · 8⤊ 6⤋
I think the Bible is silent on this issue because abortion was not commonly performed at the time the Bible was written. In biblical times, children were considered a gift from God, and it was considered a curse for a woman to be childless.
You stated "In fact the few passages that even remotely touch on the subject make it sound like abortion is just fine." Which passages are these? I suggest you read Psalm 139:14-16.
2007-11-12 02:28:32 · answer #2 · answered by David S 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's an interesting omission. The sanctity of life and that kind of thing is mentioned, but not abortion specifically as far as I know. However, I don't read the Bible every day so I haven't exactly memorized passages. I could be wrong.
Abortions have been around since the dawn of humanity, so it's not like it's a new issue. Our ways of doing it are, but the practice itself is ancient.
2007-11-12 02:25:25 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know if they had procedures of abortions back in biblical times. Even so, there are references in the Bible to the "fruit of the womb", and the Bible even says "choose life" regarding children. It can't get any clearer than that.
Deut. 30:19 -- This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now CHOOSE LIFE, so that you and your children may live.
Psalm 127:3 -- Behold, children are a gift of the LORD, The fruit of the womb is a reward.
2007-11-12 02:29:10 · answer #4 · answered by kaz716 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Question: "What does the Bible say about abortion?"
Answer: The Bible never specifically addresses the issue of abortion. However, there are numerous teachings in Scripture that make it abundantly clear what God’s view of abortion is. Jeremiah 1:5 tells us that God knows us before He knits us in the womb. Psalm 139:13-16 speaks of God’s active role in our creation and formation in the womb. Exodus 21:22-25 prescribes the same penalty for someone who causes the death of a baby in the womb as the penalty for someone who commits murder. This clearly indicates that God considers a baby in the womb as just as much of a human being as a full-grown adult. For the Christian, abortion is not a matter of a woman’s right to choose. It is a matter of the life or death of a human being made in God’s image (Genesis 1:26-27; 9:6).
The first argument that always arises against the Christian stance on abortion is, “What about cases of rape and/or incest?” As horrible as it would be to become pregnant as a result of rape and/or incest, does that make the murder of a baby the answer? Two wrongs do not make a right. The child who is a result of rape/incest could be given up for adoption to a loving family unable to have children on their own – or the child could be raised by its mother. Again, the baby should not be punished for the evil acts of its father.
The second argument that usually arises against the Christian stance on abortion is, “What about when the life of the mother is at risk?” Honestly, this is the most difficult question to answer on the issue of abortion. First, let’s remember that this situation is the reason behind less than one-tenth of one percent of the abortions done in the world today. Far more women have an abortion because they do not want to “ruin their body” than women who have an abortion to save their own lives. Second, let’s remember that God is a God of miracles. He can preserve the life of a mother and a child despite all the medical odds being against it. Ultimately, though, this question can only be decided between a husband, wife, and God. Any couple facing this extremely difficult situation should pray to the Lord for wisdom (James 1:5) as to what He would have them to do.
94% of the abortions performed in the world today are for reasons other than the life of the mother being at risk. The vast majority of instances can be qualified under "A woman and/or her partner decide they do not want the baby they have conceived." This is an utmost evil. Even in the more difficult 6% of instances, abortion should never be the first option. The life of a human being in the womb is worth every effort to allow a full-term birthing process.
For those who have had an abortion – the sin of abortion is no less forgivable than any other sin. Through faith in Christ, any and all sins can be forgiven (John 3:16; Romans 8:1; Colossians 1:14). A woman who has had an abortion, or a man who has encouraged an abortion, or even a doctor who has performed one – all can be forgiven by faith in Jesus Christ.
2007-11-12 02:23:54 · answer #5 · answered by Gerry 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
The Old Testament offers some information on abortion, of a sort. God orders the Israelites to attack Samaria and among other mayhem, to cut open pregnant women and rip the babies to pieces.
For those saying "Though Salt Not Kill" covers everything, you need to read the entire Bible. God orders the Israelites to kill a lot. And these orders usually specifically include children and babies.
2007-11-12 02:35:01 · answer #6 · answered by Randy W 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
In the Bible, God says not to murder (you know that). The only question then, is does the Bible regard an unborn child as a human being or just a fetus that is property of the mother?
Psalm 139
13For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother's womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,
16 your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me
were written in your book
before one of them came to be.
There are several other references to fetuses in the womb, like Jacob and Esau, Jesus (of course) and John the Baptist. In each of these instances, the fetus already had an identity as a person.
2007-11-12 02:31:23 · answer #7 · answered by aaaaaaaaaaaaaaa 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
(Exodus 21:22-25) 22 “And in case men should struggle with each other and they really hurt a pregnant woman and her children do come out but no fatal accident occurs, he is to have damages imposed upon him without fail according to what the owner of the woman may lay upon him; and he must give it through the justices. 23 But if a fatal accident should occur, then you must give soul for soul, 24 eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, 25 branding for branding, wound for wound, blow for blow.
There is no indication here given as to what the age of the embryo is just that if the CHILD dies - then there must be capital justice. So the embryo is considered by God to be alive and worthy of protection.
(Psalm 139:14-16) 14 I shall laud you because in a fear-inspiring way I am wonderfully made. Your works are wonderful, As my soul is very well aware. 15 My bones were not hidden from you When I was made in secret, When I was woven in the lowest parts of the earth. 16 Your eyes saw even the embryo of me, And in your book all its parts were down in writing, As regards the days when they were formed And there was not yet one among them.
These verses show that God is aware of mankind and considers them alive from the moment of conception. It so very important to have God's view on life and refuse to partake in the murder of innocents.
2007-11-12 02:23:24 · answer #8 · answered by Shadow Knight 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Who said that God "hates abortion?"
Any deity that would require a man to perform a sacrifice of his first-born, would surely be out of favor with certain present-day politico-religious groups.
This whole abortion issue rears its head not because of right or wrong, not because of biblical law, but because of bargaining power between political factions manipulating votes on Child Health Care where it relates to pregnancies.
It's nothing more than emotional currency for political gain.
2007-11-12 02:45:27 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
It doesn't say it is wrong to drive a car when you're drunk either...but who's going to argue that drunk driving isn't wrong. They didn't have cars at the time...and they didn't have the means to perform abortions either.
The bible makes it pretty clear that killing is wrong...it also makes it clear that we're responsible for our own choices...that includes taking responsibility for the life you created when you chose to have sex!
2007-11-12 02:25:51 · answer #10 · answered by KAL 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It does. It says that if you injure a pregnant woman causing her to lose the unborn child, that you will be fined by her husband.
No punishment is prescribed if she is not married.
Exodus 21:22
2007-11-12 02:24:46 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋