Bible Question:
What Scriptures back up the political and outreach aversion that most churches have against pro-life initiatives? I recently attended my first "Walk for Life" and was surprised how few Protestants attended. The evangelical pastors who spoke both independently apologized to the 30,000 Catholics who showed up about the lack of involvement from Protestant communities in the pro-life movement. Shaken by this, I reached out to some local, regional, and national pro-life leaders who confirmed that this is a nationwide struggle. At the few pro-life initiatives I've attended I've seen the same demographics. I'm looking to understand the theological and biblical basis for the lack of involvement. I thought this was a unifying issue between Catholics and Protestants. I appreciate your help. |
Bible Answer: Greetings Arundel! In 1996, I personally participated in that very same annual Pro-Life "Walk for Life" in Washington, D.C., that went all the way from the National Mall to the gates of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue! When I participated, I witnessed a large participation from both Catholics and Evangelicals. But even if things are not as polarized politically today as they were back then, I believe that this is an important issue that believers should still be involved in. As for Bible verses to support pro-life initiatives, there are quite a few. Scripture is clear that everything God has created reproduces after its own kind (Genesis 1:21,24) and human beings are created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). This means that at the moment of conception, what is in the womb is truly human. Scripture supports that the baby in the womb is a human being (Psalm 51:5; 139:13-15; Jeremiah 1:5; Exodus 21:22-24). Obviously, the time of birth and the fact that the baby is out of the womb does not change the fact that a baby's essential nature is that of a human being. Also, scripture teaches that a person born with a physical deformity may end up glorifying God in a great way - see the blind man of John 9 of which Jesus said, "Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life" (John 9:3). Also, one cannot justify that abortion is acceptable in the case of rape. While rape is a terrible sin, two wrongs never make a right. We also have a body and soul, both of which are marvelous creations of God (see 1 Thess. 5:23 and Heb. 4:12). Scripture also says that God "formed the spirit of man within him" (Zechariah 12:1; Isaiah 42:5; Psalm 139:14-16). We know that these components of body, soul and spirit have to be given by God before a person is born. There is no doubt that the Bible points to a baby's consciousness - Jacob and Esau "struggled together" before they were born (Genesis 25:22,23) and John the Baptist "leaped" in Elizabeth's womb (Luke 1:41,44) when Mary arrived. In fact, Ecclesiastes 11:5 arguably points to divine authentication of prenatal consciousness. Pregnancy has been an answer to prayer (Genesis 25:21; 1 Samuel 1:11), and a pregnant woman had rights under the law (Exodus 21:22). The Bible speaks of protecting the child by avoiding alcohol (Judges 13:2-4) and God knows the time of birth (Psalm 22:9; Isaiah 66:9). The fetus is in God's care (Isaiah 44:2). Childbirth is a joy! (John 16:21) Blessings to you, Makarios |