How Should Christians Define “Pro-Life” and “Pro-Choice” - Part One

 

Whenever Christians are faced with critical decisions in life, especially those regarding life and death, we have been taught to pray and seek guidance from our Heavenly Father, through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  That guidance is to come through the Holy Spirit, as it touches our spirit. The vehicle for the hearing and learning from the Holy Spirit is the Holy Bible, sent from God thousands of years ago. (2 Timothy 3: 16-17)

As a Christian, I have been very interested in how other Christians have viewed the national debate about a woman’s right to choose to have an abortion. The terms “Pro-Life” and “Pro-Choice” have been used by the opposing sides to define their positions.  Those terms have also, in effect, divided families, friends, neighbors and even Christian congregations. Rather than turning to the Scriptures, many women and men have turned to others for their opinions.

As an older adult man, I wanted to see how our Holy Bible might have been used to support either side on this often-contentious issue.  Especially in these “latter days”, I would hope all our Christian sisters and brothers would turn to our Scripture for guidance. The results of my review of the Scripture are explained below. 

In summary, the term “Pro-Life” is an unfortunate mis-labeling of the stance that a woman should not be able to determine the outcome of her pregnancy.  The implied description of “Life” is not scriptural as it applies to humans.  The absence of specific definition has led not only to confusion as to how human life differs from life in others of God’s creations, but also to when that human life begins.  The Bible is clearly definitive on both those points, and neither supports the positions of the “Pro-Life” advocates.

Further, in summary, the term “Pro-Choice” is consistent with the messages taught by the Scripture.  During her / his life, each of us will have to make choices / decisions that will affect our relationship with our Creator.  During our lives we will continually be faced with potentially life-changing choices.  As Christians we understand that those choices can affect not only our lives in this current age, but also our eternal lives when our time on this Earth is done. We alone should and will be responsible for our personal decisions, including any decisions to compel others to do that which is against their will.  As Christians, the Bible scripture should be the foundation for our guidance, decision-making and our actions.

Please review my next posting (Part Two), in which I will provide more detail from Bible Scripture to clarify how these conclusions were met. 

 

Dr. W.A. Robinson