What is the Bible Say About Abortion?
The topic of abortion has been a subject of intense debate and controversy for centuries. As one of the world’s oldest and most influential religious texts, the Bible offers guidance on this sensitive issue. However, interpretations of its teachings on abortion vary widely among different religious groups and individuals. In this article, we will explore what the Bible says about abortion and how it has been understood throughout history.
The Bible does not explicitly mention the word “abortion,” but it does address the concept of taking a life through various passages. One of the most cited verses is Exodus 21:22-23, which states, “If men who are fighting hit a pregnant woman and she gives birth prematurely but there is no serious injury, the offender must be fined whatever her husband demands and the court allows. But if there is serious injury, you are to take life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.” This passage has been interpreted by some to suggest that life begins at conception and that taking a life, even in the form of an abortion, is equivalent to murder.
Another verse that has been used to argue against abortion is Psalm 139:13-16, which reads, “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. 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. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.” This passage is often cited to argue that life begins at conception and that abortion is akin to murder.
However, not all interpretations of the Bible support the idea that life begins at conception. Some argue that the Bible does not explicitly state when life begins and that it is up to individuals to decide based on their own beliefs and values. In addition, some religious groups, such as Catholics, Protestants, and Mormons, have different positions on abortion based on their interpretations of the Bible.
The debate over what the Bible says about abortion has been a contentious issue for many years. While some argue that the Bible clearly prohibits abortion, others believe that it does not explicitly address the issue and that it is up to individuals to make their own decisions based on their faith and values. As with many religious texts, the interpretation of the Bible on abortion is a complex and nuanced issue that continues to be debated by people of all faiths.
