What does the Bible say on abortion? This is a question that has sparked intense debate and controversy among Christians and non-Christians alike. The Bible, as the sacred text of Christianity, offers various perspectives on the issue of abortion, which have been interpreted differently by various denominations and individuals over the centuries.
The topic of abortion is not explicitly addressed in the Bible, but there are several passages that have been interpreted to provide guidance on the matter. One of the most frequently cited passages 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 abortion is a form of murder.
Another passage 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 used to argue that life begins at conception and that abortion is a form of murder.
However, there are also passages that have been interpreted to support a woman’s right to choose. For example, Deuteronomy 22:28 states, “If a man meets a virgin who is not engaged, and seizes her and lies with her, he must pay her father fifty shekels of silver. He must make her his wife, because he has violated her. He can never divorce her as long as he lives.” This passage has been interpreted by some to suggest that a woman has the right to choose her partner and that her body is her own.
The interpretation of these passages has been a matter of great debate, with some Christians arguing that the Bible clearly condemns abortion, while others argue that the Bible does not explicitly address the issue and that it is a matter of personal and moral choice. In recent years, some denominations have even issued statements supporting a woman’s right to choose, while others continue to hold that abortion is a sin.
In conclusion, what the Bible says on abortion is a complex and nuanced issue that has been interpreted in various ways. While some passages have been used to argue against abortion, others have been interpreted to support a woman’s right to choose. Ultimately, the interpretation of these passages is a matter of personal and moral conviction, and the debate over abortion continues to be a deeply contentious issue in modern society.
