abortion

[EdmundBlackadderTheThird]

http://imc.gsm.com/demos/dddemo/consult/rel_abor.htm

That gives an overview of many of the major denominations and their stance on abortion. I find that any governing body that talks about the sanctity of life and yet says that we shouldn't legislate against abortion is being two faced and simply trying to appeal to a broader base at the expense of doctrine. There is not a disregard for women that is rampant in the church but a high regard for life and for personal responsibility for ones actions. There is no greater wrong than the wholesale slaughter of unborn life that goes on in this country today, at least not in the confines of this issue. I do not believe that a woman has any more right to kill an unborn child than I do to kill people that I don't like. It is ridiculous to assert otherwise to be quite honest. If there is no concensus on where life begins then we must err to the side of caution and not go the other way. If we err to the side of caution and are wrong then all we have done is force people to be responsible for their own action, if we err the other way and are right then we have allowed innocent life to snuffed out without reason and we are all guilty. This is a fight that we must keep up and never back down from.

 

[JeffreyLloyd]

That link doesn't work 99

 

[Crazy Liz]

I think one thing you need to understand about how many protestants view abortion differently from many Catholics has to do with the idea of separation of church and state. IOW, although I think most protestants view abortion as a moral evil on a similar level with war, poverty, disease, and other evils that kill or harm people. Yet many protestants strongly believe in separation of church and state, and therefore do not automatically conclude that Christians should try to get the government to try to force everyone to live by their moral standards. The prophetic role of speaking out against evil is one that is not easily defined in this context. Providing the kinds of help and support that will make fewer abortions seem necessary and speaking out against use of abortion for frivolous reasons are approaches I think most protestants would support.

I think the RCC prefers to be the state-sponsored religion, when possible. As such, it does not struggle as much as many protestants over the proper boundaries between church and government.

 

[pentecostal girl]

How do protestants feel aboiut abortion? Do you agree with catholics that it is evil and murder?

I don't want to start a fight like last time i really want to know.

thanks!

I concur

 

[EdmundBlackadderTheThird]

Hrmmm just clicked the link and it works fine for me...dunno ?!?

 

[JeffreyLloyd]

Worked now Great link!

 

[Robert Bingham]

*...and along comes a PCUSA*

My church's position is outlined in this summary:

http://www.pcusa.org/101/101-abortion.htm

We do not think there are any parts of the Bible that expressly address the abortion issue.

Here are some quotes from the above page:

Therefore the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) encourages an atmosphere of open debate and mutual respect for a variety of opinions concerning the issues related to problem pregnancies and abortion.

The church ought to be able to maintain within its fellowship those who, on the basis of a study of Scripture and prayerful decision, come to diverse conclusions and actions.

Practically speaking, we believe that abortion should only be a last resort when other reasonable options have been exhausted.

Instead of judging others, I should work to eliminate social problems that would put a woman in the unfortunate position where she would even need to contemplate this difficult choice.

It is hard to put such complicated issues into a simple summary, but these are the beliefs of myself and my church.

 

[Sybille]

I personally believe that IF one's got pregnant due to a rape then it is FAR from evi (to abort)l! Poor lady has enough sufferings and surely doesn't want the fruit of her terrible pain. But, abortion in general is wrong.... one should just take his/her responsabilities or think before acting.

My humble opinions and beliefs it was.

 

[Veritas]

I personally believe that IF one's got pregnant due to a rape then it is FAR from evi (to abort)l! Poor lady has enough sufferings and surely doesn't want the fruit of her terrible pain. But, abortion in general is wrong.... one should just take his/her responsabilities or think before acting.

My humble opinions and beliefs it was.

Sybille,

You might be interested to know a few of things. First, of women who have aborted a baby due to rape/incest, most felt the abortion was worse and did not ameliorate their sufferings. Secondly, of those who've given birth to a child who was conceived in rape, none ever regretted it. And Last but not least, is a baby conceived in rape/incest any less a human being made in the image and likeness of God than one conceived in love?

(Sorry mods, if this is debating. Just had to say something)

Veritas

 

[PatrickM]

Many pro-choicers of faith belong to the Religious Coalition for Reproductive choice www.rcrc.org

IMO many of the socially conservative religious bodies have significant disregard for women and are therefore in favor of abortion restrictions.

Most religious liberals and pro-choicers of faith oppose abortion in principle but believe legislating against it would produce a greater wrong.

Interesting. Why would a group who has a significant disregard for women favor restrictions on abortions, or be essentially pro-life? If one has disregard for women, then allowing for more freedom regarding abortions should be logical, considering the potential physical and emotional damages abortions cause. The pain and damage is of no consequence to those who disregard women.

In addition, if one disregards women so much, then why not abort that potential woman, who is in disregard, inside the womb?

 

[PuppyforChrist]

I believe it is wrong. Abortion is murder.

 

[Bayhawks83]

most 'pro-choicers' must absolutly hate women, abortion always causes more harm than good, like injury and depression... countries like china abort mostly girls. its sad that 'pro-choicers' hate women.

 

[Robert Bingham]

most 'pro-choicers' must absolutly hate women, abortion always causes more harm than good, like injury and depression... countries like china abort mostly girls. its sad that 'pro-choicers' hate women.

Wow, you just slammed at least three million Christians with that rude generalization.

And where on earth do you get the idea that the Chinese government forces all women to have an abortion if they are carrying a female child? You just insulted one billion people with your ignorance.

 

[La Bonita Zorilla]

Interesting. Why would a group who has a significant disregard for women favor restrictions on abortions

One need only read the writings of the Religious Right to see that. It is for the purpose to reduce a woman to an agricultural component.

If one has disregard for women, then allowing for more freedom regarding abortions should be logical, considering the potential physical and emotional damages abortions cause.

No Sir, you are merely parroting false propaganda here. That damage is miniscule compared to that of not owning one's own body.

In addition, if one disregards women so much, then why not abort that potential woman, who is in disregard, inside the womb?

Again a false employment of illogic. By your skewed illogical method, then, male masturbation should be outlawed since it kills poor, defenseless sperm.

 

[La Bonita Zorilla]

most 'pro-choicers' must absolutly hate women, abortion always causes more harm than good, like injury and depression... countries like china abort mostly girls. its sad that 'pro-choicers' hate women.

Your attacking language is most unfortunate and incorrect, an inappropriate attack on Christians. Shame.

China's situation is not ours. Life there is more difficult than in Western countries. Essentially abortion is no more immoral than the triage process in emergency medical care; and it is essentially based on the same ethical processes.

 

[PatrickM]

One need only read the writings of the Religious Right to see that. It is for the purpose to reduce a woman to an agricultural component.

Sorry, I don't read much writings of the "Religious Right". Could you quote some specifics regarding their conspiracy into reducing a woman to "an agricultural component?" I, for one, as a conservative Christian, have the utmost respect for my fellow homo sapien, women.

No Sir, you are merely parroting false propaganda here. That damage is miniscule compared to that of not owning one's own body.

Surprise, I can actually think for myself. And the forked-tongue way pro-aborts use "damage" is hypocritical. When more restrictions are proposed, you claim a return to "back-alley abortions", implying severe physical damage. However, now you claim is miniscule. I guess you haven't read much by the AMA regarding 2nd & 3rd tri-aborts, and the tearing to wombs to be sure all parts of the chopped-up baby have been vacuumed out?

Again a false employment of illogic. By your skewed illogical method, then, male masturbation should be outlawed since it kills poor, defenseless sperm.

Actually, elementary biology would teach you different. Sperm cells are totally different from a fertalized egg, which has the complete DNA of a human being, and would grow to such, if allowed, not killed. Sperm is like a finger nail, no life in itself.

 

[PatrickM]

Wow, you just slammed at least three million Christians with that rude generalization.

And where on earth do you get the idea that the Chinese government forces all women to have an abortion if they are carrying a female child? You just insulted one billion people with your ignorance.

Actually, there is an interesting article dated Jan 7 this year on just the subject of China's abortion policy http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2004/jan/04010701.html.

Slamming or not, it's the truth in China.

 

[La Bonita Zorilla]

Sorry, I don't read much writings of the "Religious Right". Could you quote some specifics regarding their conspiracy into reducing a woman to "an agricultural component?" I, for one, as a conservative Christian, have the utmost respect for my fellow homo sapien, women.

So then you're a pro-choice conservative Christian?

You can try www.afa.net for starters. The one authoritative book on the subject is called Abortion: The Politics of Motherhood by Dr. Kristin Luker. It documents the worldviews of either side in the debate. One routinely disrespects the autonomy of women. It's not the pro-choice side.

Surprise, I can actually think for myself. And the forked-tongue way pro-aborts use "damage" is hypocritical. When more restrictions are proposed, you claim a return to "back-alley abortions", implying severe physical damage. However, now you claim is miniscule. I guess you haven't read much by the AMA regarding 2nd & 3rd tri-aborts, and the tearing to wombs to be sure all parts of the chopped-up baby have been vacuumed out?

I'm not pro-abortion. Like all medical procedures there are risks involved. Most abortions occur in the first trimester.

Actually, elementary biology would teach you different. Sperm cells are totally different from a fertalized egg, which has the complete DNA of a human being, and would grow to such, if allowed, not killed. Sperm is like a finger nail, no life in itself.

Yes, a sperm is not a person and neither is a fetus.

 

[Robert Bingham]

Actually, there is an interesting article dated Jan 7 this year on just the subject of China's abortion policy http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2004/jan/04010701.html.

Slamming or not, it's the truth in China.

Is that your idea of supporting "evidence"? LOL

The fact that you had to stoop down to a third hand derivative report made by a pro-life website says all that needs to be said. Just to make it clear, let me repeat that China has no such policy.

Anyway, can we drop these silly asides and get back to the substance:

What do Protestants believe regarding abortions?

 

[William Nunn]

The Lord gave us brains to think with, so I believe He lets us make distinctions.

I believe if a woman is raped, or she has to make a choice between her life and life of her child, an abortion should be allowed (I don't like it mind you, but I think it should be allowed). Although, most women I know (personally mind you) would rather die themselves than terminate the life of their fetus.

However, if a woman is pregnant because of consensual sex, and she has an abortion, she is a murderer. That is flat out cowardice and it's shameful. And no, just to stop any pro-abortionists before they try to slam me, a man shouldn't ever be off the hook. I believe that if he has sex with a woman and she concieves he is as liable as her and if he consents to an abortion, he is also a murderer.