Human Life from a Biblical Perspective
Take the label "Pro Life," for instance. Great branding! Who would not support that? But does it accurately describe what is being sold? Is a zygote, embryo, or fetus a fully-fledged human life? No, not according to the Bible.
One: the Bible does not weigh in on abortion.
Nowhere in the Old or New Testament will you find a commandment for or against abortion. According to religious scholars, the practice was certainly known and used as far back as the 12th century BC. Yet the Bible fails to ban abortion while naming specific no-no's like idol worship, adultery, and working on the Sabbath. No-choicers will try and point to the "thou shalt not kill" commandment. However, no direct object is supplied along with this commandment. Thus, we find humans killing many living things (often in the name of God), including doctors at abortion clinics. Frankly, I fail to see why those against choice would want to take the slide down this slippery slope.
Two: the Bible does specify what constitutes a living human.
Genesis 2:7 describes the breath of life. The classic text reads: "Then Yahweh God formed the earth creature of dust from the earth and breathed into its nostrils the breath of life; and the earth creature became a living nephesh." The Kings James Bible is similar: "Then the Lord God formed man of dust from the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living soul."
Nephesh is a Hebrew word and refers to man's total nature that comes alive with breath. Though the potential may exist, without nephesh, or breath, there is no human life. Reference to this belief can be found in both the Old and New Testament (e.g., Romans 8:9-11; James 2:26).
Leviticus 24:17 requires the death penalty for anyone who takes a human life. Yet in Exodus 21:22-23 if a man injures a pregnant woman his life is only forfeit if she dies. If the fetus aborts he is only required to pay (monetary) compensation to her husband. The Bible only recognizes the woman as a viable person.
Three: No Choicers are at odds with major religions practiced in the United States.
The three major Western religions (Christianity, Islam, and Judaism) reject the notion that life begins when sperm meets egg. Both the Bible and Koran clearly state that an individual life begins at first breath. The Talmud states that life begins at birth.
Tens of thousands of Christians in Tennessee have been misled to believe that life begins at conception. They can believe this is they wish, of course. If they are basing their belief on biblical scripture, however, they are misinformed at best.
Tennessee Liberal