The Beginnings of Life
I raised the issue of when life begins, raising questions about whether we can say that life begins at conception. I realize that many will answer me with texts like Psalm 139, which says:
For it was you who formed my inward parts;
you knit me together in my mother's womb.
I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made,
Wonderful are your works. (NRSV)
you knit me together in my mother's womb.
I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made,
Wonderful are your works. (NRSV)
This is a beautiful and poignant statement about God's intrinsic interest in each of us -- but in context it is a statement concerning the impossibility of fleeing from God's gaze. God, after all, is our creator and knows us better than we know ourselves. But, is this passage useful in defining when life begins?
As we seek an answer to this important question, one that has important implications for how we live life and decide which issues should be paramount to us, it might be helpful to take into consideration traditional Jewish teachings. That is because most of the seemingly relevant texts come from the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament). The truth is, by and large, Jewish teaching
doesn't hold life to begin at conception, but rather at birth.Just for the sake of conversation, consider these rabbinic statements -- which seek to apply biblical text to human situations:
'As long as it did not come out into the world, it is not called a living thing and it is permissible to take its life in order to save its mother. Once the head has come forth, it may not be harmed because it is considered born.' (Rashi (Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki), 1040-1105 C.E.)
And
'If a woman's labour becomes life threatening, the one to be born is dismembered in her abdomen and then taken out limb by limb, for her life comes before [the life of the fetus]. Once most of the child has emerged it is not to be touched, for one [life] is not be put aside for another.' (Mishnah Ohalot 7:6, second century CE)
Infanticide is banned, but apparently not abortion -- at least in certain cases. None of this means that abortion should be taken lightly or seen as a normal form of birth control. But, if we listen to the Rabbis, perhaps we need not make it the leading issue of our day, one that overrides all others. And, if we can put greater emphasis on relationship/sexuality education, support for childcare, economic changes, and education, perhaps abortions will continue to decline in numbers. And, all the evidence suggests that abortions have been declining over the past 20 years.
Comments
While we can put down the Bible and ask a Rabbi his thought, as a Christian I have to read both the old and new testament, and find it hard for a God that sent his son to save his creation.. would allow us to destroy his creation.
As for when life begins, my only challenge to you would be to go with a husband and wife to their first ultrasound. When the woman cries hearing the first heart beat, I would dare you to turn to her and say.. "its just a fetus right now, its only a baby once it comes out."
I do pray that your position is not influenced b/c your presidential party. I pray you find peace on this and feel confident enough to teach others on your stance. The lack of any scripture to back your stance does concern me.
It seems that all agree that abortion is evil, even if a necessary evil. The real question is whether to stand by in silent anguish while the state permits this evil to occur or whether to call out this evil at all opportunities.
Regardless of Scripture, in the end people will make their choices, using their own justifications. As Christians, while our choices are rather more limited, it is our responses to the choices of others (i.e., with loving compassion) which are ultimately more important.
John
I have been purposely vague on my own position in part to broaden the conversation. My views of abortion aren't determined by my politics, but rather by real life experience.
I value life and work to preserve it in every way possible. The reason for putting up this information is not to say I agree necessarily, but to give us some context.
The New Testament doesn't deal with abortion in any direct way, nor does it contradict what was said by the Old. In that day and age the greater concern was with infanticide -- a Greek and Roman practice -- which Christians strongly opposed.
So, my position. I must say I've long been ambivalent. Ultimately I believe that it comes down to a woman's choice (though I would back regulation as to time), but I believe that abortion can become increasingly rare with contraception, good pre-natal care and counseling, elimination of poverty, child care for single mothers, better adoption procedures,etc.
Part of my own dilemma is knowing that a friend from college got pregnant and had an abortion. She was a good Christian girl from a good Christian family. The family decided that it would be best for her not to proceed with the pregnancy. I don't think it was an easy decision, but it was made for the psychological/social well-being of an essentially teenage young woman.
Instead, we are called to live our faith, as shining examples to the world. It is hearts and minds that we are called to convert (starting with pour own!) - not laws.
John