Seminar 2

Abortion.
Definition: The act of bringing forth young prematurely. 1. Dilemma: The absence of a prohibition against abortion in the Bible. Should Christians allow abortion? What if the fetus deformed? What if the life of the mother is threatened? 2. Three Views of Abortion: Views 1. Fully Human 2. Potentially Human 3. Subhuman Abortion Never Sometimes Anytime Basis Sanctity of Life Emergency of Life Quality of life Mothers right Life over Privacy Combination of rights Privacy over life

There are 2 key factors or issues in the debate of abortion: 1. The status of the unborn fetus or right to life (Pro-life) 2. The right of the mother or right of privacy (Pro-choice) 3. Critical Response: A. Humanness of the unborn according to Scripture 1. Killing or taking away a human life is prohibited in Scripture: You shall not kill (Ex. 20:13). 2. Male and female determined at conception (Gen.1:26-27). 3. Unborn children possess the human characteristics such as sin (Ps 51:5). 4. Unborn babies expresses emotions like adults (Lk 1:41,44; 2:12). 5. Personal pronouns are used to describe unborn children just as any other human being (Jer.1:5; Mt.1:20-21). 6. Christ (God-man) was human from the point he was conceived in Marys womb (Mt. 1:20-21; Lk. 1:26-27).

Seminar 2 B. Divine Involvement in formation of the unborn 1. God is involved in opening womb and conception. (Gen.29:31-35; 30:1724; 1Sam.1:19-20). 2. Children are a gift from the LORD (Gen.33:5; Ps.113:9). 3. The unborn are created by God (Ps. 139:13) just as God created Adam & Eve in His image (Gen 1:27). 4. The unborn are called by God before birth (Gen. 25:22-23; Jdg.13:2-7; Isa.49:1,5; Gal.1:15; Jer.1:5). 5. The unborn are intimately and personally known by God just like any other person (Ps. 139:15-16; Jer.1:5) C. Value of unborn life 1. Accidental miscarriage due to negligence of an adult is punishable by a fine (Ex.21:22-25) 2. Accidental killing of the unborn child or the mother, is both punishable by death (Ex. 21:22-25). 4. Criticisms on No Abortion. 1. Rape Rapes rarely cause pregnancy. Conception can be prevented with immediate medical treatment. Aborting baby cannot undo the rape and trauma. Abortion compounds the crime and sin of the father. 2. Incest Same as in rape but by family member. Baby is member of the family Abortion can affect the physical and emotional well being of young girls. Counseling and care is essential for pregnant victim. 3. Protection of the mother

Seminar 2 Protection of the mother may include psychological, social and economic considerations. In very rare cases, example Rh+ and Rh- blood type between baby and mother, abortion becomes necessary In most cases of illness or physical conditions, with careful treatment, both mother and baby can be saved. 4. Deformity In the case of deform baby, the love of the parents is then bring to bear (Mt 22:37-40; Ex. 20:13) God is sovereign to allow some imperfect babies (Jn 9:3), so that even the blind mans handicap can be used for Gods Glory.