Christian Ethics: Abortion and the Sanctity of Life in Light of Psalm 139:13-18
Introduction
Imagine standing before the vastness of creation, where every life, from the tiniest embryo to the aged, is a testament to God's divine craftsmanship. Abortion has been debated throughout history, with ancient civilizations like Sumer, Babylon, and Assyria treating it as a serious crime due to their reverence for life. In Christian ethics, Psalm 139:13-18 is often cited as a foundation for understanding the sanctity of life, showing God's intimate involvement in human creation from conception. This study will explore the passage using Walter Kaiser's exegetical method while examining historical attitudes toward abortion, particularly in the ancient Near East and the early church, alongside the Hippocratic Oath and Greco-Roman views.
Defining Abortion in the Biblical Context
Abortion, from a biblical standpoint, refers to the intentional termination of a pregnancy, resulting in the death of an unborn child. While Scripture does not explicitly mention abortion as a term, the Bible’s overarching view of life—from conception to natural death—provides a clear theological framework. Passages like Psalm 139:13-18 emphasize God's intimate involvement in creating life from the womb. This scriptural foundation, along with numerous biblical teachings on the sanctity of life, implies that life begins at conception and is sacred because it is God-ordained.
The concept of imago Dei, or being made in the image of God (Genesis 1:26-27), underscores the biblical value of every human life. Thus, ending that life through abortion contradicts the inherent dignity bestowed upon humanity by God. The Bible consistently portrays children as blessings from God (Psalm 127:3), and the act of deliberately terminating that life goes against the scriptural understanding of the sanctity and sacredness of life.
Theological Approach to Christian Ethics on Abortion
1. The Sanctity of Life
Central to Christian ethics on abortion is the principle of the sanctity of life, which is rooted in the belief that every human being, born or unborn, is created by God and reflects His image. This theological approach teaches that life is sacred because it originates from God, and human beings do not possess the authority to decide the fate of life, especially in its most vulnerable form. Christian ethics affirm that from the moment of conception, the unborn child is a distinct human life with value, purpose, and dignity.
2. God's Sovereignty in Life and Death
Scripture consistently affirms that God alone has the power and authority over life and death (Deuteronomy 32:39; Job 12:10). Psalm 139:16 emphasizes that God ordains the days of our lives before we are born, meaning that every human life has a predetermined purpose in God’s plan. Abortion, then, is seen as an affront to God's sovereignty, as it seeks to circumvent His authority over the process of life.
3. Moral Responsibility and the Image of God
Since human beings are created in God’s image, abortion not only violates the sanctity of life but also mars the reflection of God’s image in humanity. The image of God gives every person—regardless of stage or condition—dignity and value. This means that Christian ethics reject abortion because it denies this inherent dignity and worth of the unborn child.
4. Compassion and Mercy
While the church must stand firmly on the sanctity of life, it is also called to respond with compassion and mercy to those who have been impacted by abortion. The gospel teaches that forgiveness and redemption are available through Jesus Christ for those who seek it. Christian ethics should include both a defense of the unborn and a ministry of healing for those who have been involved in abortion.
Biblical Context
Exodus 21:22-25
This passage is often discussed in relation to the status of the fetus. It deals with injury to a pregnant woman during a fight, resulting in a premature birth. The text distinguishes between harm to the woman and harm to the fetus, with differing legal consequences. Some interpret this as suggesting a lesser legal status for the fetus compared to a born person, though this interpretation varies widely across traditions.
Numbers 5:11-31
This passage describes a ritual in which a potion might cause a miscarriage if a woman has been unfaithful to her husband. While not a direct reference to abortion, some argue that it indirectly addresses the termination of a pregnancy, though the context is unique and bound to a particular circumstance.
Psalm 139:13-16 and Jeremiah 1:5
These verses emphasize God’s intimate knowledge of individuals while they are still in the womb, suggesting that prenatal life is of deep concern to God. God’s involvement in the formation of life from the earliest stages implies that life, even in the womb, holds value in His eyes.
Psalm 139:13-18
God Created My Inmost Being (Psalm 139:13a)
The Hebrew verb qanah, meaning "to create" or "to acquire," reveals God's intimate role in procreation. It’s more than a biological process; it signifies God’s personal involvement in each life, echoing Ecclesiastes 11:5, which speaks to the mystery of creation. This emphasizes that life begins at conception, as God is already at work within the womb, molding the very essence of who we are.
God Shaped Me in My Mother’s Womb (Psalm 139:13b-14)
The imagery of weaving in verse 13b vividly portrays God’s deliberate care in forming each human life. The phrase “fearfully and wonderfully made” magnifies the sacredness of life, as every part of the human body is crafted by God's hands. This imagery has inspired generations of Christians to defend life, viewing it as God’s sacred work, which should not be devalued or discarded.
God Saw My Embryo and Loved Me (Psalm 139:15-16a)
Here, the psalmist affirms that God is aware of every stage of human development, even when the embryo is unformed. The Hebrew word golmi (embryo) highlights the value of life even in its earliest form, countering any notion that an embryo is insignificant or disposable. God's intimate knowledge of life, starting from conception, reinforces the belief that life in the womb is precious and fully known to God.
God Ordained All of My Days Before I Experienced Day One (Psalm 139:16b-18)
The psalmist concludes by underscoring God’s foreknowledge and sovereignty over every person’s life. Every day is planned by God, written before they come to be. This idea resonates throughout Scripture, reminding us that every life has inherent worth and purpose in God’s plan, regardless of its stage of development.
The History of Abortion in the Ancient Near East
Ancient civilizations treated abortion as a criminal offense. The Middle-Assyrian Law Code, for instance, imposed severe penalties on those who performed abortions, indicating a deep respect for life even before birth. The biblical view aligns with this, as children are seen as blessings from God (Psalm 127:3), and the practice of abortion undermines the sanctity of life, a value deeply embedded in ancient Near Eastern and biblical ethics.
The Hippocratic Oath and Abortion
The Hippocratic Oath, which dates back to ancient Greece, explicitly forbids physicians from performing abortions, demonstrating an early medical stance against the practice. Despite being rooted in a pre-Christian context, the oath reflects an ethical understanding that values life from its inception. This principle influenced early Christian and Roman thought, reinforcing the moral imperative to protect life in medical ethics.
Greek and Roman Perspectives on Abortion
In Greek and Roman societies, abortion was sometimes practiced, though it was often viewed with moral ambivalence. Roman law permitted infanticide, especially for unwanted or disabled infants, a practice condemned by the early church. The early Christians actively rescued abandoned babies, exemplifying a countercultural stand that valued every human life, even when society did not.
The Early Church’s Role in Defending Life
The early church, guided by the belief that humans are made in the image of God (Genesis 1:26-27), vigorously opposed abortion and infanticide. Church fathers such as Augustine and Jerome spoke out against these practices. The Didache, an early Christian text, explicitly condemns abortion, affirming the church’s commitment to protecting life at all stages. This stance was not just theological but practical, as Christians would adopt abandoned infants, demonstrating God’s love and mercy in action.
The Image of God and Human Dignity
Central to the Christian ethical perspective on life is the belief that every human being is made in the image of God (Genesis 1:26-27). From conception, each person reflects the glory of their Creator. Psalm 8:5 speaks of humanity being "crowned with glory and honor," reinforcing the inherent dignity bestowed on each life. Scripture consistently portrays children as blessings from God (Genesis 30:22; 1 Samuel 1:19-20), affirming that life, in all its stages, holds immeasurable value.
Closing Thoughts: The Power of God in Creation
Psalm 139:13-18 serves as a testament to God’s omnipotence in creating life. The psalmist’s words remind us that each person is "fearfully and wonderfully made," and that no part of the human creation process is outside of God’s sovereign care. The early church’s actions in defending the vulnerable and affirming the sanctity of life are a reflection of this biblical truth. Today, the church must continue to stand firm in upholding the sanctity of life, from conception to natural death, echoing the truths found in passages like Psalm 139 and Genesis 1.
The Christian ethic of life is grounded in the unwavering belief that life is sacred because it reflects the image of God. By upholding this ethic, we affirm the dignity and value of every human being, advocating for the protection of the unborn and the vulnerable in a world that often dismisses their worth.
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