Talk:Abortion

"This is Conservapedia"

Although I would expect that most people who self-identify as "conservatives" are opposed to abortion, I doubt that all of them are. I don't think opposition to abortion is part of the definition of, or a litmus test for conservatism. Nor do I think it is part of the definition of, or a litmus test for Christianity. Of course one could say that anyone who claims to be a "pro-choice conservative" is not really a conservative, but that's begging the question.

See, for example, the Seventh-Day Adventists' nuanced statement on abortion. Most would regard them as a conservative Christian group. They say:

prenatal life must not be thoughtlessly destroyed. Abortion should be performed only for the most serious reasons.

Abortion is one of the tragic dilemmas of human fallenness. The Church should offer gracious support to those who personally face the decision concerning an abortion. Attitudes of condemnation are inappropriate in those who have accepted the gospel.

Dpbsmith 13:29, 18 February 2007 (EST)

That's very interesting. The Seventh-Day Adventists run many hospitals, including one in New Jersey. I'm disappointed in its official stance, though I suspect that many adherents to the religion are more opposed to abortion that the statement implies. I doubt the Adventist hospital in NJ performs any elective abortions.--Aschlafly 16:07, 18 February 2007 (EST)

I assume that they're thinking about situations where the life of the mother is at stake.... Dpbsmith 18:33, 18 February 2007 (EST)

I agree that there can be conservatives who support abortion. Personally however, as a Christian myself, I believe it is impossible to be a Christian and support abortion at the same time. This would be a major contradiction. Also, I highly doubt that "most" would regard the Seventh-Day-Adventist church as Christian as they add their own ideas to the teachings of Jesus. Just my opinion on the matter. PhilipB 18:13, 18 February 2007 (EST)

Is there any denomination that doesn't "add their own ideas to the teachings of Jesus?"

Doesn't the Catholic Church add the opinions of the Pope when he speaks ex cathedra. Surely Catholics are Christians?

And if Protestant denominations don't "add anything to the teachings of Jesus" than why do Baptists say they have "no sacraments," Lutherans say they have two, and Episcopalians seven? Why do Methodists believe in the "Real Presence" of Christ in the Lord's Supper but Presbyterians believe he is only "spiritually" present? Why do some denominations baptize adults and others not? Dpbsmith 18:33, 18 February 2007 (EST)

Reply: It is very true that churches have added onto the teachings of Jesus even though it clearly states in Revelation 22:18-19 that anyone who adds or takes away any words from the Bible will be harshly punished:

"I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book. And if anyone takes words away from this book of prophecy, God will take away from him his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book." Revelation 22:18-19

It is made very clear that God does not want to be edited. But Dpbsmith, I do believe that there are churches that hold very tightly to the teachings of Jesus and base their faith completely on His Word. So, yes, there are denominations that do not add their own ideas to the Bible.

And, though abortion is never directly called "abortion" in the Bible, Exodus 21: 22-25 refers to God giving his explanations to the Israelites about how to deal with matters of women with child:

"If men who are fighting hit a pregnant woman and she gives birth prematurely but there is no serious injury, the offender must be fined whatever the woman's husband demands and the court allows. But if there is serious injury, you are to take life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burn for burn, wound for wound, bruise for bruise." Exodus 21: 22-25

It is very obvious that the life of an unborn child is valued and considered a human life by God. There is another verse, Jeremiah 1:5, that also deals with the value of an unborn child's life, but I am sure that Conservapedia would rather have an article on the Bible than try to be it. :) --David R 20:35, 18 February 2007 (EST)

Wikipedia would never have this talk you know. This is why we are Conservapedia --Will N. 18:20, 18 February 2007 (EST)