God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him. (Genesis 1:27, NIV 1984).
My Musings – Exactly what this means, and all that it entails, is open to debate. But it is abundantly clear that God has set humans apart from the rest of His creation. Among the things that distinguish us from other creatures is our ability to reason, the freedom to make choices (free-will) and the high regard we have for the sanctity of life. Not every choice we make will be a right choice, but life will always be sacred. Every moral person will readily agree that while one may choose to do so, the taking of an innocent life is wrong. In other words, sanctity of life trumps the freedom to choose.
Seems simple enough, yet at least since 1973 in the United States, what seems clear and simple to some (terminating a pregnancy), is not so simple to others. One side (pro-life) believes life begins at conception and that abortion at any point in time is the taking of an innocent life. The other side (pro-choice) believes that life begins no earlier than “viability” (some take a more extreme view) and that abortion prior to that time does not involve the taking of an innocent life.
This one issue is probably the most divisive issue since slavery. Yet the one thing that is abundantly clear is that one side or the other must be wrong. It’s just simple logic. And using the reasoning that God gifted us with, the choice with the more severe consequences if wrong should be rejected. No matter how convinced one is that their choice is the right one.
My Advice – There was once a time when moral choices were decided by consulting the authority who is always right (righteous). “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.” (Exodus 21:22–23, NIV 1984). Sadly, those days are gone. Secular laws and court decisions have the power to determine what is legally permissible, but they cannot change what is morally right or wrong. So, whenever the secular laws give you the freedom to choose, choose wisely.
The Brew Is A Musing 