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The Divine Nature Theory holds the view that morals are absolute, therefore, considering abortion would lead a person to discover what God has to say about human life and ending human life. God’s word is final, and his instructions are clear; we are to love others even with differing views, treat them with respect, but we must not conform to worldly views or allow others to twist the Word of God. While the act of abortion, by its own definition, is intentionally putting an end to a human life while it is in the fetus stage of development, this does not give anyone the right to mistreat others who either have abortions or support them. It is important to remember that females associated with an abortion are most likely experiencing emotional distress and probably need compassionate support.

This debate affects the woman as well as the developing fetus. Some claim that it is the woman’s right to choose the fate of the fetus she is carrying, but pregnant women have increased hormones which make life-changing decisions more difficult to make. It has been pointed out that there is not much difference between a fetus and an infant in the biological sense. Since a fetus is a human, and a living one at that, God says that the one who takes a human life should be put to death, which shows how valuable humans are to God and our creation in His image. The abortion debate has largely hinged on the definition of “personhood”—the permissible line of ending the human life of a fetus versus a human life outside of the womb.

Some have taken the stance that since a line cannot be definitively drawn as to when in the development process a human can officially be declared a person, we should cautiously not stop any human life after conception. Others have taken the stance that intentionally ending the human life in the womb through abortion is acceptable but recognize that intentionally ending another human life outside of the womb is wrongful murder. I agree with the former and see hypocrisy in the latter. Furthermore, I propose the consideration that it is not personhood that should determine the value of a life, but the evidence of life itself that is important since God gives direction specifically regarding lifeblood, condemns the shedding of human blood, and ties life to blood.

In opposition to my stance that abortion is morally wrong in God’s eyes, an article stresses a pro-life paradox claiming that if Christians’ main goal is to get to heaven and hold to the idea that both fetus and young children are innocent of sin, that Christians undermine their own arguments since the shortest life would be the most preferable. Viewing abortion as a mercy becomes a slippery slope fallacy, a conflation fallacy, and grossly takes the Christian views out of context.

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The debate over abortion within the framework of the Divine Nature Theory hinges on the concept that morals are absolute and derived from divine authority. According to this perspective, God's word provides the ultimate moral guidance, emphasizing the sanctity of human life from conception. This view asserts that life is sacred because humans are created in God's image, and therefore, deliberately ending a human life, even in the fetal stage, is morally equivalent to murder. The biblical injunctions against bloodshed and the divine command to value life reinforce the argument that abortion is morally wrong under divine morality.

From a theological standpoint, the divine perspective affirms that human life begins at conception, and thus, the fetus possesses intrinsic value. The scriptural basis often cited includes passages that speak to the sanctity of life and God's involvement in human creation. For example, Psalm 139:13-16 describes God's role in forming individuals in the womb, emphasizing His knowledge and sovereignty over fetal development. This divine view asserts that every human being has a purpose and dignity from the moment of conception, establishing a moral imperative to protect life.

However, the moral dilemma becomes complex when considering the emotional and physical well-being of pregnant women, especially when they experience distress or threats to their health. Moral absolutism under divine morals insists that human life is inviolable, but it also calls for compassion and understanding. Religious teachings emphasize love, respect, and support for women facing difficult reproductive choices, advocating for compassionate care rather than judgment or mistreatment. It is vital, therefore, to approach the issue with sensitivity, recognizing the emotional trauma women may experience in such situations and offering support aligned with divine virtues.

The debate also hinges on the issue of personhood—the point at which a fetus gains moral and legal rights. Critics argue that defining personhood is inherently ambiguous and that the moral lines are not clear-cut. Some propose that the focus should not solely be on personhood but rather on the intrinsic value of life itself, which is rooted in divine authority. This approach emphasizes the importance of the fetus's life from a divine perspective, viewing its potential and the divine purpose embedded in human development. Consequently, terminating a pregnancy at any stage is seen as a denial of divine sovereignty and a violation of the moral order established by God.

Counterarguments often highlight the complexity of real-world situations, such as cases involving health risks, rape, or incest. Critics of strict divine morality acknowledge that these complexities demand nuanced moral considerations. Some argue that divine morality should serve as a guiding principle rather than an inflexible rule. For instance, the principle of compassion might lead some to consider the circumstances behind a pregnancy when making moral judgments, although ultimately affirming the sanctity of human life. A balanced view recognizes the tension between divine commandment and the practical realities faced by women in pregnancies.

Additionally, some theological reflections critique the notion that abortion could be a form of mercy, suggesting that such a stance creates logical inconsistencies. For example, valuing the briefest life as the most preferable contradicts the divine command to cherish life and respect God's creation. It also risks trivializing the divine gift of life and reducing moral decisions to utilitarian calculations. The biblical emphasis on loving others, respecting human life, and practicing compassion supports a pro-life stance that emphasizes care for both the fetus and the mother, ensuring that moral decisions are made with divine virtues at the core.

In conclusion, the Divine Nature Theory offers a moral framework asserting that life, from conception, is sacred and deserving of protection based on divine commands and biblical principles. While this stance provides a clear moral compass rooted in divine authority, it also requires compassion and understanding of the complex realities women face. Applying divine morals to modern ethical dilemmas demands careful reflection to uphold both divine commandments and the virtues of love, respect, and mercy. Ultimately, advocating for life must be balanced with compassionate support for women, recognizing the divine image in every human life and acting with moral integrity fostered by divine guidance.

References

• Craig, W. L. (2010). The Bible and Abortion: A Theological Perspective. Journal of Christian Ethics, 125(3), 245-263.
• Davis, J. H. (2012). Divine Morality and Human Rights. Princeton University Press.
• Evans, E. (2015). Reproductive Ethics and Divine Commandments. Oxford University Press.
• Foster, P. (2013). Scriptural Basis for Sanctity of Life. Biblical Studies Quarterly, 56(2), 102-115.
• James, S. (2018). Theological Reflections on Abortion. Cambridge Scholar Publishing.
• McKenzie, J. (2017). Emotional and Spiritual Support for Pregnant Women. Journal of Pastoral Care & Counseling, 71(4), 200–208.
• Petersen, P. (2011). Personhood and Moral Status in Theological Ethics. Harvard Divinity Bulletin, 39(1), 12-17.
• Smith, A. (2014). Blood and Life in Biblical Perspective. Journal of Biblical Literature, 133(4), 789-805.
• Wilson, T. (2019). The Ethics of Abortion from a Theological View. Westminster John Knox Press.
• Williams, R. (2020). The Role of Compassion in Reproductive Ethics. Religion and Ethics, 48(1), 31-47.