Originally Posted by atm_73
I can't speak for GS, but I will try and answer your question. I'm not sure if GS has ever claimed that God has "spoked to him" as some do, but I can say that the Bible says that it is God's final and complete word to mankind (2 Pet 1:3, Heb 1:1-2, 2 Tim 3:16-17, etc). For those of us who believe the Bible's claim of inspiration, that means that God has commanded us on a moral and spiritual plane how we ought to conduct ourselves in this life. Morality is not "based on men's opinions" as you said earlier, we believe it to be based on God's set standard that he spoke to the human family, and implanted inside our hearts (also known as our conscience). Granted, some do skew the message, like an article I have that was published in a Seattle newspaper where a religious "leader" declared that Lev 18:22 was not an Old Testament prohibition on homosexuality. I had no idea how he would pull this one off, and he went on to say that it meant that homosexual intercourse would be in violation of God's law if it were done in the same position... So yes, some DO twist morality to fit their liking, but the scriptures' stand on it is pretty strait forward.
As far as abortion goes, I'll try to give you the cliff's notes version:
Those who believe the Bible believe that God Himself breaths into man the breath of life, and causes man to be a living soul (Gen 1-2). Since God is the Author of life, then he also is the Authority over it. We view life as a sacred gift from God, and we believe that life begins at conception. There are several Scriptures that agree with the viewpoint that life begins before birth (Psa 139:13-16, Lk 1:15, 41, & 44, Jer 1:5). Since God has given life, humans have no right to take life (unless that right is given by God - ex: death for crimes [Rom 13:1-ff]). I believe that from the moment two zygotes combine to form a fertilized egg, that life has begun, and that life is sacred. Once life has begun, what right do we have to end it? In my mind, the biggest difference between pro-choice and pro-life is "when does life begin?" If you believe that it is before birth, then you are violating God's constant decrees in Scripture for the preservation of life. Most of the appeals that I hear for abortion (or choice, if you'd like), come on an emotional level - girl is not old enough, no income support, etc... However, the VAST majority of "unwanted" pregnancies are a result of "wanted sex". There are very few cases of pregnancy by rape or incest versus those who are just a result of a poor choice on a night out. If that 5 day, 5 week, or 5 month old child is alive, what right do I have to end that life when my bad decision was the catalyst for it being here? What I don't understand, and what I would like an answer to is this: On what basis to pro-abortion advocates who consider themselves "Christian" justify their conviction? Do you not believe that life begins until birth? If not, what is it, I would honestly like to know.
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