Abortion is not a new sin. The Early Church stood strongly against the murder of the unborn as evidenced by these declarations:
“Life begins with conception, because we contend that the soul begins at conception. Life begins when the soul begins.”
- Tertullian (AD c. 160 – c. 225)
“You shall not procure an abortion or kill a newborn child.”
- The Didache (AD c. 70 – c. 120)
“Those also who give drugs causing abortions are murderers themselves, as well as those who receive the poison which kills the fetus.”
- Basil the Great (AD c. 329 – 379)
“There are also women among you [non-Christians] who, by taking certain drugs destroy the beginnings of the future human being while it is still in the womb and are guilty of infanticide before they are mothers…”
- Minucius Felix (writings AD c. 160 – 300)
“Thous shalt not slay the child by procuring abortion; nor, again, shalt thou destroy it after it is born.”
- Letter of Barnabas (AD 74)
“Wherefore I beseech you, flee fornication. . . . Why sow where the ground makes it its care to destroy the fruit?—where there are many efforts at abortion?—where there is murder before the birth? For even the harlot you do not let continue a mere harlot, but make her a murderess also. You see how drunkenness leads to prostitution, prostitution to adultery, adultery to murder; or rather to a something even worse than murder. For I have no name to give it, since it does not take off the thing born, but prevents its being born. Why then do thou abuse the gift of God, and fight with his laws, and follow after what is a curse as if a blessing, and make the chamber of procreation a chamber for murder, and arm the woman that was given for childbearing unto slaughter? For with a view to drawing more money by being agreeable and an object of longing to her lovers, even this she is not backward to do, so heaping upon thy head a great pile of fire. For even if the daring deed be hers, yet the causing of it is thine”
- John Chrysostom (AD c. 347–407)
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Interesting. Thanks for this
James
Would abortion be prefered over what [a father] did to his own young son? Just asking.
What he did to his own young son was just a “moral failure”. He lost his credentials and his respectable staff position.
What would the early Church fathers say about such a sin? Would they say it was just a moral failure. I hope not.
Charles
Dear James,
Thanks for these quotes. First time I have seen the Early Church Fathers quoted regarding abortion. It shows the consistency with which the church has delt with the subject, that is until the 20th century. Shame on us!
As far as Biblical examples, what do you think regarding Jeremiah 2:34?
Good slooge, brother, as always.
P.S. I had a few White Castles in your honor this past weekend at the Cardinals game against the Cubbies.
Still in 1st place, I might add.
Good words James. We do tend to think that this issue only arose in 1973 . . . but the Church of Jesus has spoken against this sin for much longer, as you demonstrate.
Charles – the condemnation of homosexuality is found not only in the OT and NT, but also in the writings of the Early Church / Church Fathers. For example, The Didache [AD 70] declares, “you shall not commit pederasty.” Figures such as Justin Martyr, Clement of Alexandria, Tertullian, Cyprian of Carthage, Eusebius of Caesarea, Basil the Great, John Chrysostom and Augustine all spoke clearly against such practice.
IMO, what that man did was more than “moral failure.” It was much, much more heinous!
Bob – I believe that verse is a definite reference to abortion. Yes, the Church has been consistent throughout history on this subject. It is unfortunate, as Bill points out, that we think of this evil as being only a few decades old.
Gunny – I have no doubt the Castles were nearly as excellent as the Cards. Did you consume them under Throcket?
James
Can you imagine how “that man” could do what he did and then fullfill his duties? How could a man be so divided? I’m sure all of us at times struggle with conflicts but to such a degree as this baffles my mind.
Charles
Great quotes James, nice job!
God be with you,
Dan