Expert: Bruce Gourley - 9/25/2006

Question
Hello there!  I was wondering if I could get your opinion (for/against) on these two controversial subjects.  I am a college student, and I need to do research on this and your feedback would be helpful.  Thankyou for your time.  Beth

Answer
There is no one official Baptist position on either issue. The Bible itself does does not state when life begins, nor does it directly address the issue of abortion. On the other hand, the Old Testament discusses justice in terms of "an eye for an eye and a life for a life," while in the New Testament Jesus teaches forgivness, mercy and turning the "other cheek." It is my opinion (as merely one Baptist) that a consistent "pro-life" ethic means opposing abortion after the point of life (at the least, when the heart begins beating) and opposing the death penalty.

Bruce Gourley
www.brucegourley.com
www.baptistlife.com