As Americans prepare to celebrate the 4th of July, a day that symbolizes freedom and the inalienable rights granted by our Creator, it is imperative to reflect on the values that underpin our nation’s foundation. Among these values is the sanctity of human life, a principle deeply rooted in biblical teachings and historically recognized by our founding fathers. This reflection calls us to advocate for the abolition of abortion, an act that exemplifies the core tenets of both our faith and the foundational ideals of our country.
The Biblical Perspective on the Sanctity of Human Life
The Bible is unequivocal about the value of human life. From the earliest chapters of Genesis, the sanctity of life is affirmed: “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them” (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, Gen. 1.27). This verse underscores that every human being, from fertilization, bears the image of God and possesses inherent worth and dignity.
Furthermore, the Psalmist proclaims the intimate involvement of God in the creation of life within the womb: “For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made” (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, Ps. 139.13-14). These verses reveal that life is sacred from its very inception, a creation of divine craftsmanship.
The commandment, “You shall not murder” (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, Exod. 20.13), clearly includes the protection of innocent life. Abortion, the deliberate termination of a pregnancy, directly contravenes this command. Jeremiah 1:5 adds further weight to this argument: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you” (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, Jer. 1.5). This passage highlights that God’s relationship with an individual begins even before birth, thus affirming the personhood and sanctity of the unborn.
Historical Context and the U.S. Constitution
The Declaration of Independence, adopted on July 4, 1776, asserts that all men are “endowed by their
Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness” (Jefferson). This foundational document articulates the belief that the right to life is granted by God and not subject to governmental discretion. Abortion, which ends a nascent human life, stands in stark opposition to this principle.
The Constitution itself was framed to protect these rights. James Wilson, one of the original justices of the Supreme Court and a signer of both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, emphasized the sanctity of life in his legal writings. He stated, “With consistency, beautiful and undeviating, human life, from its commencement to its close, is protected by the common law. In the contemplation of law, life begins when the infant is first able to stir in the womb” (Wilson 104-105). This historical perspective reinforces that the protection of life was integral to America’s legal and moral framework.
Modern Statistics and the Impact of Abortion
In recent decades, the prevalence of abortion has had a profound impact on American society. According to the Guttmacher Institute, there were approximately 862,320 abortions in the United States in 2017 (“Induced Abortion in the United States”). This staggering number represents not just individual lives lost but also a broader societal desensitization to the sanctity of life.
Studies have shown that the psychological and emotional toll of abortion can be significant. Research published in the British Journal of Psychiatry found that women who underwent abortions experienced an 81% increased risk of mental health problems (Coleman 180-186). These findings highlight the farreaching consequences of abortion, extending beyond the immediate act to affect long-term well-being.
The Call for Abolition
As we commemorate Independence Day, we are reminded of the sacrifices made for the freedom and rights we enjoy today. It is a call to action to ensure that these rights are upheld for all, including the unborn. Abolition of abortion is not merely a political stance but a moral imperative rooted in the sanctity of life as revealed through Holy Scripture and the foundational principles of our nation.
The movement for abolition is gaining momentum as more people recognize the inconsistencies between the right to life enshrined in our founding documents and the practice of abortion. States like Alabama and Georgia have enacted laws aimed at significantly restricting abortion, reflecting a growing recognition of the need to protect the unborn.
Moving Forward: A Vision for a Life-Affirming Society
Abolishing abortion requires not only legislative action but also a cultural shift towards valuing and supporting life at all stages. This involves providing comprehensive support for pregnant women, such as access to healthcare, housing, and financial assistance. It also means promoting adoption as a viable and compassionate alternative to abortion.
Biblically centered Christian communities play a crucial role in this cultural transformation. Churches are uniquely positioned to offer support and resources to expectant mothers, demonstrating the love and care that underpin the sanctity of the image of God as revealed in Scripture. Initiatives like crisis pregnancy centers, counseling services, and community outreach programs are essential in creating a society that cherishes life.
Education is another vital component. By educating young people about the development of the unborn child and the moral implications of abortion as grounded in the word of God, we can foster a generation that respects and upholds the sanctity of life. Schools, both religious and secular, should incorporate teachings on the value of life and the alternatives to abortion.
Conclusion
As we celebrate the 4th of July, let us recommit ourselves to the principles that define our nation: life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The abolition of abortion is a crucial step in affirming the sanctity of life, a value deeply rooted in biblical teachings and reflected in the ideals of our founding fathers. By advocating for the rights of the unborn, we honor the sacrifices made for our freedom and uphold the true spirit of Independence Day.
In doing so, we can create a society that not only protects but cherishes every human life, from fertilization to natural death. This vision is both a moral imperative and a fulfillment of the promise of our great nation. Let us stand together, guided by Scripture and following the principles of our founding fathers, to ensure that the right to life is upheld for all.
Works Cited
- The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. Crossway, 2001.
- Jefferson, Thomas. “The Declaration of Independence.” 4 July 1776. National Archives, www.archives.gov/founding-docs/declaration-transcript.
- Wilson, James. “Lectures on Law.” The Works of the Honourable James Wilson, vol. 1, edited by Bird Wilson, Bronson and Chauncey, 1804, pp. 104-105.
- Guttmacher Institute. “Induced Abortion in the United States.” Guttmacher Institute, Sept. 2019, www.guttmacher.org/fact-sheet/induced-abortion-united-states.
- Coleman, Priscilla K. “Abortion and Mental Health: Quantitative Synthesis and Analysis of Research Published 1995-2009.” The British Journal of Psychiatry, vol. 199, no. 3, 2011, pp. 180-186.
