Published on April 5, 2024, 1:02 am

There’s a widespread notion that Christians should reconsider the belief that ‘life begins at conception.’ One proponent of this idea is Bradley Onishi, who self-identifies as a former evangelical minister and has recently shared his controversial perspective in an opinion piece. His argument is not entirely convincing given its lack of substantive theological evidence.

Onishi contends that advocating for the unborn is “not settled Christian theology,” interpreting it as having outlived its political purpose. He presents the premise that life begins at conception as an interchangeable component of Christian belief. However, it’s difficult to ignore the substantial discrepancy between his view and biblical accuracy.

An examination of biblical texts shows a consistent endorsement of pro-life attitudes. Christians frame their principles and values around these irrefutable messages from God and the perfection epitomized by Jesus Christ. The author’s reliance on fallible human judgment appears misplaced when considering such divine teachings.

Family Research Council’s biblical worldview experts weighed in on this contentious issue on an episode of “Washington Watch”. In response to Onishi’s inference about abortion being primarily a political tool among Christians and Republicans, David Closson, director of FRC’s Center for Biblical Worldview, noted that the church has upheld pro-life views for centuries due to scriptural guidance.

Closson further highlighted how arguments like Onishi’s often incorrectly interpret scripture or omit biblical references altogether despite their critical importance. This approach misses key scriptural content that decisively supports a pro-life perspective, making it evident from Genesis to Revelations.

Joseph Backholm, senior fellow for Worldview and Strategic Engagement at FRC, also commented on broader patterns recognizable within such arguments. He noted how the ongoing debate over these issues is used to create uncertainty over God’s views instead of adopting clear scriptural interpretations suggesting God’s disapproval of abortion.

Both Closson and Backholm reiterate the dual scientific-spiritual nature of the pro-life movement with its roots in the 19th-century appeals from physicians to clergymen, urging them to align their theological understanding with scientific facts.

In regard to the Christian worldview, they clarify that while some issues may warrant debate among Christians, God’s stance on life is unquestionable. They cite numerous biblical passages as supports for this assertion such as Psalm 139:13-16, Luke 1:39-45, and Jeremiah 1:4-5.

Backholm warns against ambiguity interpretation when apparent, stating that reluctance to accept scriptural edicts frequently leads to individual relativism. Steering into a subjective determination of right or wrong aligns more with pagan thinking than Christianity.

Closson echoes this sentiment concluding that being a devout Christian requires discipling by God’s Word across all issues rather than adopting a flexible and subjective approach. Indeed, debates around these topics underscore the demand for trusted news reflecting a Christian worldview just as it clarifies the importance of sticking closely to real news from reliable sources about pressing social concerns.