What is the Rationale?
On one hand, we have the California state Supreme Court ruling that an
assault on a pregnant woman which kills her unborn child is murder. Note Exodus
21:22-25.
Yet on the other hand, this same woman (and those that help her) can
snuff out the life of that same unborn child through abortion, and not be held
accountable. This, we are told, is the right of privacy a woman has regarding her
own body.
If the unborn baby (embryo or fetus) is growing, then it is alive. Intentionally
taking its life is murder.
In Washington state, the law against assisting a person's suicide
(self-murder) was struck down. The Roe vs. Wade decision was used as an
analogy to show that the taking of one's life is as private of a matter as that of
abortion. The judge said the law violated the 14th Amendment by restricting a
person's liberty. Oregon and Montana also allow doctors and others to assist in
suicides. "Death with dignity" and "The right-to-die" are their mottos. How sad.
Will euthanasia: the killing (with or without their consent) of the aged,
handicapped, and others who are deemed a burden to society be next? Put
another way - it is allowing selfishness and personal interest to blind us of our
moral obligations and the sanctity of life. It is allowed in the Netherlands where
even the mentally handicapped & terminally ill have been killed. In 1996 there
were 900 cases in which doctors carried out euthanasia without the patient's
consent! No wonder people in Holland are afraid to go to the hospital.
The lack of consideration for human life is due in large part to the influence
and acceptance of the theory of evolution by society. To evolutionists, humans are
merely on a higher level in the animal chain. Thus, since we put pets to sleep and
put down live stock when old, sick, feeble or incapacitated why not do the same
with people when they get old, are in pain, no longer a benefit to society or a
burden on the family?
No matter what federal, state or local laws allow, the intentional taking of
an innocent life is murder. It is contrary to God's law. (Proverbs 6:16-17; Exodus
20:13; Romans13:9).
Since we are made in the image of God and He gave us life (Genesis
1:26-27; 2:7), we should be concerned with improving the quality of life rather than
ending it as quickly as possible. No, we can't extend life (Matthew 6:27; Psalm
90: 10) but we are capable of seeing to it that our time spent here on earth is
productive and profitable (2 Peter 1:5-8).
We are told to think on the good things of life (Philippians 4:8) and be
involved in doing good for ourselves and others, caring for those who need help
(Galatians - 6: 10). It is far better to assist the afflicted - giving loving care and
showing compassion (Matthew 5:7; James 1:27; Romans 15: 1) than to ponder
upon ways to do in that which is the focal point of God's love (1 John 4:7-12).
-Jack Zieser
