"Begetting" and the "Life" of the Unborn

"Begetting" and the "Life" of the Unborn
Tim Haile, for the Parkway church of Christ

Discussions about abortion often lead to discussions about when life begins. This discussion then leads to questions about individuality and the quality of the unborn life. Science forces some to admit that “life” begins at conception, but they remain unwilling to admit that this unborn life is qualitatively equal to the life of one that is born.

On this question of life, Science agrees with the Bible. Science tells us that the transfer of genetic information occurs at fertilization. 23 chromosomes from the female combine with 23 chromosomes from the male. Personal human traits are constructed from these chromosomes. And yes, we can safely say that peculiar “individual” traits are so constructed, and that the process begins immediately!

The genealogical records of the Bible speak repeatedly of males “begetting” children (see Genesis 5). For example, Genesis 5:3 tells us that Adam, “begat a son in his own likeness, after his own image, and called his name Seth.” This language has confused some readers, for all know that women are the ones who give birth to children. Some Bible critics have actually cited these “begetting” passages to allege that the Bible is chauvinistic. These critics are wrong. Those who believe in the verbal inspiration of the Scriptures accept the phrase, but some have failed to appreciate its real significance. When the Bible speaks of a man “begetting sons an daughters,” it is using language that is technically accurate. Seth was “in the likeness” of Adam due to the genetic coding that he received from the 23 chromosomes contained in Adam’s sperm. The father is credited, as he should be, with his particular reproductive role. When the Bible speaks of a male begetting children it is referring to the fertilization process. The fertilized egg migrates to the woman’s womb, hence Bible references to the baby in the womb (Gen. 25:23; Jer. 1:5; Lk. 1:41, 42).

Here is another instance where Bible believers must not fear science. The Bible never contradicts genuine science. And there should be no question about the nature of the life in the mother’s womb – it is a human individual! (more thoughts on this next week)

View past articles at http://parkwayarticles.blogspot.com. Please join us for worship and Bible study at our building located at 125 Hilltopper Ave, Bowling Green, KY 42101. We meet each Sunday at 10:00AM and 6:00PM for worship, and Sundays at 9:00AM and Wednesdays at 7:00PM for Bible study. Our radio program is aired each Sunday morning at 8:00AM on the WKCT 930AM band. Phone: (270) 842-2049 – Email: timhaile@mac.com.