Welcome Caelos! I do remember you from years ago and I am glad you decided to venture back.
To start: No, the word "abortion" is not anywhere in the Bible. But babies and children are mentioned throughout the Bible and the time of their beginning (the start of life) is recognized in the womb. Throughout ALL scripture, life is recognized at conception - some babies even have been given names, gender, character and/or personality traits while still in the womb.
In scripture and for most Christians, babies in the womb are recognized EQUALLY with babies outside the womb. A six month old baby IN the womb is loved and protected the same as a six month old baby OUTSIDE the womb - location does not matter - it is a living child.
It was MAN, not God, who came up with words like "tissue" and "fetus" instead of baby or child to depersonalize the living aspect of that child within the womb.
THAT is the basis of most Christian viewpoints of abortion and that is why it is a hotly debated topic. In fact, for some it becomes the MAIN issue for choosing a president.
Next point: soldiers. Maybe you're asking about why we even have a military, if we are a Christian nation? Well, you got me there. I'm as confused as the next on that one.
We only have Old Testament writings of God's use of military force to get things done. The New Testament has NO mention of military force ordered by God at all - only Jesus' words of peace and reconciliation. He didn't speak against the military, and the only recorded interaction was with the Roman centarion asking Jesus to heal his servant.
Because of this, my PERSONAL opinion is that the military should be used for defense only. Sorry, Victor, we disagree on this. Jesus never sent any disciples out to protect people from being killed - He sent them out to reconcile them to God, the Father, and even warned His disciples they may be killed in the process. He also never told them to take up arms to defend themselves. So how much we defend ourselves is probably a pretty lengthy discussion with LOTS of different opinions!
The death penalty: It was decreed in the Old Testament by God Himself - it is part of the Law and the Old Convenant. The New Testament repealed the Law to give us Jesus and a New Convenant of Grace through the final sacrifice of Jesus Himself. Jesus died a substituary death for ALL mankind for ALL sins.
BUT... Jesus died, was executed, using the Laws of the times. He submitted to the Law, to get His Father's work done. I personally, have a hard time reconciling the death penalty with Jesus' words. I am sure there will be others with different viewpoints.
So, yes, we Americans are a hugely divided lot when it comes to the Bible, our Laws, and our elections. You will get many different answers from many different Americans, some Bible-belieing Christians, some not.
Hope you stick around...
Tue Nov 04, 2008 1:42 pm
After today we can see in which manner we are screwed, but all the arguing on other boards and between friends can end.....Plus no more lies on tv from both sides.....Just plain everyday NORMAL lies from the electric God. 
). I am a christian thrash metal freak (since the times of Deliverance and so on) and I live in Germany. Today I have logged in the first time since 4 years. So please forgive me, if I am not informed about your former discussions.
