In modern discourse, it is sometimes claimed that Christian opposition to abortion is a relatively recent phenomenon, spurred by political movements such as the Moral Majority in the late 20th century. Critics argue that prior to this, abortion wasn’t a central concern for Christians. This assertion, however, is historically inaccurate. From the earliest days of the Church, Christians have consistently and resolutely condemned abortion as a grave sin, equating it to murder. The teachings of the early church fathers and Christian texts from the first few centuries provide clear and undeniable evidence that opposition to abortion is deeply rooted in Christian doctrine, not a new invention of modern political conservatism.
The Early Church’s Condemnation of Abortion
From the very beginning of Christianity, followers of Jesus maintained a profound respect for life, and this extended to unborn children. One of the earliest Christian documents, the Didache, sometimes referred to as "The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles," was written around the first century. It contains straightforward instructions to Christians, including a clear prohibition against abortion. The Didache says, “You shall not murder a child by abortion nor kill that which is begotten.” This instruction, given to early Christian converts, demonstrates that the pro-life stance was a foundational aspect of Christian ethics and was firmly in place even before the New Testament was fully canonized.
Another early Christian figure, Tertullian (c. 155–240 AD), a theologian and apologist, echoed the same sentiments. In his defense of the Christian faith titled Apology, Tertullian equates abortion with murder, declaring, “It does not matter whether you take away a life that is born or destroy one that is coming to birth. In both instances, destruction is murder.” Tertullian’s words not only demonstrate the early Christian abhorrence of abortion but also reflect the understanding that life begins at conception, a belief central to Christian ethics even today.
Basil of Caesarea, a prominent fourth-century bishop and theologian, also condemned abortion unequivocally. In one of his writings, he pronounced, “A woman who deliberately destroys a fetus is answerable for murder.” He further emphasized that any Christian who facilitated or performed an abortion was to be treated as a murderer in the eyes of the Church. Basil’s pronouncements confirm that opposition to abortion wasn’t an isolated belief but part of the larger Christian moral framework during his time.
A Countercultural Stance
One of the key points often overlooked in discussions of early Christian views on abortion is how countercultural these beliefs were. Pagan societies in the Greco-Roman world often practiced abortion, infanticide, and exposure of unwanted infants, which were seen as acceptable ways to manage family size or address economic concerns. The early Christians, however, distinguished themselves from these practices by steadfastly affirming the sanctity of life from conception to natural death. Their views were in stark contrast to the prevailing societal norms, which makes their stance on abortion even more notable.
While many ancient pagans viewed unborn children as disposable or as property to be controlled, Christians regarded them as individuals created in the image of God. This perspective aligned with the Jewish tradition, which also valued life from the womb. By taking a stand against abortion, early Christians offered a radical and countercultural ethic that prioritized the dignity and worth of every human life.
The Misconception of a Modern Anti-Abortion Movement
Despite this rich history of opposition to abortion, some critics claim that the Christian stance is a modern political movement fueled by evangelical leaders in the 20th century. They argue that opposition to abortion only became a prominent Christian cause in the 1970s and 1980s with the rise of the Moral Majority and other politically conservative groups.
This narrative, however, ignores nearly two millennia of Christian history. As Evan Minton points out in his article "Abortion and the Early Church," the pro-life stance is anything but new. It has been a consistent and enduring aspect of Christian teaching from the earliest centuries. Minton explains that early Christians were outspoken about the sanctity of life, condemning abortion in the strongest possible terms. Church fathers like Tertullian, Basil of Caesarea, and the teachings found in the Didache offer clear proof that Christians have regarded abortion as a serious moral evil since the birth of the Church. Any suggestion that Christian opposition to abortion is a modern political invention is simply inaccurate.
Christianity’s Enduring Ethic Of Life
The Christian position on abortion today is not a break from Christian tradition but a continuation of the long-standing Christian belief in the sanctity of life. Abortion has always been seen as incompatible with Christian teachings, and the idea that it is a recent concern is based on a misunderstanding of both Christian history and the early Church’s ethics.
What has remained consistent throughout the centuries is the Christian conviction that every life, including life in the womb, is precious and worthy of protection. Far from being a modern political issue, the Church’s stance is an expression of timeless Christian values rooted in scripture and tradition.
In light of this rich heritage, the current Christian opposition to abortion can be seen as the continuation of a long and unbroken tradition that dates back to the earliest followers of Christ. It is not a new movement; it is the echo of ancient voices reminding us that life, from its very beginning, is sacred.
For a more in-depth look at this issue I'd encourage you to read through this article from Randy Ellis Here