An LDS perspective on the Calvinist view of abortion
An evangelical perspective on the LDS view of abortion
A Christian Calvinist on abortion (just a soundbite)
Let me in addition today, add a few words by Werner Gitt from his book, In the beginning was information (Master Books, 2006).
I am fascinated by his description of the development of human embryos. (Presently, we have two pregnant mothers in our church family.)
The wonders which occur during the nine-month gestation period are unsurpassable. During the first four weeks of the new life, billions of cells are formed, and they arrange themselves according to a fascinating plan to shape the new human being. Around the 15th day, a dramatic new development occurs: the first blood vessels appear. A few days later another wonderful event takes place: Within the tiny breast of the 1.7 mm long embryo two blood vessels join to form the heart, which begins to pump blood through the miniscule body before the end of the third week. The tiny new heart provides the developing brain with blood and oxygen. In the fourth month, the heart of the fetus’ already pumps almost 8 gallons (30 liters) of blood per day, and at birth this volume will be 92 gallons (350 liters).
In the embryonic stage, lungs, eyes, and ears develop, although they are not used yet. After two months, the embryo is only three to four centimeters long. It is so small that it could literally fit inside a walnut shell, but even at this stage all organs are already present. During the following months the organs increase in size and assume the eventual shape. . . .
How is it possible that embryonic development does not entail a disorderly growth of cells, but is systematic and purposeful according to a set timetable? A precise plan, in which all stages are programmed in the finest detail, underlies all these processes. In this case also, information is the overall guiding factor.
The incredible design is a marvel to this Southeastern Idaho spud. And I am thankful to live in an LDS community that is pro-life. I am glad my wife can minister as a nurse in the Women’s Center of the Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center that is pro-life.
As I reflect this week, I am thankful for my little neck of the woods in America.
Thinking of heart issues . . .
Jesus in Idaho Falls 
Speaking of babies . . .
In “My Own Private Idaho” blog, these little ones are beautiful.
http://lchan.blogspot.com/2008/01/four-months.html
I think both your Mormon perspective on Calvinist abortion theology and your Calvinist perspective on Mormon abortion theology links are deplorable (I’m not blaming you on this). I don’t think God will excuse fighting in the pro-life ranks on the grounds that we were fighting about theology. Anyone who wants to save these little ones is an ally and a brother to me.
I appreciate this post, sir, and your comment on my post.
Geez A. Greenwood — deplorable? The BCC post does not argue that Mormons shouldn’t be pro-life; it just examines whether they can be comfortable with the reasons that Evangelicals might be pro-life.
I refined the argument from the main post a bit in comment # 150. As you can see, eliminating the Calvinist element still produces the same thesis. People argued convincingly that no Evangelicals actually believe that babies who die without accepting Jesus in their hearts are damned in hell.
Why is the post deplorable? Is the mere discussion of ideas that you don’t agree with deplorable?
I don’t think the theology matters on the issue of abortion since we largely end up at the same place anyway – however we got there.
I do think it matter on these “bonus issues” that the pro-life movement has latched onto – such as the “morning after pill” or stem cell research (or birth control in general). There you are probably going to see the Mormons part ways with the rest of the pro-life movement and the theology does seem to matter in reaching this conclusion.
By the way Todd, I never really asked… are you Calvinist at all or more Arminian? Or something else? I know you mentioned that you aren’t a hard-core Calvinist, but….
Just thought I’d ask.