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Christian Ethical Theories and Abortion
Andrea F. Thaxton
October 8, 2020
Capstone Essay
ETHC 101-B01
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Table of Contents
Introduction............................................................................................................................................. 3
Metaethics ............................................................................................................................................... 3
Application ............................................................................................................................................. 7
Conclusion .............................................................................................................................................. 9
Bibliography ......................................................................................................................................... 10
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Introduction
The overall outcome I hope to achieve by writing this paper is answering the question, “Should
Christians be pro-choice or prolife?” In order to effectively answer this question, we must utilize
our moral beliefs systems to evaluate our stance. By defining, comparing, contrasting, and
combining various ethical theories to help arrive at my destination. I will apply this theory to the
topic of abortion. I will explain my view, as a Christian on why I believe this topic, while subject
to debate, is immoral.
By defining my ethical theory and applying it to the topic of abortion, my goal is to
communicate my position as a Christian. I will compare, contrast, and define the Social Contract
Theory, Ethical Egoism, and Divine Nature. I believe God would always promote life. Therefore,
my position is prolife. Although, I realize my position may differ from others, my goal is not to
persuade you the reader to side with me. It is to be able to effectively articulate the reason I
believe wholeheartedly abortion is against the will of God.
Metaethics
First, I will describe the Social Contract Theory, Ethical Egoism, and Divine Nature. Social
Contract theory simply means that one’s moral beliefs are influenced by culture. This is a social
contract held by each society. Ethical Egoism implies that an individual acts according to their
own self interests. Or in other terms, only having your personal interests considered regarding
moral dilemmas. Divine Nature is a combination of principles of the Divine Command Theory
and Moral Realism. Divine Nature Theory asserts God is the standard. As a Christian, in my
opinion it is the strongest of the metaethical theories.
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“Social Contract Theory argues that our idea of what is moral is the result of an implicit
agreement between the members of a society that facilitates the functioning of that society.”i In
my opinion this approach or view is necessary to a certain degree. Some would consider a good
quality of this system is that an agreement establishes moral concepts and rules on how one
should govern themselves. A prime example of a social contract is the U.S. Constitution. Without
the United States Constitution where would we be? However, this cannot be the only guidelines
we morally should follow as Christians. Just because something is legal does not mean we
should do it. As Christians we only have one standard and that is God.
Ethical Egoism or acting upon one’s own self-interest is abstruse. I believe this approach
is problematic. Morally for some, this would be deemed appropriate. As for Christians, I think it
should be the complete opposite. Ethical Egoism challenges the existence of God in its entirety.
As Christians, we cannot support any theory that defies the risen savor. The views of those who
practice/believe egoism can be contributed to background, culture, upbringing and his or her
belief system. My assertion is this theory would create a “crab in the barrel” mentality. Every
man would seek self-gratification and would be consumed with what is beneficial to that
individual. I do not think this would be society Christians would want to live in.
Divine Nature suggest God is the standard. Christians have an example of what is
morally sound, because of God. We are to be Christ-like. God’s word, commandments, and his
nature are all components of the Divine Nature Theory. The nature of God, or his characteristics
are all endearing. God’s existence, scriptures, walk and the Bible are all proof and a standard we
must follow. Simply explained, God has gifted us with a template to follow on our journey. A
guide of what to do morally. As a Christian, I am thankful for an example of which to guide my
moral compass.
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As Christians we should be careful how we discredit other theories regarding morality. It
is evident we have an obligation to follow the standards and teachings of Christ. We must also
recognize the diversity of the world in which we inhabit. It is our moral duty to educate, share
the teachings of Christ and be just in our dealings. In the same token, we also must be free from
judgement. We cannot expect that others will just fall in line and implement the same belief
systems morally as we do just for the sake of it. It is imperative we share with love, a sound
mind, and rationale that supports our stance.
For instance, Social Contract Theories are a necessity to have a civilized society. Without
the contracts, including laws implemented in our society, there could be a rule less existence.
That could potentially wreak havoc, as there would be no formal requirements or policies of
which humans would have to adhere to. Without the Constitution, which I earlier accessed as an
example of a social contract, where would we be? “The Constitution of the United States of
America is the supreme law of the United States. Empowered with the sovereign authority of the
people by the framers and the consent of the legislatures of the states, it is the source of all
government powers, and also provides important limitations on the government that protect the
fundamental rights of United States citizens.”ii While this is true, should we as Christian follow
this theory in regards to ethical dilemmas we face? No, we should not. This is not a viable option
for us as we cannot be bound by only standards for which the law asserts are correct. Social
contracts, such as the U.S. Constitution only serve as an overall basis of how society should
govern themselves accordingly. It does not contain the standards for which God would have us to
regulate ourselves morally. The same could be argued for Ethical Egoism. Ethical Egoism is self-
serving. It deems that one should base its moral compass on that which is best for its own
interests. This approach could cloud one’s ability to adequately consider how one choice could
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negatively affect another individual. For example, an egoist could face an ethical dilemma and
only contemplate how the choice of their actions would potentially benefit themselves. They
would not take into consideration the possible outcomes that would come from self-seeking
behaviors. Is this approach feasible at all? How can we be moral and just in our dealings if we do
not consider how our actions or choices will affect others? As Christians we must consider the
standard. Through general revelation, scripture, God’s nature, and the Bible our compelled to
consider others. To exhibit the love of God is imperative. Can we exhibit the love of Christ being
selfish? No, we cannot therefore, Divine Nature theory is the strongest of the ethical theories, I
have addressed previously. Divine Nature is modified version of two systems combined. It
includes a combination of principles of the Divine Command Theory and Moral Realism.
Because of some recognized issues related to these two theories. Divine Nature Theory was
formed to enhance the strengths of the theory. “This theory combines elements of Divine
Command Theory and Moral Realism. It does so in a way that shows the Euthyphro Dilemma to
be a false dilemma, for there is a workable third option. Divine Nature Theory denies that
morality is arbitrarily determined by God’s choices, for if morality reflects the unchanging nature
of God, then no choice is necessary in order to determine what is right.”iii
Application
Now I will apply my selection of the strongest ethical theory to an applied ethics issue. The topic
I selected is abortion. Therefore, I will use the Divine Nature theory to analyze abortion, as
morally unethical. My objective is to showcase how a Christian ethic can apply the
aforementioned subject to an applied ethics issue. Abortion is a widely debated topic. The reason
I choice this topic was I was genuinely interested about what justifications those who make the
decision to abort consider. I was also eager to learn more about abortion from an ethical
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standpoint. I am aware the opinions of others may differ from my own. Therefore, I will also
attempt to consider possible objections to my methodology.
Abortion is “the termination of a pregnancy after, accompanied by, resulting in, or
closely followed by the death of the embryo or fetus.”iv As a Christian my approach to the ethical
dilemma of abortion is prolife. Life is precious and should be treated as such. Regardless of
variables, when presented with the choice of whether one deserves life, we should follow the
ethical theory of Divine Nature. The choices we make can be a result of a multitude of reasons.
For instance, our actions could be egotistic, for other people, for the good of all or for God. As
Christians, our moral compass should always be rooted in the nature of God. God always affirms
life and love. God is love. Scripture outlines the standard regarding abortion. The bible states,
“There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a
lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that
make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord.”v This
verse tells us as Christians that God hates the shed of innocent blood. Children are
innocent. Even while being carried in their mother’s womb. They are to be protected at all costs.
Having an abortion is shedding innocent blood. “This is because the pro-life position is usually
predicated on the conviction that abortion ends not merely the life of a collection of tissues but
the life of a person.”vi Therefore, morally we have a standard to adhere to. The bible gives us
substance to support our position. Consequently, abortion should never be the answer. The
Divine Nature Theory suggests that God is the standard. Thus, we must be prolife. Christians are
to spread the gospel and encourage those who do not know the word of God. As a result, we
should offer counsel and support to those who may be considering this quandary.
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All Christians may not be prolife. Their position could be one of prochoice. The stage of
when life begins is a deeply debated subject. This key subject matter is the basis for the rationale
used by some to argue prochoice. If one could argue that an embryo is not a living soul, then in
their belief system, abortion would not constitute murder. As a Christian, following the principles
of Divine Nature, one asserts that God is good. Hence, everything he creates is good as well.
God creates all life. Scripture states, “For by Him were all things created that are in heaven and
that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones or dominions or principalities or
powers: all things were created by Him and for Him.”vii My interpretation of this scripture
concludes, all things, even an embryo or fetus is considered to be a creation of God. As humans
can only procreate if God allows it. If its not the will of God for a woman and a man to produce
offspring, it will not occur. Some woman become impregnated due to no fault of their own.
Whether unwilling, through rape or molestation, the infant is still good. The life of an infant
matters despite how they came to be. While the situation from how they were conceived may be
controversial and sinful, the child that derives from this type of trauma still deserves to live. The
mother of this child could be faced with the choice of birthing or aborting the child. Alternatives
are available for the mother facing this predicament besides abortion, including adoption. There
are a multitude of families who would love to welcome a child into their home. On the other
hand, there will be some who believe in the Ethical Egoism. One could argue due to this ethical
theory abortion could be moral. Ethical Egoism can be described as acting in one’s own best
interest. A pregnant mother facing a health problem may have to choose between her own life
and the life of her unborn child. This ethical theory would serve as justification for this mother in
this situation. Basically, this principle would mean in this instance abortion is warranted, because
the mother is considering her own interests. Is she correct? Would abortion be a rational or moral
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decision in this scenario? The right outcomes of our choices are not always
apparent. Subsequently, ethical egoism does not prove to be an effective method, for me as a
Christian. Finally, it is up to us individuals to seek our own truth regarding the value of human
life. Who is correct?
Conclusion
Ultimately, my goal was to showcase one perspective of the Christian ethical theory, Divine
Nature and apply it to the ethical dilemma of abortion. I believe I was able to give an adequate
depiction of my methodology without bias. I am familiar with the diversity that exists in our
nation. Therefore, I realize not all of us think, feel, or agree on the many ethical dilemmas we
face daily, as stated earlier. However, I believe I provided an in-depth explanation for my
personal morality standards. I also attempted to consider possible alternatives using different
scenarios we may encounter. However, as a Christian, it is imperative we are not swayed due to
outside voices or influences. Our direct guide is Christ. God is the source of all that is good. The
standard of God is the source from where we should always seek moral guidance. When in
doubt, we can pray, seek counsel, turn to scripture, or wait for the general revelation of God.
Without judgment, share the good news of Christ’s word to the unbeliever and help them when
dealing with ethical issues. There are none of us that are perfect. But we must strive to be
Christlike daily.
Bibliography
i Jones. (2017). Moral Reasoning: An Intentional Approach to Distinguishing Right from Wrong. [Liberty University Online
Bookshelf]. Retrieved from https://libertyonline.vitalsource.com/#/books/9781524946562/
ii Our Government the Constitution, accessed October 9, 2020, https://www.whitehouse.gov/about-the-white-house/the-
constitution/?utm_source=link.
iii Jones. (2017). Moral Reasoning: An Intentional Approach to Distinguishing Right from Wrong. [Liberty University
Online Bookshelf]. Retrieved from https://libertyonline.vitalsource.com/#/books/9781524946562/
iv In Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary. “Abortion,” accessed October 10, 2020, http://www.merriam-
webster.com/dictionary/abortion
v Pro. 6:16-19 ESV
vi Jones. Moral Reasoning: An Intentional Approach to Distinguishing Right from Wrong. Kendall Hunt Publishing, 2017.
[Liberty University Online Bookshelf].
vii Col. 1:16
