Murder? I’m afraid that is a judgment that is a giant leap. First, it assumes that a fertilized egg is viable outside the womb, and that there is a soul associated with that fertilized egg. I do not believe that to be the case, and when a fertilized egg receives a soul is certainly an open question, which is why much of this particular debate is head of the pin mental exercise.
Not to mention what just and merciful God would, knowing the course that man would take, when science and technology allowed the procedure being discussed, much less the abortion question, allow millions upon millions of souls to have their destiny cut short because in some peoples humble opinion, fertilization equals a viable human.
The only people sadly mistaken on this thread, are those who think they speak for God, in a debate best left to his wisdom and knowledge. It is a real stretch to assume the sixth commandment has any bearing on what is being discussed here. As someone previously noted. If such thinking were to prevail no one would find themselves on the right hand of God.
...and that there is a soul associated with that fertilized egg. I do not believe that to be the case,...
Since I don't believe there is any such thing as a soul I have to agree with that. No one has ever given me a rational definition of 'soul.' But consciousness does join with the body at the moment of conception so it is a living being with a mind. The type of being it is, when it's a biological being, is determined by its DNA. The successful combining of a human sperm, human ovum and consciousness can be none other than a human being.
Not to mention what just and merciful God would, knowing the course that man would take, when science and technology allowed the procedure being discussed, much less the abortion question, allow millions upon millions of souls to have their destiny cut short because in some peoples humble opinion, fertilization equals a viable human.
By that logic; what just and merciful God would allow any of the endless and massive sufferings of the world to go on? Are you saying some suffering is fine and dandy and other suffering isn't? How did you come into possession of the knowledge of which kind is OK with God and which isn't?
The only people sadly mistaken on this thread, are those who think they speak for God, ...
Well, there you go. Pot meet kettle. Perhaps you should address your thoughts to someone who thinks God is an external self-existing being.
If such thinking were to prevail no one would find themselves on the right hand of God.
I have been told that the Bible says pretty much just that. "Many are called but few are chosen." "None are righteous, not one." ??? And so on and so forth. But, again, you will have to debate doctrinal differences with somebody who adheres to that doctrine.
What I know is that taking life is killing and killing human life has long been considered murder throughout the world by 99.9% of the world's cultures and religions. Science has confirmed, beyond all doubt or theory, that the conjunction of a human sperm and human ovum results in a living human being. By definition. No belief required.