The Sanctity of Life

There are few people, religious or not, who do not value the gift of life. The wonder of seeing a newborn baby or grieving at the news of useless death causes us to respond emotionally. People value life even though at times it seems very difficult. The belief in the importance of preserving life is worldwide. Sometimes people may curse at life, especially when they are ill or have disabilities. The main difference between those have a religious belief and those who do not are that those with a belief see that life has an eternal purpose.

"My answer to the question 'What is the meaning of life?' is ,Love God and all that he created and to be able, as the end comes, to look back and smile." [Roy Castle]

The word sanctity means purity or holiness. When it is used to describe life it expresses the idea of the most precious thing. In the first chapter of Genesis it says that life was created by God, and that all human beings were made in his image. The taking of another person's life is a sin against God.

"You shall not kill." [Exodus 20:13 6th Commandment]

Christians believe that life is a gift from God. The purpose of life is to serve God and so we must treat all people as equal, as they are all in the image of God. In the book of Genesis (beginnings) we are told that God created the world and all things in it (Genesis 1:1 - 2:3)

"God created Humans, male and female he created them" [Genesis 1:26]
"You created every part of me, you put me together in my Mother's womb" [Psalm 139:13]

Jesus showed in his teaching that all people should be valued. Christians believe that when considering issues on life and living such as sex and sexuality, marriage, abortion, genetic engineering, embryo technology, contraception, euthanasia, suicide and life support this understanding of life should influence their decisions.

"Love your neighbour as yourself" [Mark 12:31]
"A new commandment I give to you that you love one another as I have loved you"
[John 13:34]