The Table, a publication of Ashland Theological Seminary, asked us alumni to respond to the following question: "The phrase 'sanctity of life' is thrown about in the media with little or no consistency. How would you define 'sanctity of life'? What social issues should Christians be concerned about?" Here's my attempt at a short answer!
From my point of view, "Sanctity of Life" is chief among the Creation Ordinances. Like Marriage, Work, and Sabbath, Life is ordained and ordered by God. The Creation Ordinances are a recognition of God's design and intent for His creation from the very beginning. Even before the Mosaic law, the etchings of these ordinances were in our very being. In the ordinances, we recognize God's right to rule. Questions like "When does life begin?," "How is marriage defined?" or "What welfare reform would best honor the image of God in man?" are Creation Ordinance questions. Our answers to these questions either bow to the will and intent of our Maker or exhibit our rebellion. Perhaps one legacy of Darwin, as we celebrate his 200th birthday, is that society no longer has answers to these questions.
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