Why are Christians pro-life when it comes to abortion while at the same time in favor of the death penalty and supportive of war?

Answer

The main issue with this question is that it tries to establish a moral equivalence among abortion, the death penalty or capital punishment, and war. There is no comparison between an innocent baby’s life being taken in the womb and a convicted murderer being executed. A baby in the womb has not committed any crime. The death penalty should be used only for the most heinous crimes. The death penalty was established by God: “Whoever sheds man’s blood, by man his blood shall be shed; for in the image of God He made man.” (Genesis 9:6), and governments are given the authority by God to enforce it (Romans 13:1-7). It is entirely consistent to support protecting the life of an innocent baby in the womb while advocating for the execution of those who commit the most evil crimes.

Regarding war, the notion that Christians are “pro-war” is inaccurate. No Christian should ever promote war. However, there are situations where war may be necessary, as seen in the wars and battles described in Scripture (such as in the book of Joshua). Christians should only endorse a “just war.” While it can be debated whether a specific war is just, the belief that war is never justified is not a valid perspective for Bible-believing Christians.

Christians should consistently uphold a pro-life stance. Nevertheless, being pro-life does not mean being against all forms of death in every circumstance. If someone commits murder, the appropriate punishment is to end the life of the perpetrator. This actually affirms the value of life. Those who intentionally take a life through murder should face the death penalty – demonstrating clear support for the sanctity of life.

It is essential to value life. The same applies to war. Although war is never a pleasant option, in the appropriate “just war” situations, it actually preserves more lives than it takes. At times, the most effective way to uphold the value of life is to terminate the lives of those who aim to annihilate life.

In conclusion, it is entirely coherent for Christians to advocate for life in the context of abortion and simultaneously endorse the death penalty and wars that are unequivocally just.