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When did Catholics start believing that life started at conception?
Generally, the Jewish religion believe that life begins when the majority of the baby has left the birth canal. Or, that life begins at birth. Also, they are taught that abortion is wrong except when exceptional circumstances - such as the life of the mother being in danger.
Since much of the Catholic teachings come from the Jewish tradition and beliefs, when did the belief that life started at conception begin for Catholics? Is it embodied in the New Testament? Did these teachings occur later? If so, when?
Since the Psalms are part of the Jewish canon, how did Catholics end up with different beliefs?
I have researched each of the answers and their sources. Many of the answers don't really answer the question. Many of these sources are simply opinions of other people. Or the sources claim "facts" that cannot be independently substantiated.
In my research, it appears that the belief that life begins earlier than childbirth dates to Aristotle and is universal among all early Christian teachings - including the Didache.
This appears to be the best forum on the topic:
9 Answers
- 1 decade agoFavorite Answer
The Catholic faith is born out of the fulfillment of the prophecies of the Jewish faith. If the Catholic Church interpreted all of scripture as the Jews do....we'd be Jewish. Christ gave the Church the Holy Spirit to guide her, and with that guide she interprets the scripture.
I don't know the actual time it became the mantra that it is today, but as society has changed and accepted certain things, the Church has responded by defining teachings and understanding of God's will for us.
Over time it has been defined that life begins at conception, this is based on the interpretation and understanding of scripture and the plan it paints of God's will for us. Catholic understanding includes the words and example of Christ, whereas Jewish understanding does not.
- Anonymous1 decade ago
Catholics started believing that life begins at conception as soon as the scientific process of conception became clearly understood.
The Bible explains little about it.
The Jews are certainly not authoritative.
The Church, enlightened by authentic theology and science, is.
- Anonymous1 decade ago
When the Blessed Virgin Mary visited her pregnant cousin Elizabeth, St. John the Baptist jumped in her womb knowing that Christ was near him. This shows the unborn children were alive.
- lilmissykatoLv 41 decade ago
Jew's, the ones I know, believe life starts before the actual birth.
Source(s): Lives with a rabbi every summer - How do you think about the answers? You can sign in to vote the answer.
- ~♥Anna♥~Lv 51 decade ago
I sincerely hope that you are not asking this question because of your baby due in December.
But yes, it's in the bible, the OT and NT.
Watch this video for some beautiful verses:
http://www.fathersloveletter.com/fllvideos.html
PS Catholics are not the original Christians either.
- 6 years ago
Pro-Lifers assert that "The Bible teaches us that life begins at conception." In fact, the Bible teaches no such thing.
- Anonymous1 decade ago
from the Bible.
"For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother's womb." Psalm 139:13
- wheeliebinLv 61 decade ago
I think that conception is the most logical place for life to begin, don't you?
- Michelle RLv 61 decade ago
1869.
That's when Pope Pius IX first issued the declaration.
Until then, it wasn't what any Christians believed, and if Jesus was actually a rabbi, it wouldn't have been what he believed either.
Source(s): http://everything2.com/e2node/Quickening
