Xinyu Addae-Lee | Christian views on abortion and buggery laws

Within the Christian community, perspectives on abortion and buggery vary, reflecting diverse interpretations of biblical teachings and moral principles. In Jamaica, these views overwhelmingly align with the pro-life and anti-buggery rhetoric, pushing firmly against any potential change to the current laws in place.

The church often shows up strong in their disagreement; pastors from all over the island submit videos, interviews, and statements outlining their position or the “Church’s” position on the matter. Whenever either of these topics rears its head in parliament, you can count on the resulting outrage from both sides of the table, and our country divides into “Christian” and “non-Christian” views. When this happens, as a Christian, I struggle with determining what my own view and position is on these matters. It is not a question of what I believe God’s position is; I am clear on that and have aligned my own life with that. What it comes down to is assessing whether I am following the example of the Pharisees or the Man from Galilee (Jesus) in using Christianity as a means to enforce laws of a country.

PHARISEES VS JESUS

One of Jesus’ most significant opposers in the Bible are the Pharisees. They frequently engaged in disputes and debates over matters of interpretation of the scriptures and the relationship between religious practice and the heart’s condition.

The Pharisees were known for their strict adherence to religious laws and regulations, often prioritising external observance and rituals. Jesus, on the other hand, emphasised the importance of love, mercy, and compassion as foundational aspects of religious practice.

The Pharisees were often quick to judge and exclude those they considered sinners or ritually impure. Jesus, however, demonstrated radical inclusivity, associating with tax collectors, prostitutes, and other marginalised individuals.

The Pharisees placed a strong emphasis on upholding their own traditions and interpretations of the law. Jesus challenged these traditions, calling people to a deeper understanding of God’s kingdom and its values.

BIBLICAL CONTEXT

As Christians, we claim to live by the laws and commandments of our faith. These are transcribed in the Bible and have been clarified by Jesus, the Son of God, from whom we get our identity. So, we must look at the scriptures and be guided by them.

Matthew 7:12, NIV 12 So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.

Luke 10:25-28, NIV 25 On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”26 “What is written in the Law?” he replied. “How do you read it?”27 He answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’”

John 13:34, NIV 34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.

Christians have chosen to govern themselves by the commandments of the Christian faith, but are we always adherent to them? It would be deeply hypocritical of us to say that we don’t go against our own convictions to suit our needs or desires or to allay our fears. Christians perpetually fall short of the standard Jesus has set and can only stand before God because of the sacrifice Jesus made for our sins of the past, present, and future. So, when I see a Christian outraged, calling for the criminalisation of sinful acts, and insisting that this is part of what our faith stands for, I cringe. The gospels primarily focus on Jesus’ teachings related to love, compassion, forgiveness, and the Kingdom of God. His example was a life that pointed us toward these things. Right and wrong, though clearly defined by Him, were never made to criminalise, demonise, isolate, or ostracise someone. Jesus spoke about the laws of the land on several occasions, emphasising the importance of obedience to civil authorities while maintaining a higher allegiance to God’s kingdom. (Matthew 22:21).

ENTER DEBATES

When we begin to enter debates about right and wrong, legal or illegal, pure or impure, we begin to follow the example of the Pharisee, prioritising external observations over the condition of the heart, judging and excluding others based on their beliefs, and upholding our own traditions and interpretations of the law. We put aside compassion, understanding, forgiveness, and love, and we are, or seem to be, hateful toward the person who holds alternate views. The fact is, even if we uphold the law of Christianity and the laws of the land and have no love towards man, we cannot claim to be Christians. Furthermore, let us look at the crimes of murder, rape, embezzlement, fraud, theft, etc. Has the illegality of these actions been effective in preventing them? Sadly, these are most prominent in Jamaica, and so it is clear that the criminal status of an act will not deter someone from doing they have determined in their mind and heart to do.

Therefore, as Christians, our interests are best served by staying out of this conversation entirely. Like Jesus, our time is limited, so we must focus our energy on the most impactful and important aspects of who we are and whom and what we represent. Love. This is the most transformative and powerful gift that gets swept aside in these discussions. We need to focus on transformation, not forced conformation and allow laws to be made through the democratic process in place.

- Dr. Xinyu Addae-Lee is a medical doctor, attorney-at-law and managing director of JAXIN limited. She wishes wishes to contribute to holistic nation building. Send feedback to services@jaxinja.com and columns@gleanerjm.com