Comparative Theology (Jan 2016)
“Right to life” in monotheistic religions
Abstract
" Right to life" as the fundamental rights of every person, from the beginning, has been important in the different schools of thought and religions, especially the monotheistic religions. In this paper, we discuss about "execution" and "abortion" as two of the most fundamental issues surrounding the "right to life", which has existed in human societies from the past to present. In Zoroastrianism, the punishment of "whip" has been more significant than other punishments, including the execution, however, in several cases, the execution is imported, such as eating human flesh, banditry, etc. Also the act of "abortion" is never excused or ignored and it is known equal murder. In Judaism, the Torah puts the execution as the punishment of manslaughter. Among other crimes based on Judaism punishable by death, include: polytheism, kidnapping, sodomy, etc. There are different opinions among Jewish scientists in the case of abortion. Some of them prohibited this act, except when the mother's life is in danger. In addition risk for the mother, some others allow abortion for the reason of genetic diseases as well, and some recognize right to abortion just for mothers. In Christianity, the laws are more moral than criminal and penal. Perhaps only in the case of apostasy, the execution is prescribed. However, in the thirteenth century, church announced death as punishment of heresy, so it could not be rooted in original Christian faith. In Catholics and Protestants view, the embryo, from the moment of conception, is the perfect man with the right to life. Therefore, abortion is prohibited and punishable by apostasy known. Of course, there are other opposite opinions between different Christian schools. In Islam, the execution as criminal law divides into three types: retaliatory execution runs against murder, the penalty execution runs against some crimes such as sexual assault, working against religion and social security, etc., and the sentence execution determined by religious ruler. Most of Shiite jurists believe that abortion is forbidden except when the mother's life is in danger and spirit of the fetus is not blown. At the end ,it should be noted that: 1.existing the punishment of execution in monotheistic religions does not mean low importance of human life in these religions, but rather the opposite, this punishment determined to safeguard the life of all members of society. 2. With the understanding that monotheistic religions pay special attention to the issue of "right to life" and spend efforts in this way, it can be result a general rule that "in all monotheistic religions perspective, whatever that takes away people's life or put it at risk, is condemned and prohibited"
