In our case, murder being once for all forbidden, we may not destroy even the fetus in the womb, while as yet the human being derives blood from other parts of the body for its sustenance. To hinder birth is merely a speedier man-killing; nor does it matter whether you take away a life that is born, or destroy one that is coming to the birth. That is a man which is going to be one; you have the fruit already in the seed.

Tertullian (155–220), Kirchenvater

Topics: Ethical Questions, Justice & Commitment

Occasions: For Reflection

Tertullian

Tertullian (ca. 155–220) war ein frühchristlicher Schriftsteller und Apologet im nordafrikanischen Karthago. Als Begründer der lateinischen Theologiesprache prägte er fundamentale Begriffe wie die Trinitätsformel, vertrat jedoch zugleich einen kompromisslosen moralischen Rigorismus und schloss sich später dem Montanismus an. Heutigen Bibellesern vermittelt er pointierte Einblicke in das frühe Christentum der Verfolgungszeit, erfordert wegen seiner extremen Positionen jedoch eine differenzierte Lektüre.

All quotes by Tertullian (6)

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