24 Answers

A scientific textbook called “Basics of Biology” gives five characteristics of living things; these five criteria are found in all modern elementary scientific textbooks:

1. 
   

   Living things are highly organized.

   
   


2. 
   

   All living things have an ability to acquire materials and energy.

   
   


3. 
   

   All living things have an ability to respond to their environment.

   
   


4. 
   

   All living things have an ability to reproduce.

   
   


5. 
   

   All living things have an ability to adapt.

   
   

According to this elementary definition of life, life begins at fertilization, when a sperm unites with an oocyte. From this moment, the being is highly organized, has the ability to acquire materials and energy, has the ability to respond to his or her environment, has the ability to adapt, and has the ability to reproduce (the cells divide, then divide again, etc., and barring pathology and pending reproductive maturity has the potential to reproduce other members of the species). Non-living things do not do these things. Even before the mother is aware that she is pregnant, a distinct, unique life has begun his or her existence inside her.

A baby starts to grow at conception so there is life. Love, Randy

yes at conception I think

God knew you before you were even thought of or born so actually it could be even before conception but yes life does start too at conception.

The soul is your identity, and your identity was always as a spirit with God. Therefore, your life always existed in the spiritual realm. The physical conception is just a process to producing a human being, consisting of body, soul, and eternal spirit.

Definately At Conception

If we believe God creates life then if life does not start at conception what is going on when the egg is fertilised. Does God only step in later. No We cant say God Creates but something happens without Him until the brain develops

The question needs more clarification. Life is in the blood, if the blood is pumping then there is life. I think you mean when is a new soul created, at conception or at birth? This would be answered in God's word just as all matters of life and death are. God's word declares that He already knows you while He is forming you in the womb, before any of your parts are fashioned. So the answer as to whether a new soul is created at conception or birth the answer is at conception. This is why abortion is murder, the shedding of innocent blood and destroying the body of the soul which God is creating within the womb.

The moment of conception a part of each parent comes together and at that moment a life starts. We cant say it grows for a few months and then life starts or the soul enters.

This is a tricky one. Life is conceived at conception but not as a baby I believe that but I also agree with Coleen that the soul enters the child when or just prior to the birth but there will be many who will not agree,

Interesting outlook and argument, Colleen. I would say life while life may begin with a fertilized embryo implanted in the body, human life from a legal standpoint should begin when that life form can exist outside the womb on its own, even if that means with artificial help like an incubator, breathing and feeding tubes, etc. Currently that would be between 22 and 25 weeks post conception. But that time period is getting earlier and earlier too while life fertilized in a dish is being grown later and later too. Eventually, there may be no need to even implant a fertilized egg. At that point, friendindeed may be correct from my point of view too.

With respect that is a silly question. Life does not start.Life is already there.An egg is life it may not be fertilised. then it will be a dead egg.   All the best Fred.