In Jewish biblical belief, continued on by Christianity, God proclaimed his material creation “good,” and it became “very good” with the advent of humanity “in the image of God.” The corollary is that God's creations, including human bodies, are worthy of honor and protection.
The related commandment of God, “you shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Leviticus 19:18) is quoted and affirmed by Jesus Christ (Matthew 19:19) and the Apostle Paul (Romans 13:9). Churches usually emphasize love of neighbor, but love of the self (within biblical constraints) is also mandated.
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