"That perspective was theologically rejected by virtually every major religion a long, long time ago," Wolpe added.

Mourdock has been an active member of Christian Fellowship Church in Evansville, Indiana, for nearly two decades, according to Mike Deeg, the executive pastor of the 2,000-plus member nondenominational evangelical church.

Mourdock has gone on missions trips with a group connected to the church to Bolivia and is well-regarded among congregants Deeg said.

Deeg says the church tries to remain largely out of politics. "We don't think God is Republican or a Democrat," he said by phone from Evansville, noting they encourage members to vote, the church just doesn't say for whom.

The pastor said of what he has read about Mourdock's remarks, they largely lined up with the church's teachings on the sanctity of life and their belief that life begins at conception.

"I think rape is a horrible thing, and I think God would condemn rape as horrible," Deeg said. "I think we're made in the image of God regardless," he added, "I don't think the circumstances dictate whether God knows us and loves us, regardless of how our conception comes about."

South, the chaplain in Phoenix, said the 12-year-old girl he met years ago opted for an abortion and her father was ultimately convicted of rape. He said he grappled often with "why she was subjected to such horrendous pain and torture, mentally, physically and emotionally."

"Did it shake my faith? No," South said. "Did I ask God why? Of course."