First, watch this incredible video…
There are some really odd beliefs out there in Christendom. I recently received the following comment from someone with a different take on the future of the Church. They wrote…
I think abortion is clearly a sign of the End Times. Rather than try to fight it and stop the coming Rapture, I encourage it! To do anything to stop the coming Apocalypse is a sin against God.
This was one of the most frightening proclamations I have ever seen. Using this logic, we should not only encourage abortion, but other forms of murder as well. What about adultery, rape, and theft? Perhaps we should all vote for Obama, praying that he is the “anti-Christ.”
This is nonsense. But what troubled me most was that this proclamation was made by someone claiming Christ.
Yet Jesus said in Matt 19:14, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.”
I don’t want to start a big debate on eschatology – at least not today – but even if Jesus were coming back tomorrow, wouldn’t He want us doing good works today? Wouldn’t He want us standing against the forces of darkness with the Sword of the Spirit in our hand, outfitted with the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-20)? Do you remember the parables? Those who heard the words, “Well done, my good and faithful servant” were the faithful who were about the Father’s business.
I am increasingly troubled by the apathy in the Church of the Lord. Across the nation, the outrage against the murder of the innocents has shrunk to almost a whimper. Fewer come to stand in silent prayer at the abortion mills. Christians seldom take the time to attend a life chain. Fewer speak out, even from the pulpit, against the slaughter of little children.
And then some think we should do nothing? Has it come to this? Some say we should even encourage the practice?
Heaven help us.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for this post Pastor James. This issue is one that I feel that the Lord has put a burning call upon my life to work to save the precious ones.
God bless you in your boldness in proclaiming this issue.
Mrs. Gina Weeks
By: Gina on March 27, 2008
at 3:43 pm
That is disturbing! Perhaps he has voiced what many think, and that is a reason why people don’t become involved in trying to prevent abortions.
By: Sherrin on March 29, 2008
at 5:33 am
I so agree with you, I volunteer for a local pregnancy center here in town. We also have a planned parenthood in town also. I could not believe how many christian women that work at the pph. I was distraught by the attitude of women who want control of their bodies in the name of the Lord. Jesus is so clear about children and His love for them. I love to volunteer for the women who come into the door and help them see Jesus’ love for them. And I love to see those babies and watch them grow. Thank you so much for expression God’s heart for this subject. Tanya
By: Tanya on March 31, 2008
at 2:02 am
Thank you for posting this.
It would be helpful (to me, and I’d assume to others as well) if you gave some options of ways that people can get involved locally to help fight against abortion.
Although I hold the same view as you do on this, I haven’t done very much. The size of the problem is a bit paralyzing Where do we even start?
By: Isaac on March 31, 2008
at 1:48 pm
Hi Isaac,
Thanks for stopping by! There are a number of ways you, or others, can help in this effort.
The first would be to encourage your church to get involved! Ask your leaders to contact the local office of the Right to Life and find out what is going on. And then they can encourage the church!
As an individual, you can write op-ed articles to your local paper, you can come out annually at the National Life Chain, you can volunteer at a Crisis Pregnancy Center, you can stand in silent protest and prayer at an abortion mill.
And, you can pray for an end to America’s Holocaust.
Grace and peace,
By: James McDonald on March 31, 2008
at 9:13 pm
Wow, that is a disturbing comment. I hope and pray that this is not a position that many will take. We need to stand up for these babies.
Thank you for this post and for the video.
By: Genieve on April 5, 2008
at 4:32 pm
Thank you for the video. I must say that comment by that “Christian” is one of the most horrifying I’ve read in a long time. Perhaps this person is a new convert who does not understand the importance of doing good works as a Christian and opposing evil. I would suggest some charity may be in order. One thing is for sure – I would NOT want to be found promoting abortion when Jesus comes for me. This world is wiccked enough without Christians adding to the evil.
By: Walter on April 5, 2008
at 10:29 pm
i just need to say, as someone who works at a planned parenthood, your standing out there does absolutely nothing for your cause. the women who come in, after being harassed and spit upon by protesters, only note how frightening and hateful your side seems to be.
not sure that’s quite the impression you meant to give.
and also: planned parenthood offers a wide range of health services. I hope you feel better knowing that some women are now scared to get necessary cancer screenings, because they think “Christian” protesters will call them names.
By: huh? on April 15, 2008
at 12:26 am
Hi Huh,
I suppose I could say huh as well. The only thing I have ever seen from the silent protesters is love and prayer. We pray for those going in, both the pregnant women and the ones in their wombs. We pray for the politicians who allow the abhorrent practice of abortion to continue. And we pray for those who work in the facilities, that they will find Jesus.
I have never seen any harassing. I have never seen anyone spit upon. I have not heard anyone called names. I have just seen the love of Christ.
I am sorry for your experience. I am not saying that such things do not take place. I do not condone such activity. However, I have never seen it myself – and it does not happen here.
But that does not justify the practice of abortion.
And there are many places that provide health services – there are Christian alternatives.
I do pray you understand that abortion is murder.
By: James McDonald on April 15, 2008
at 3:40 am
Hello,
Before I tell everyone what I think, I want to state a few basic things:
1. Yes, abortion is murder.
2. I don’t think I’d ever have an abortion
3. I’d never counsel anyone to have an abortion.
4. This has set off a nerve, so I apologize if my language seems a bit strong.
HOWEVER…
I know there have to be aspects this post ignores.
1. How about victims of rape who become pregnant by their rapists? Especially those who were in all ways a virgin beforehand. Being a victim of rape myself, I can’t say, even as a Christian, I’d be at all capable of carrying that child for 9 months. God is my strength, but I still have to deal with my thoughts and feelings. I’m only human, and I feel like I’d end up hating that baby by the time it was born. I don’t think I would need/want/be capable of handling that reminder for 9 months. Rape is a terrible, horrible thing and no one needs to be constantly reminded that it happened. It took me 10 years to heal as it was, without getting pregnant from it.
2. I want to clear up a big issue I’ve noticed in a lot of places: people associating pro-choice with pro-abortion. I don’t know anyone who is pro-choice that actually advocates for abortion. I’m pro choice but not pro abortion. I’m not going to tell another woman what to do. She has to deal with her inner turmoil on her own and with God’s help. I can only pray for her. If she decides to have an abortion, its her decision and whether or not I told her it was wrong (or how many times I made it clear I was against the idea) . . . its always HER decision. NOT MINE. I believe in women being able to choose. I DON’T believe in abortion. Anyone who dares to say differently is assuming things about me that they could not possibly know.
3. I’m a Christian and I believe life is sacred. But how many people here are against the death penalty? I don’t know of many people myself that are. If life is sacred, so is the life of a convict. Hard as that is to swallow, with all the serial killers we hear about, its true. Yes, the old testament said somewhere that its an eye for an eye, extended to a life for a life. But the New Testament changes all that. Jesus preached forgiveness and died for us. In essence, He made EVERY human life sacred. So if one is so dead set against abortion, one also needs to be that dead set against the death penalty. But there isn’t as big a cry to keep convicts alive as there is for the unborn fetus. That’s just wrong, its so sad.
So, before one tells me I’m apathetic, let me tell everyone something. If one honestly expects me to be against a woman’s rights to choose, one doesn’t know much about me at all.
Don’t judge me for what I think, don’t say that I’m not a Christian. I’ve seen that implied on some of these posts. If you so vehemently still disagree with me, prove me wrong and make it a solid argument.
By: Anna on April 18, 2008
at 4:29 am
Hi Anna,
Welcome to my blog. Whenever I write a post about something that I am passionate about, I expect others to be passionate too—sometimes on the opposite “side” of my position. So, your response was certainly not unexpected. Let me try to help you see my perspective on this.
Basically, your first point summarizes the situation. You state clearly that abortion is murder. Murder is the crime of unlawfully killing a person who has committed no crime. By your own definition you agree that the child in the womb is a person – a real living person. And may I remind you that he’s created in God’s image.
You then go on to ask about rape. This is, of course, one of the most heartbreaking crimes that impact our society. We should do all we can to help and counsel those who are victims of this offense, and we should seek the maximum punishment allowable by law for the perpetrator. But what of the child—the one created in the image of God? What crime has he committed? As you have shown, the child is a real living person. Is it right or just to kill a son or daughter for the crime of his/her father?
But beyond that, the actual number of cases of abortion after rape and incest is very small – accounting for only 0.3% of all abortions. The other “hard cases” used to justify the murder of the unborn are also incredibly small – 1.0% for risk of the mother’s life and 0.5% for cases of fetal abnormality. Thus, 98% of all abortions are elective – they are “pro-choice.”
You say that you have never heard anyone who is pro-choice being pro-abortion. This is a logical fallacy. The only pro-choice person who would not be pro-abortion would be the one who would offer the unborn child the option of a choice. We certainly take her choice away when she is killed in the womb, do we not?
Your third point is interesting. Of course, there are those with whom I serve on the Central Illinois Right to Life board who are also against the death penalty. But, murder is the unlawful killing of a person with malice or forethought. The lawful execution of an offender is not murder—it is lawfully taking the life of a criminal. The Bible clearly allows for the death penalty. This is often used as a smoke screen to confuse the issue – but there is no relation between the murder of the unborn (who has committed no crime) and the execution of a criminal.
Anna, I am not judging you. That is not my job – that is God’s. We will all stand before Him someday. Praise the Lord His love for us is greater than our sins.
By: James McDonald on April 18, 2008
at 2:10 pm
My heart and my stomach are sickened- literally- when I think about the horrid act of abortion- the murder of a young life. It is so easy for me to allow a well of anger to arise within at those who support it, promote, and those who are plain apathetic about it! But, I must constantly follow the leading of the Holy Spirit. I am not called to judge those people- no matter how wrong they are. I can judge the sin, for calling it what the Almighty calls it. But, when it comes to the person, I am called to pray, and to love. From the bottom of my heart, I admit- that’s one of the hardest things for me to do- and I am so grateful for God’s grace. If it were only my anger- I would be ineffective- however, with prayer and love- and the heaping of coals- I know God can work. I have a sister who seriously considered abortion with one of her children. She is unmarried, and placed her first up for adoption, but didn’t think she could “go through that again.” So, she would rather have murdered her child. I became so angry when I heard this- she claims to know the Lord! In my heart, I hurled every hateful thing I could at her, and built a wall between she and I. My anger left a bitter taste in my mouth, until the Lord showed me my wrong. I loved my sister- I prayed for her continually, and I shared the truth with her. Praise God, for I know that little six year old son of hers! Alive and full of life! Had I remained angry- I know the wall I was building would not have aided in the saving of that life of my nephew! Thank you for sharing this!
By: Brandy on April 18, 2008
at 8:28 pm
Okay, I get that its not fair to the unborn child to be punished for the crimes of it’s parent(s). But, maybe its just my perspective being a survivor of rape myself, I don’t want to be punished either. If there were a way for another person to have my baby, I’d be totally for it. And maybe I shouldn’t be saying I’d feel like I was being punished, because children are some of God’s greatest gifts to this world.
But, as someone who can truly say she doesn’t even hate her rapist, hate is one emotion I hope never to feel. And I certainly wouldn’t want to feel that against an unborn child. That would tear me apart more than you know. I know a girl who was in all ways a virgin until she was raped, and then she found out she was pregnant. She had the baby and, bless her, she’s raising it. I’m not sure I could do that.
And the fact is, most people who believe abortion is murder cite the fact that life all life is sacred. And, in my eyes, ALL means every person on this planet. Yes, the death penalty is condoned by law but so is abortion. It doesn’t make either of those things right. They are both murder. ALL life is sacred means even the life of a murderer. How is it teaching anyone anything if we kill a person for taking a life. Its like teaching a child not to hit by spanking them. It defeats the purpose.
I’m not sure that’s a logical fallacy. But if it is, I think its more that love and compassion defy all logic. And I think even you could attest to that.
And when I say I’m pro-choice…
It’s because, in countries where abortion is illegal, women still have it done. And in a lot of those cases, they die from it because there’s no regulation and its often unsterile and unsafe. Outlawing abortion will drive it underground. And the tragedy will be even greater. I have friends from these countries and they can attest to this. Keeping abortion legal keeps it from becoming an epic, enormous tragedy. I guess you could say I’m pro- avoiding a crisis. And I’m not sure that making abortion illegal would make things better.
So, I propose this, instead of trying to tell women once they are pregnant that having an abortion is wrong…especially when they are scared out of their wits, why don’t we try something America in general isn’t good at.
(Previous social work major…current English major).
Let’s prevent it. And yes, abstinence is the only way to be 100% safe. Abstinence only sex ed programs often have kids going “yeah right!” because they always come across sounding so harsh and horrible. I know kids who have gone out and “done it” just because someone said they shouldn’t.
Its been proven that its better to promote abstinence but at least give methods of protection and other such information for those who, unfortunately, choose not to wait. So lets do that.
Let’s be more supportive of programs that educate instead of programs that scare or forbid. If we want the rate of abortion to go down, I think we have to reduce the rate of unwanted pregnancy. That means schools, especially high schools and colleges, need to offer methods of protection and make them available through the health center. Don’t shun those who make that decision, or else they won’t get help when they need it.
I hope that I made some sense. I think that sometimes my brain processes don’t always show up so clearly in print, so I hope it clarifies anything that I didn’t seem to make sense on or that I seemed to contradict myself on.
By: Anna on April 21, 2008
at 4:28 am
Anna, I used to be pro-choice too based but I began to read about the abortion industry and can now say that your information about the dangers of illegal abortion vs. the so-called “safety” of legal abortion is based on lies and cover-up from the abortion industry. The number one reason why deaths to women who had abortion went down was because of advances in medical technology and hygienic improvement (statistics show that this was happening many years before legalization), NOT its legal status. The whole idea of back-alley abortions was almost totally fabricated in order to garner support for legalization and one of the doctors who started NARAL and is now Pro-Life said they LIED about the number of women dying from back-alley abortions. The numbers they stated to the public were TOTALLY FALSE. Also, over 90% of abortions were being done by medical doctors, not quacks. (I’m afraid I can’t say the same for today since many abortions are provided by unlicensed practitioners and people with very little medical knowledge.)
Secondly, legal abortion is still NOT SAFE. Women die on a regular basis in this country from LEGAL abortion. Abortion rights activists consistently DENY the need for regulations in their facilities and fight for the right to have none. They do not want any interference into their industry from anyone.
There has been a huge amount of documentation of the totally FILTHY abortion facilities throughout the US. Men and women who have worked in abortion facilities testify over and over again how disgusting they are, how many women are maimed or killed in them, how the abortion facilities care only about money and refuse to call for emergency help until it is too late for the mother.
Abortion facilities are being shut down or investigated on a regular basis due to medical malpractice and/or illegal activity going on.
Numerous women have reported being raped or sexually assaulted by their abortionists. Some have reported being forced to have an abortion they DID NOT WANT.
There is significant evidence that abortion clinics have covered up cases of sexual abuse against young girls by performing abortions on them without reporting, as they are required by law to do, that the men who impregnanted them were adults!
Mark Crutcher in his book Lime 5 documented most of this extensively. See http://www.ldi.org for info on how to get this book, as well has a listing of women who have died from LEGAL abortion in this country. Also, read everything you can from men and women who have actually worked in the abortion industry. They will tell you that it is horrific!!!
You might also watch this video http://www.deathroe.com/As_Seen_On_Lifetalk/ViewVideo.cfm?video=3 which shows the impact of abortion on one woman and her parents who now must care for her.
I am sure you agree that women and their babies deserve more than this! Women deserve to know the TRUTH that walking into an abortion clinic could cost them their fertility or even their lives!!!
Anna, obviously I don’t know where you are coming from but it appears to me that what you are doing is basing your beliefs on emotional and experiential arguments. We can debate the subject of abortion all we like, but if we do not agree on the source of truth it is unlikely that we will ever agree. If you want to understand *why* those who practice bible-based Christianity believe that abortion is wrong in all circumstances regardless of how the child was conceived, why we believe that the death-penalty is necessary for those who have committed capital crimes, and why we lovingly correct our children with the rod then I would implore you to begin to search the scriptures for yourself. It is only there that you can hope to find truth and the source of wisdom all mankind needs to make decisions about these types of things.
By: Nickey on April 21, 2008
at 5:59 pm
Great post Nickey! Thank you for jumping in. I tried to stay off the computer yesterday to take a real day off.
Anne, you state you are a Christian. I encourage you to seek to understand what the Bible says about this issue. The Word is our standard for what is right.
Grace and peace
By: James McDonald on April 22, 2008
at 4:04 pm
Thanks James.
Also, I found the source for the NARAL founder. His name is Bernard Nathanson. In this article http://www.pregnantpause.org/abort/remember-naral.htm , he states the following about their “statistics”…
“We persuaded the media that the cause of permissive abortion was a liberal, enlightened, sophisticated one,” recalls the movement’s co-founder. “Knowing that if a true poll were taken, we would be soundly defeated, we simply fabricated the results of fictional polls. We announced to the media that we had taken polls and that 60 percent of Americans were in favor of permissive abortion. This is the tactic of the self-fulfilling lie. Few people care to be in the minority. We aroused enough sympathy to sell our program of permissive abortion by fabricating the number of illegal abortions done annually in the U.S. The actual figure was approaching 100,000, but the figure we gave to the media repeatedly was 1,000,000.”
“Repeating the big lie often enough convinces the public. The number of women dying from illegal abortions was around 200-250 annually. The figure we constantly fed to the media was 10,000. These false figures took root in the consciousness of Americans, convincing many that we needed to crack the abortion law.
“Another myth we fed to the public through the media was that legalizing abortion would only mean that the abortions taking place illegally would then be done legally. In fact, of course, abortion is now being used as a primary method of birth control in the U.S. and the annual number of abortions has increased by 1,500 percent since legalization.”
You can also see http://www.pregnantpause.org/safe/index.html
for more articles on the dangers of abortion, including a study done regarding the popular idea that abortion is safer than childbirth.
In addition, regarding the statistics in my above post see http://www.pureloveclub.com/chastity/index.php?id=7&entryid=335
We don’t even know how many women die from abortion any more because they stopped keeping records of it.
By: Nickey on April 22, 2008
at 6:12 pm