Abortion: An Appeal
- Martin Luther King Jr.
While Dr. King spoke these words to dissuade the increasing leanings of some of his followers towards violence, its wisdom speaks volume to the Church today as we seek to represent Christ and His Kingdom purposes. So often, in the zeal of our own certainty and moral authority, we respond with a deep disregard for the violence of our words and attitudes. Whether it is attacking an opposing theological belief or church practice, or denouncing cultural immorality, too often we undermine the authority as ambassadors of a loving God with our language, our tone, our unwillingness to even listen to others.
Perhaps one of the most promising trends in the emerging church is a change in this impulse, a willingness to ask the questions that otherwise would not be asked- not as a reflection of moral compromise, but rather as a genuine gesture of humility and honour to all involved. My recent series of posts on homosexuality would not likely have been so well received by people on either side of the issue in years past. As I said, it is a promising indicator of may yet be to come.
There is one topic that truly challenges not only the practice of this new approach, but questions its very appropriateness: abortion. My own emotions rage when I consider the millions of lives lost daily to this practice. I am unequivocal in my belief that abortion is wrong, representing one of the most distressing drifts of humanity away from God’s intentions for Creation. Let that be clear from the very beginning.
However, I believe that Dr. King’s wisdom still needs to be heeded- perhaps more so, given the gravity of what is at stake where abortion is concerned. Too often the intensity of our emotions and the certainty of our convictions can blind us to the impact our response can have in effecting real change. While most of us understand the wrongness of extremists who use violence to stop abortion, too few of us recognize the very real violence of our language and attitude.
When we fail to acknowledge that we approach the issue with fundamentally different presuppositions, we fail to recognize that both sides perceive the other as something they are not- religious nuts on one side, blood thirsty murders on the other. As long we continue in these terms, the issue will continue to fester, ripe for the exploitation of cunning politicians and manipulative fundamentalist (noting that neither politicians nor fundamentalist are always so inclined).
Consider, for example, how the issue is framed by those who support abortion: Pro-choice. Rooting it at the heart women’s rights, abortion is no longer simply about the sanctity of life for them. It is about taking back some of the power stolen from them throughout history by (often) abusively patriarchal cultures. Sadly, the Church has far too often been complicit in this treatment of women. Herein lies the problem: in our fierce refusal to hear the pro-choice argument, we simultaneously dismiss the issue of women’s rights. No matter how disconnected our stance on the one is from the other, we cannot ignore that connection for them.
Additionally, regardless of how technically true it might be, throwing around words like “murder” and “genocide” is hardly likely to appeal to a persons willingness to consider. Jesus had many opportunities to state absolute facts about the true nature of the sinners around Him, but He knew to whom He had been called. He knew who needed Him the most. He saved His clearest critiques for those who should have known better- the established religious community.
My appeal, then, is to consider how we might reframe our approach to bringing change on this significant issue (and so many others). I am not suggesting that this task will not be difficult, never wanting to compromise. However, let us rather demonstrate the power of Christ being working transformation into the hearts and lives of the nations through love, grace and service. We have spent too long promoting and protecting a faith whose central tenant was being right. Now is the time to manifest the “embracing grace” that extended to us while we were yet sinners. The stakes are too high not to.
Another thought-provoking post, Jamie.
I have two experiences that stick with me as I consider abortion. One of them is the experience of walking alongside a friend and roommate several years ago who chose to have an abortion. I was determined not to be judgemental, but to support her whatever she chose to do. In her position at the time, I didn’t judge her for her choice, because it seemed she had so few viable options at the time. Now, so many years later, I still believe I did the right thing – she needed love more than she needed judgement.
Another experience – when I was in the hospital because of a high risk pregnancy, my husband and I noticed that, when the elevator door opened on a certain floor of the hospital, there was a security guard posted at the door. We asked our doctor why there was a guard on that particular floor and no other floors. It turns out that was where the abortions took place. That hurt me – to think that those people going through such a difficult situation would be met by a guard rather than by loving, caring people just seemed so wrong. Even if we believe abortion is wrong, there shouldn’t need to be a security guard keeping us from the people making those choices. Anti-abortionists could do so much more with love than they can with violence.
Heather,Thank you for rotting this post in real and personal stories. The more we begin to see people, the more we will see our failure in the past. Thanks again.Peace,Jamie
Amen, and again I say amen. Wonderful thoughts, Jamie, and Heather, thank you for sharing your personal experience. As a "post-liberal", I’ve struggled a *lot* with my own feelings about abortion. Fundamentally, I think I’ve always been pro-life – it seems obvious to me that abortion is always a terrible evil, although I’m willing to consider that in some circumstances it might be a necessary one. It seems obvious to me that our goal – as Christians and as a society – should be to make abortion not just rare but nonexistent. But I worry and dither a lot about the appropriate means to achieve that end. I definitely think that, as you say, both physical and verbal violence are not just counterproductive but wrong. But how about sweeping legal means? If abortion were completely outlawed tomorrow, how much evil and suffering would result from that? How much evil and suffering resulted when the US prohibited alcohol?
Hmm. Thanks for your voice, Jamie!
Hey Mike,Proibition is a good example. It attempted to over legislate. When it was finally abandon, they replaced it with reasonable laws. Again, MLK once said, the law can’t make a man love me, but it can keep him from lynching me.The trick is knowing how to do this best.Peace,Jamie
Jamie
Great post for such a difficult issue. I think one of the first things the Church and school systems could do to remedy the problems we have with abortion in our society would be too embrace sexual education. I don’t think education would eliminate all abortions but surely they would greatly reduce the numbers especially among younger people.
Thanks again…
marty
Jamie, excellent points. We need a revolution of love in our voice on this issue. I’ve seen some of that happening here in Grand Rapids through a ministry that is present to help instead of protest or hinder. Help in any way possible, right up to the time the girl is heading into the clinic. And to be there afterwards for her regardless of her decision. And in other ways. In love.
Marty,I think you make a good point. Perhaps te resistance to education is the people think that condoning "immorality" is implicit. It is an inaccurate and unfortunate perception.Peace,Jamie
Ted,I had intended to acknowledge and honour those who are doing what I am suggesting, so thank you for catching that miss. Sadly, there are too few doing it. Let’s join those in action already.Peace,Jamie
The thing that some Christians seem to miss is that legislation only addresses symptoms, and not the cause of the sickness. Abortion exists because there is something wrong with people, something that enables them to put their own concerns above the life for which they have been given a divine responsibility.
It is necessary to pursue as swiftly as possible legislative change, to stop the "lynching," as it were. But how much more important is it to pursue as swiftly as possible that far more difficult change, the change of heart, the change towards love. We must pursue both avenues, but one has greater eternal significance than the other.
Ephrem,
Well said. I would only add that beign swiftness should never replace wisdom, especially where legislation is concerned. Too swift and we create underground realities that are far more destructive than what we started with.
Peace,
Jamie
For me I feel that abortion wouldn’t even be an option if we didn’t have such a selfish and individualistic society. The systemmic problems enrage me more than the option to abort a fetus – and yes I know how distasteful that sounds. Don’t get me wrong I am also very pro-life. But the first commentor had it right – we are not the judges of the world, the world already stands judged. We are like Christ, the bringers of life. Sometimes we bring life to those who have taken life. I have also walked with people who have made the choice to abort. Rather than get mad at them – I choose to be angry at the deeper issues that strangle our society.
Frank,
Living in a neighbourhood where I see 8 month pregnant teens sell themselves for a hit of crack from my dealer neighbour, I am all too aware of the societal issue. I do not find your statement distasteful. Well said.
Peace,
Jamie
<i>Herein lies the problem: in our fierce refusal to hear the pro-choice argument, we simultaneously dismiss the issue of women’s rights. No matter how disconnected our stance on the one is from the other, we cannot ignore that connection for them.</i>
Women’s rights are about women. Pregnancy and abortion take place in women’s bodies. How can women’s rights and abortion possibly be unconnected?
Alice,Excellent question. The two issues are not disconnected, as you say. However, most (intelligent) pro-lifers positions on abortion are based on the conviction that the fetus is life at conception. While I am not wanting to argue that presupposition here, you can see that, should it be true, it isn’t primarily about the woman’s body anymore.However, I acknowledge that many do not accept this presupposition. Further, too many walk over women in their crusade against abortion. In their quest to protect and value life, they demean it even further.I hope this helps.Peace,Jamie
Jamie – another great post. And I found it with less than 20 comments! I’m lucky I got in this early…
Whenever I encounter a Christian vehemently condemning abortions and people who have them, I always ask them, "Do you know anyone who has had an abortion?" The answer is almost always, "no."
I think that the church has dropped the ball in the past on this issue, and needs to be involved – but I think that for the most part we’re standing outside the wrong door at the clinics. We stand outside the entrance condemning, when we should stand outside the exit healing.
Grey Owl
I don’t know… I think we should be at both doors. At both doors we must present love and healing.
Well, yes, that would be the ideal, wouldn’t it? I don’t know if we’re up to it, unfortunately. It would require some big changes.
Big changes… like not burning the sinners at the stake. That’d be a good start. But if we must burn the sinners at the stake, we should start with ourselves.
When will we learn that positive change doesn’t come through intimidation, bullying, condescension, triumphalism…
And yet… the outrage on behalf of the innocent lives about to be snuffed out. Actually, I think that outrage is a natural and perhaps even righteous feeling. But we must keep in mind that man’s wrath doesn’t do God’s work, and that our war isn’t against people, but again "powers and principalities," against institutions of evil, and the real evils behind the universal sickness of the human soul.
Preach it, Brother Ephrem.
heh… I get a little carried away with words, sometimes.
(…and I can just hear Jamie muttering, "Now if he’d just get carried away on his own blog…")
If Jamie were around he’d mutter that. He’s behind on his comments, which is a first. It’s so rare for him considering he’s got a computer strapped to his butt.
"I’ll take Obscure Jamie Factoids for $500, Alex."
"It is because of *this* that Jamie’s buttockular implant failed to produce comments during the January of 2006."
"What is ‘Conference Attendance’?"
Grey Owl & Ephrem,I thought I’d leave you two to discuss it. I am currently at a Leonard Sweet conference, having been asked to sit on a panel discussion on emerging church faith.Ephrem, yes. I did mumble thusly (wink)GOwl, my computer isn’t even here. I am posting from my laptop. So there!Peace to you both.Peace,Jamie
Puts a new slant to smart ass, eh?
Hmph. Well, we can’t all be on emerging church discussion panels, now can we? Let us know how it goes, bro.
Ephrem – I think our smart-assery is something to be proud of.
Cheers,
Grey Owl
If it weren’t for smart-assery, I wouldn’t have no smarts at all.
With apologies to bluesmen the world over.
I find this topic intriguing – even the "buttocks" comments
.
I believe in women having a choice. We are all (men and women) given the opportunity to choose. Some of our choices are good; some are bad. I think making an informed choice is better, but some people don’t know all the details or how to get them.
I volunteer for an agency that assists women, men, and families with pregnancies (mostly unplanned and crisis). If you choose abortion, they don’t condemn and tell the clients that they can always come back if they need anything.
Just wanted to let you know that there are a few people out there who are showing love.
McDLT,
I meant to mention all those who are actively involved in doing what needs to be done, so I am glad you mentioned it. However, I still believe what I describe is still, sadly, the norm. Thanks for the example for change.
Peace,
Jamie
Jamie,
Thanks for your words here in this post.
Let me add this as far as verbal violence. Someone I know and love once had an abortion. It was a bad situation and while one part of her said no, she did it anyway. In the years since she has suffered for her decision. Now, she’d never say it, but when she hears many of the words you question above, it hurts her again and again.
Abortion is an ugly ugly evil. It needs to end, but we have to start with love. Laws and judges will not end abortion. Putting so much time and money in that direction is lunacy. If the issue has become choice, then we need to lovingly guide people to the one that saves the lives of these precious babies.
Again, wonderful, thoughtful post.
Rich
Rich,
Thanks. In our neighbourhood, we see far too many kids in circumstances where abortion seems like the best option for them. Ultimately it isn’t, but the alternative (or lack thereof) is daunting. The church needs to act. Thanks again.
Peace,
Jamie
Jamie,
I spoke with my sister about this tonight. She is on the front line working in situations like this as a social worker for a christian organization.
We will be attending their fundraising banquet on Friday, and she said they will be featuring stories of real-life situations she has been involved in where abortion seemed to be the most obvious solution. But the stories she will be sharing are of intervention where the mothers chose to give their child life in spite of their difficult circumstances.
Girls in an this situation usually lack support, and the first people involved are often pivotal to the choice they will make. If their first contact is with a doctor or counselor who readily refers them for an abortion, they may soon find themselves on this seemingly easier path.
I would like to see legislative changes that address the people who have business, political, and educational agendas in the abortion industry. These people don’t have the best interest of women in mind. To have the power and influence behind the industry broken would bring change.
Just as the first born were sacrificed to the gods in the old testament, I feel like we are allowing incredible evil in our midst with the spilled blood of our children. But as Ephram said, our war is against the evil itself, not against people.
However, as far as the girls, women, and children are concerned, our love will help them much more than our judgment ever could. A great place to start is to support the existing social service and crisis pregnancy organizations in your local area.
Grace,
We need more people like your sister. Sadly, they remain a minority. I see her as a missionary in the truest sense of the word. Like missionaries like myself, she sees the vast need, seemingly abandon to the few. It is overwhelming. We need change. Thanks for sharing this.
Peace,
Jamie
I have a friend who stands outside of abortion clinics. He screams, he yells, he gets angry. I asked him, "what do you hope to accomplish by that?"
He said that these women have already decided on an abortion, and he has to be outrageous to get their attention. And, to his credit, he has successfuly thwarted many abortions. That’s great.
But the abortions he didn’t thwart did leave people, I imagine, disliking Christians even more. What’s the solution? I don’t know. I’m glad he stopped some abortions. I’m sad that he sometimes makes us all look foolish, and perhaps despised in the eyes of the world.
http://fromthemorning.blogspot.com
FTM,
We could argue that the success of saving even one child makes it worth it, but as you implied, at what expense? Yes, abortion is wrong and must be stopped. However, living outside the embracing grace of Christ is an even worse tragedy. I would rather transform generations through the love of people than save one child from abortion, but alienate them and others from God. Thanks for sharing your great thoughts.
Peace,
Jamie