ABORTION
Mike Woundy
"... one does not need to be a Christian (or even religious) to support pro-life policies. A pro-lifer need not be religious, and pro-life arguments do not need to refer to any religious teaching to substantiate their claims. Hence, advocating pro-life policies does not amount to cramming your religion down on non-believers, as is sometimes alleged.
Some may find this claim about the pro-life movement shocking or—more likely—strange. To ease such concerns, perhaps some further clarification is appropriate. By “the pro-life movement,” I am referring to the thought and ideas of the movement—namely, the broad objection to abortion. To be sure, the pro-life movement has historically been religious, but I wish to emphasize the cognitive content of the pro-life movement rather than engage in historical investigation. Hence, to demonstrate the claim that the pro-life movement is not necessarily Christian (or religious), it is useful to outline what the general pro-life argument is. First, for brevity’s sake, we understand that murder is the intentional and wrongful killing of a human person. Next, we can lay out the argument as:
Some may find this claim about the pro-life movement shocking or—more likely—strange. To ease such concerns, perhaps some further clarification is appropriate. By “the pro-life movement,” I am referring to the thought and ideas of the movement—namely, the broad objection to abortion. To be sure, the pro-life movement has historically been religious, but I wish to emphasize the cognitive content of the pro-life movement rather than engage in historical investigation. Hence, to demonstrate the claim that the pro-life movement is not necessarily Christian (or religious), it is useful to outline what the general pro-life argument is. First, for brevity’s sake, we understand that murder is the intentional and wrongful killing of a human person. Next, we can lay out the argument as:
- Murder is wrong.
- Abortion is murder.
- Therefore, abortion is wrong.
Abigail Kessler
After hearing over three hours of public comment on the topic, Flagstaff City Council approved a resolution supporting abortion access in the city at its meeting Tuesday...........Many commenters who spoke against the resolution cited religion, specifically Christianity, as their reason for opposing abortion, quoting Bible verses and prayers and using religious language.
The group included a few local pastors: Joshua Walker, teaching elder of Church of the Resurrection (though he said he was here as a “concerned citizen” rather than a pastor), David Berry, senior pastor of Flagstaff Christian Fellowship, Barbara Swee, associate pastor of Northland Christian Assembly, and Jim Dorman, founding pastor (now retired) of Christ’s Church of Flagstaff. “I’m here today on behalf of myself and the nearly 300 people of my church,” Berry said. “ ... Together we are all in vehement opposition to the proposed resolution 2023-12. The mission of Flagstaff as we’ve been reminded is to protect and enhance the quality of life for all. That certainly includes the most vulnerable among us who cannot defend and speak for themselves, people in the womb.”
Some of those who supported the resolution mentioned the separation of church and state in their comments, saying that to act based on the religious beliefs of other commenters would go against it.
Northern Arizona University professor of comparative cultural studies Diana Coleman also noted that these beliefs were from a subset of one religion.
“We have not heard the religious side, as I’ve heard people say; we’ve heard from a thin, select fringe of conservative Christianity that doesn’t represent all of Christianity,” she said. “ ... We do have separation of church and state, we have the establishment clause. This religious-inflected dialogue is inappropriate to be forced on and also very disingenuous.”..........Matthews said the religious views should be heard, however, as they were community members’ perspectives.
“I don’t think that it was about well, this is a religious thing or a God thing, so you need to be shamed into making a decision,” she said. “ ... This is their belief and they are part of the community.”
In his part of the discussion, McCarthy said the question was about who was making decisions.
“Someone [tonight] said there are differing opinions on the issue. Well, that’s obvious. But one side, who would say ‘pro-choice,’ they’re saying, ‘I’m not going to make that decision for you.’ The other side is saying, ‘I want to make that decision for you.’” --Abigail Kessler; Ariaona Daily Sun; Flagstaff City Council adopts resolution supporting abortion access 3.11.23
The group included a few local pastors: Joshua Walker, teaching elder of Church of the Resurrection (though he said he was here as a “concerned citizen” rather than a pastor), David Berry, senior pastor of Flagstaff Christian Fellowship, Barbara Swee, associate pastor of Northland Christian Assembly, and Jim Dorman, founding pastor (now retired) of Christ’s Church of Flagstaff. “I’m here today on behalf of myself and the nearly 300 people of my church,” Berry said. “ ... Together we are all in vehement opposition to the proposed resolution 2023-12. The mission of Flagstaff as we’ve been reminded is to protect and enhance the quality of life for all. That certainly includes the most vulnerable among us who cannot defend and speak for themselves, people in the womb.”
Some of those who supported the resolution mentioned the separation of church and state in their comments, saying that to act based on the religious beliefs of other commenters would go against it.
Northern Arizona University professor of comparative cultural studies Diana Coleman also noted that these beliefs were from a subset of one religion.
“We have not heard the religious side, as I’ve heard people say; we’ve heard from a thin, select fringe of conservative Christianity that doesn’t represent all of Christianity,” she said. “ ... We do have separation of church and state, we have the establishment clause. This religious-inflected dialogue is inappropriate to be forced on and also very disingenuous.”..........Matthews said the religious views should be heard, however, as they were community members’ perspectives.
“I don’t think that it was about well, this is a religious thing or a God thing, so you need to be shamed into making a decision,” she said. “ ... This is their belief and they are part of the community.”
In his part of the discussion, McCarthy said the question was about who was making decisions.
“Someone [tonight] said there are differing opinions on the issue. Well, that’s obvious. But one side, who would say ‘pro-choice,’ they’re saying, ‘I’m not going to make that decision for you.’ The other side is saying, ‘I want to make that decision for you.’” --Abigail Kessler; Ariaona Daily Sun; Flagstaff City Council adopts resolution supporting abortion access 3.11.23
March 9, 2023: Slate: Which Religion Counts in America
A brief in a case out of Indiana shows exactly how fundamentalist Christian beliefs trump everything else in the courts these days.
A brief in a case out of Indiana shows exactly how fundamentalist Christian beliefs trump everything else in the courts these days.
Feb 13, 2023: Christianity Today: Mississippi Evangelicals Prepare to Welcome Dobbs Babies
The United States Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade last year, allowing the state of Mississippi to pass a law banning all abortions except to save the life of the mother or in cases of rape or incest that have been reported to police. The clinic that gave its name to the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization case shut down in July. It was the state’s only abortion provider, so while women may still travel to Florida, New York, or Illinois to terminate a pregnancy, abortion has effectively ended in the Magnolia State.
The United States Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade last year, allowing the state of Mississippi to pass a law banning all abortions except to save the life of the mother or in cases of rape or incest that have been reported to police. The clinic that gave its name to the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization case shut down in July. It was the state’s only abortion provider, so while women may still travel to Florida, New York, or Illinois to terminate a pregnancy, abortion has effectively ended in the Magnolia State.
Dec 31, 2022: Salon: Best of 2022 | The white, conservative Southern women who asked me to keep their abortions secret
My middle-class evangelical peers quietly took advantage of abortion rights, while publicly advocating against them
My middle-class evangelical peers quietly took advantage of abortion rights, while publicly advocating against them
Dec 31, 2022: UPI: Arizona can't enforce 1864 law outlawing abortion, court rules
The State Court of Appeals has ruled that Arizona can't enforce a territory-era law making it a crime to perform abortions in all cases except those where the mother's life is in danger.
Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich earlier this year asked a state judge to allow the 1864 law to be enforced after Roe vs. Wade was overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court's Dobbs vs. Jackson Women's Health decision in June.
The State Court of Appeals has ruled that Arizona can't enforce a territory-era law making it a crime to perform abortions in all cases except those where the mother's life is in danger.
Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich earlier this year asked a state judge to allow the 1864 law to be enforced after Roe vs. Wade was overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court's Dobbs vs. Jackson Women's Health decision in June.
Al Mohler In his Nov. 14, 2022 podcast “The Briefing,” stated that Republican losses in the midterms are worth it becausee of ending Roe. He lamented Republican losses in the midterms but conceded even those setbacks were worth it because the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade.
Mohler: “I would take the reversal of Roe v. Wade over the electoral win. Now again, our job is to try to achieve both, but the fact is that the election was a disappointment for the pro-life cause. But nonetheless, we are still going into the end of 2022 with the most significant headline news story being the reversal of Roe v. Wade after almost 50 years of deadly precedent.”“Tuesday’s results confirm the anti-abortion movement’s fundamental disadvantages: While Americans are conflicted about abortion, a majority is more pro-choice than pro-life, the pro-choice side owns almost all the important cultural megaphones, and voters generally dislike sudden unsettlements of social issues,” he wrote.
Mohler concedes: “Several states voted directly on abortion, and every one of them was a disaster for the cause of human life.”
Mohler: “I would take the reversal of Roe v. Wade over the electoral win. Now again, our job is to try to achieve both, but the fact is that the election was a disappointment for the pro-life cause. But nonetheless, we are still going into the end of 2022 with the most significant headline news story being the reversal of Roe v. Wade after almost 50 years of deadly precedent.”“Tuesday’s results confirm the anti-abortion movement’s fundamental disadvantages: While Americans are conflicted about abortion, a majority is more pro-choice than pro-life, the pro-choice side owns almost all the important cultural megaphones, and voters generally dislike sudden unsettlements of social issues,” he wrote.
Mohler concedes: “Several states voted directly on abortion, and every one of them was a disaster for the cause of human life.”
First and foremost, there must be massive revival in the Church leading to multitudes of conversions in the society leading to a glorious national awakening. It is only when tens of millions of Americans get God’s heart for the unborn that the tide will turn more decisively in the direction of life.
As stated in a quote attributed to Francis Schaeffer, “Every abortion clinic should have a sign in front of it saying, ‘Open by the permission of the church.’”
As the Church comes alive to the horrors of abortion and the sanctity of life and as God’s people win the lost and make disciples by the millions, the tide will turn towards life.
Second, we must continue the battle of changing hearts and minds, exposing the realities of these draconian pro-abortion bills and continuing to display the personhood of the baby in the womb.
I expect and hope that just as many Americans are waking up to the insanity of extreme transgender activism, in particular the chemical castration and genital mutilation of children, they will also awaken to the reality of abortion.
The good news is that Roe has been overturned, something that seemed completely impossible to many for decades. It is also to be expected that the pro-abortion side has been freshly energized for the fight.
But the same perseverance that battled for 5 decades to see Roe abolished is the same perseverance that can see the tide turn to life state by state.
Still, without a sweeping national revival, none of this will happen. With it, today’s radical pro-abortion laws can end up in the dustbin of history. --Michael Brown; Here's How we make America ProLife 11.15.22
As stated in a quote attributed to Francis Schaeffer, “Every abortion clinic should have a sign in front of it saying, ‘Open by the permission of the church.’”
As the Church comes alive to the horrors of abortion and the sanctity of life and as God’s people win the lost and make disciples by the millions, the tide will turn towards life.
Second, we must continue the battle of changing hearts and minds, exposing the realities of these draconian pro-abortion bills and continuing to display the personhood of the baby in the womb.
I expect and hope that just as many Americans are waking up to the insanity of extreme transgender activism, in particular the chemical castration and genital mutilation of children, they will also awaken to the reality of abortion.
The good news is that Roe has been overturned, something that seemed completely impossible to many for decades. It is also to be expected that the pro-abortion side has been freshly energized for the fight.
But the same perseverance that battled for 5 decades to see Roe abolished is the same perseverance that can see the tide turn to life state by state.
Still, without a sweeping national revival, none of this will happen. With it, today’s radical pro-abortion laws can end up in the dustbin of history. --Michael Brown; Here's How we make America ProLife 11.15.22
Bart Barber
“I think it is unjust, unnecessary, and unwise to include in abortion laws the prosecution of women who seek or obtain an abortion. The abortionist is the murderer, and any law banning abortion should identify the abortionist uniquely as such.”
-Bart Barber; SBC President; Sept 25, 2022
July 24, 2022:
Anne Graham Lotz recently told an audience: "On the morning of Friday, June 24, the Supreme Court took a significant step in leading our nation to turn around when it overturned Roe vs. Wade. Six courageous justices chose life. I applaud their decision as a victorious first step for the well-being of our entire nation as we turn around from the federalized legalization of choosing death."
I do see a lot of Christians imply ideas similar to hers. But I don't think the decision by SCOTUS really means what they think it means. You cannot legislate morality. You can make a law...but for a nation to turn you have to change hearts. A moral victory would mean it would be unlikely that it could be overturned. SCOTUS laws, however, can. It's the nature of a court that is partisan and not actually meting out any justice, which is what the Supreme Court has become. The right wing, with the "Christians" they dragged along are seeking justice through laws made by men. And following the fascist railings of a mad man known as Donald Trump. They say that Republicans have done a lot of changes to election rules which are not fair. And they have done it because they know that if elections are honest they can't win. A lot of Christian Nationalists have done the same with Christianity. They don't believe that by being honest that they can win..so they decided to become political and ignore good Christian morals. Change a law...you win til it changes again. Change a heart..it's forever
Anne Graham Lotz recently told an audience: "On the morning of Friday, June 24, the Supreme Court took a significant step in leading our nation to turn around when it overturned Roe vs. Wade. Six courageous justices chose life. I applaud their decision as a victorious first step for the well-being of our entire nation as we turn around from the federalized legalization of choosing death."
I do see a lot of Christians imply ideas similar to hers. But I don't think the decision by SCOTUS really means what they think it means. You cannot legislate morality. You can make a law...but for a nation to turn you have to change hearts. A moral victory would mean it would be unlikely that it could be overturned. SCOTUS laws, however, can. It's the nature of a court that is partisan and not actually meting out any justice, which is what the Supreme Court has become. The right wing, with the "Christians" they dragged along are seeking justice through laws made by men. And following the fascist railings of a mad man known as Donald Trump. They say that Republicans have done a lot of changes to election rules which are not fair. And they have done it because they know that if elections are honest they can't win. A lot of Christian Nationalists have done the same with Christianity. They don't believe that by being honest that they can win..so they decided to become political and ignore good Christian morals. Change a law...you win til it changes again. Change a heart..it's forever
May 24, 2022: Sojourners: ABOUT THAT BIBLE VERSE YOU SEE ON ANTI-ABORTION SIGNS
Earlier this year, I preached on Jeremiah 1:5: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.” Anti-abortion protestors, including Christians, have long offered this verse as part of their “pro-life” arguments: they tweet it, use it as a proof text, and use it to sell mugs and T-shirts.
Earlier this year, I preached on Jeremiah 1:5: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.” Anti-abortion protestors, including Christians, have long offered this verse as part of their “pro-life” arguments: they tweet it, use it as a proof text, and use it to sell mugs and T-shirts.
March 19, 2022:
Faith comes by hearing the word of God...it does not say it comes from reading the word of God. Granted, reading the word is important and it is a sure help for growing faith. But if God is really there than you need to LISTEN to Him. Through that you will have assurance of not showing up on that day and God saying "I dont know you." If youre having a problem with actually hearing God it is not because He does not want to speak. He weighs your heart. Demonizing people you label as progressive and will not help the weight of your heart.
Politics is a symptom....NOT a remedy. It never will be. Laws will stop some abortions...but will not stop abortion. And the women prolifers spent years saying they were not going to be arrested or jailed for it....will now be arrested and jailed for murder...so dont expect anything parades for the "laws". After 40 to 50 some years of the church addressing it as a political movement...they still missed the whole vision. It is possible that God could have intervened shortly after January 1973. But He wasnt invited. Instead political agendas and anti-abortion groups took to action and politicians year after promised to end abortion....and best the Church could do was ask God to bless their endeavors. Now both left and right have created a cataclysmic riff and mucked it all up. NEVER does the Bible under the new covenant authorize politicians to share His glory. He wont do it. And now here we are. Star preaching about the God who is there and not the one you can only read about in the bible.
Faith comes by hearing the word of God...it does not say it comes from reading the word of God. Granted, reading the word is important and it is a sure help for growing faith. But if God is really there than you need to LISTEN to Him. Through that you will have assurance of not showing up on that day and God saying "I dont know you." If youre having a problem with actually hearing God it is not because He does not want to speak. He weighs your heart. Demonizing people you label as progressive and will not help the weight of your heart.
Politics is a symptom....NOT a remedy. It never will be. Laws will stop some abortions...but will not stop abortion. And the women prolifers spent years saying they were not going to be arrested or jailed for it....will now be arrested and jailed for murder...so dont expect anything parades for the "laws". After 40 to 50 some years of the church addressing it as a political movement...they still missed the whole vision. It is possible that God could have intervened shortly after January 1973. But He wasnt invited. Instead political agendas and anti-abortion groups took to action and politicians year after promised to end abortion....and best the Church could do was ask God to bless their endeavors. Now both left and right have created a cataclysmic riff and mucked it all up. NEVER does the Bible under the new covenant authorize politicians to share His glory. He wont do it. And now here we are. Star preaching about the God who is there and not the one you can only read about in the bible.
Jan 28, 2022: Baptist Messenger: GUEST COLUMN: EDMOND, FIRST HOSTS ABOLITION CONFERENCE, FEB. 5-8
Abolition is a grassroots movement among churches to abolish abortion in Oklahoma. The tenets of abolition are built upon the following five principles. First, abolition is biblical. Rather than leaving the Bible out of engagements, abolitionists ground God’s Word as the foundation for everything that they do. The concept of abolitionism (the removal of evils) is derived from the Word of God. It follows from the call to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God (Micah 6:8).
Abolition is a grassroots movement among churches to abolish abortion in Oklahoma. The tenets of abolition are built upon the following five principles. First, abolition is biblical. Rather than leaving the Bible out of engagements, abolitionists ground God’s Word as the foundation for everything that they do. The concept of abolitionism (the removal of evils) is derived from the Word of God. It follows from the call to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God (Micah 6:8).
National Library of Medicine:
Hosp Prog. 1980 Jan;61(1):38-49.Abortion: why the arguments fail
S Hauerwas
PIP: Christians are trained to received and welcome children into the world. They represent a continuing commitment to live as a historic people. The vocation of marriage derives its intelligibility from a couple's willingness to be open to new life. It is a test of the validity of a marriage union and love, that the union is open to creation of another. The Christian prohibition of abortion is the negative side of the positive commitment to welcome new life into their community. For Christians there can be no question of the fetus being a human being. The fetus is nothing less than God's continuing creation that is destined in hope to be another citizen of his kingdom. The Christian hope is that life will and does continue to begin time after time. The role of being a parent, even for the childless, is a responsibility shared by everyone in the Christian community. From the world's perspective, children are a drain on our material and psychological resources. From the Christian perspective, there is no more profound political act than taking the time for children. It is an indication that God, not man, rules this existence. Christians should be concerned about developing forms of care and support for children, the absence of which makes abortion such a necessity. The woman pregnant and carrying the child need not be the one to raise it. Christians must be ready to receive and care for any child.
Hosp Prog. 1980 Jan;61(1):38-49.Abortion: why the arguments fail
S Hauerwas
- PMID: 7350102
PIP: Christians are trained to received and welcome children into the world. They represent a continuing commitment to live as a historic people. The vocation of marriage derives its intelligibility from a couple's willingness to be open to new life. It is a test of the validity of a marriage union and love, that the union is open to creation of another. The Christian prohibition of abortion is the negative side of the positive commitment to welcome new life into their community. For Christians there can be no question of the fetus being a human being. The fetus is nothing less than God's continuing creation that is destined in hope to be another citizen of his kingdom. The Christian hope is that life will and does continue to begin time after time. The role of being a parent, even for the childless, is a responsibility shared by everyone in the Christian community. From the world's perspective, children are a drain on our material and psychological resources. From the Christian perspective, there is no more profound political act than taking the time for children. It is an indication that God, not man, rules this existence. Christians should be concerned about developing forms of care and support for children, the absence of which makes abortion such a necessity. The woman pregnant and carrying the child need not be the one to raise it. Christians must be ready to receive and care for any child.