January 22, 2014

Abortion

An Enduring Wrong by the editors at National Review

Abortion and Human Equality – How to return the debate to the essential questions 41 years after Roe – An NRO Interview with Francis J. Beckwith by Kathryn Jean Lopez

Jesse Jackson was Right by Steve Deace

Abortion and the Moral Imagination – Changing Minds and Hearts by John Stonestreet – “Facts are stubborn things. And so are some people in the face of them, especially when it comes to abortion.”

Abortion and the American Conscience by Albert R. Mohler Jr.

**********

41 Years of Killing Babies
by Rev. Dr. James I. Lamb, executive director of Lutherans For Life

I heard it several times over the past week and read it in the paper again today—abortion being referred to as a “social issue.” I suppose the more we distance ourselves from an unpleasant reality the easier it becomes to justify relegating it to the periphery of our thoughts and lives. “Abortion” nudges the reality of killing our children toward that periphery. “41 Years of Abortion” would have been a “softer” title for this piece. “Social issue” propels it further to the edge of our consciousness. “41 Years of A Social Issue” would have caused no one to think at all. 

Today marks the 41st anniversary of the Supreme Court decision that struck down state laws that protected our children and opened up an unprecedented slaughter. Over 57 million babies have been killed since January 22, 1973. Certainly the magnitude of the loss of so many U.S. citizens has had its affect upon society and truly is a social issue in that regard. But I’m not sure that’s what most people have in mind. They just do not want to even say the “a” word anymore. 

But I am thankful today for the countless pastors, educators, and lay people who know the reality of what is going on and also understand the implications, not just for our society, but for the Kingdom of God. For we are not just killing babies in our country, but babies created by God, redeemed by the blood of Jesus, and souls God desires to call into an eternal relationship with Him. More than ever, I am encouraged by those who face this reality and apply God’s Word of Law and Gospel, not to a social issue, but to a sin, and then speak the Good News of forgiveness that addresses that sin. 

Roe v. Wade is not an anniversary we celebrate. But it is a good time to remind ourselves of the reality of what this decision did and the responsibility Christians have to address it boldly.

**********

41 Years Calls Thos Who Have Faith
by Pastor Robert Fleischmann, national director of Christian Life Resources
(Source: Christian Life Resources)

Nothing moves the heart like the countenance of newborn babies. They radiate innocence and dependence.

Christians are often moved by the visual of a child that so desperately depends on others for daily survival. That image moves some to protest outside of abortion clinics. It moves others to serve as counselors in pregnancy resource centers. It moves some to write letters to legislators and moves others to run for office. The vast majority, however, remain unmoved.

Perhaps the problem is the instrument. If we are only moved by what we see, and the pain that is imagined, and the loss that is felt with the death of each unborn child then we have missed something distinctive about being a Christian.

“We live by faith, not by sight” (1 Corinthians 2:5-7). On this sad anniversary of legalized abortion in America, we acknowledge the loss of more than 56 million unborn lives. For those who have had an abortion and whose hearts ache over the loss, there is a Savior who purchased your forgiveness. God through Jesus made everything right.

For those who weary of the battle to protect lives, never forget Him who wearied to the point of death to give you life that lasts forever.

And for those who are unmoved by all of this: consider what it means to have faith. It is not just an allegiance to the kind and popular attributes of Jesus. It is the sober reality that because of sin “I was lost” and by the power of the Holy Spirit “I am found.”

It is our faith that compels us to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves. It is our faith that moves us to do what is right even when it is not popular. It is our faith to moves each of us to action, even when we cannot see the unborn child. We love, we act, we care, because He first loved us.

**********

Adoption

Reaction to 48 Hours Broadcast on Adoption by Peter Leppanen

Family Living

New film “Gimme Shelter” challenges us all by Melanie Pritchard

You’re Right to Choose This Movie by Brent Bozell

Political

The Despotism of “Choice” by William Murchison – “The real thing would require selflessness.”

Worldview and Culture

Babies in Boxes and the State in Which We Find Ourselves by John Crawford