So it's election year which means that it is time to begin debating the major issues of our day. One that has caught my attention this election year is the abortion debate. I have been (and continue to be) a fervent pro-life supporter, but this year I am seeing the debate in a different light.
For one side, the argument is based around act of abortion. Abortion is killing an unborn baby, which is murder, thus it is wrong. (Don't get me wrong, I think that conservatives are right on this issue!) This is not a question of context; but of right and wrong. Murder is always wrong. This is not up for discussion.
The other side talks about the nature of the environment. They discuss how many single mothers cannot afford to raise a child. They say that women are the victims of men who leave them alone to raise a child. This cycle of poverty is wrong, and we should look for ways to protect these women from men who objectify them. I get this argument, and at many levels I agree with the feelings of this side.
One side's ethics support the poor, one side strongly stands upon the side of truth. Which side is right? My answer: yes!
We have to see both sides of the issue or we're completely missing the point. As Christians, we are called to love those who are at the bottom. We're called to support those who have no where else to go. And this does not mean we do this only when they agree with us in morals, ethics, and lifestyle. As Christians we need to see all the sides of the issue. We need to understand justice on both sides.
(please do not write me off until you read the second half of the series)
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6 comments:
We need a better adoption system!
I'm looking into blogging about Obama and all the ridiculous fwd emails about him...not that I am or am not voting for him, but I'm just sick of how Christians attack candidates with false info, misunderstood history and theology, and a judgmental condemnation to boot.
phil,
i think this is a major issue in the abortion debate. one that I plan on writing about a little more in maybe in pt 2 or pt 3.
i have issue with people picketing abortion clinics then driving home to a nice suburban life without actually caring about the issues that these women are going through.
what if a church went to a clinic and offered to help financially with the medical bills, raising of the child, and like you said dealt with the issue of adoption.
Issues that make helping difficult...legal red tape, privacy issues, people's right to choose life styles that get them into these situatatios, and a host of other issues that make it hard for good meaning people to help those who need it.
And Suburban life equals not caring?
1. yes there are issues that make it difficult, and there's only so much one can do. You cannot force somebody to take your help, but there are so many Christians who don't even try.
2. Why do people live in the suburbs? nobody wants to live in the areas that are the poorest. nobody wants to live in places that are the most depraved. how will these people see the Gospel (more than just the vocal announcement) if all the Christians are secluded in safe havens?
so yes at some level the suburban life is one that is disconnecting from the pains of those who need help and hope.
Most people live in the same manner they grew up in - whatever that status is like. Poor, middle class, upper class. People live (mostly) within their comfort zones, poor and rich (look at the area you grew up in).
Very few break out of the status they grew up in, although some do.
So it isn't the question of status - the church can exist at every level. It is the Holy Spirit that changes people not income. The question is "how can I make a difference in the place I find myself"
There are people in every community that simply do nothing. Not just the suburbs. Being poor doen't mean helpless - history shows examplees of this.
in that case do we see any hope for the world? are you saying that there is no hope for transformation?
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