PTM WEEKLY UPDATE -- JUNE 22, 2009

"Some of your comments on abortion were negative and sarcastic"

Q. You reach out to many people around the world with the truth of God's word. I have finished the first of your three podcasts about the "end times." I'm looking forward to the other two. I also appreciate the CWR sermons and have passed some onto others.

I was disappointed in your comments regarding abortion and those in the pro-life movement who speak out against it June 8 PTM Weekly Update, "Taking a stand" on abortion." I felt that some of the comments were negative and sarcastic. While there are some people who think violence is the solution to a problem, like the person who killed Dr. Tiller, not all pro-life people are that way or condone in any way what happened to Dr. Tiller. There are many who are pro-life and who reach out to those facing the choice of abortion. One way they do so is by providing ultrasound machines in pregnancy centers to help the mother know this is not just a piece of flesh but a living person. As many as 40,000 babies have been saved by this means. These pregnancy centers also provide counseling, the basic necessities for new mothers and encouragement as these women face new challenges.

It's easy to become cynical towards pro-life people when all we see in the news and on TV is the pro-choice view point. Wouldn't it be nice if a major news station or paper ran a series from the victim's perspective. But what happens in the womb during an abortion would probably be considered to
upsetting to see. It certainly is life changing to the one experiencing it. Regardless, Greg, keep up the good work.

A. I am delighted to hear that you are listening and hopefully gaining some insight from the podcasts about the end times. Thank you for the
encouragement you provide about the work of PTM -- including CWR messages. We want to be one of God's tools in his toolbox -- so that by his grace we might point others to Jesus.

I was disappointed to read your reaction to our response to a question about the abortion issue. Permit me to clarify and respond:

1) The answer we provided to a question was simply that -- a brief, quick response to someone who wanted to know than the "party line" they have heard about abortion.

2) I begin my response with the sentence, "I believe abortion is wrong in God's eyes." I then follow that comment with an explanation that this issue has assumed such primary status in many people's eyes that they evaluate their identity, and that of others, in terms of their "stand" about abortion. How is that negative or sarcastic?

3) I then explain that many who "take this stand" (that abortion is perhaps the most important issue of our day, for a Christian) "take such a stand" in less than a loving way. I read that the primary sign by which we as Christians are known is love (John 13:35). How is this negative or sarcastic?

4) I then noted the irony that an "abortion doctor" had just been killed while serving in his own church by someone, according to initial reports, who attended another branch of the same generic church. While I did not note it, is this part of what Jesus meant in John 16:2, ... "a time is coming when anyone who kills you will think he is offering a service to God"?

5) I then added the fact that there are many legalistic houses of worship that are unfriendly to those who have had an experience with abortion. I know this for a fact. In the course of ministry, I have had some who have had abortions who have confided in me, asking for advice and counsel, telling me of painful experiences they have experienced as they sought help and healing within a church environment. It seems that this issue has assumed such magnitude that in some people's minds those who have had abortions are permanently stained, and should really never frequent places where "righteous" people gather. That is a fact. I am not saying all churches and all Christians respond in such a way -- but some do.

Abortion is not the only topic that causes such high-handed condemnation. Homosexuals have had such experiences -- those who found themselves trapped by sexual or chemical additions -- and those who have AIDS Why such a singular, focused criticism on such issues? Why do we find churches whose primary response to abortion is to condemn and criticize, while there is a strange silence about sins such as greed, lust and gluttony (among others)?

6) Of course, it is a great idea to provide education and insight to those about to undergo abortion -- I am thankful that pregnancy centers provide such education. But where are the centers that provide insight and education about the cancers that are causes by fast food? Where are the centers that tell people about what they will do to themselves and their families as they continue to gorge themselves on food? Where are the centers that focus our thoughts on the evils of warfare, racism, greed and hatred? Where are the centers that are dedicated to any number of issues, in addition to abortion? Why -- Why -- has abortion become such a singular issue in the minds of some Christians? Where is the justification for making it so, while so many other issues go unaddressed?

7) Again, I do not believe in abortion. I believe that abortion is not the answer. But I do not buy into the idea that unless I yell and scream about this particular societal ill that I am less of a Christian than the next guy (or perhaps not even a Christian at all!). I will not elevate this issue so that the Christian perspective becomes more about what we are against than what we are for. I find little justification in the teachings and mindset of Jesus to be on the constant attack of a society gone wrong. I find the grim spiritual reality is that many people feel comforted by railing against sins which they themselves have not been involved (or which they have effectively hidden).

8) I find this high-handed moral perch which many people occupy, thanks to many evangelical leaders who, I believe, have their priorities mixed up when it comes to God's grace and his incredible love, causes them to become hypocrites. While condemning others, they themselves are unable
to perceive their own inadequacy before God. The religious leaders who condemned Jesus to death, condemning an innocent man because he turned their religious world upside down, are a case in point.

9) I concluded my brief response to the person who wondered whether they had bought into a wholesale condemnation of others, in such a way as to
blind them to other needs, with a call for those who call themselves "pro-life" to be just that -- spend time and resources on the poor children who have been born (which is the objective they seem to live for) -- because this world is filled with neglected, abandoned, poverty-stricken, malnourished, diseased and abused children. Perhaps you understood the irony I attempted to call attention to as negative and sarcastic? I don't believe they are -- they are simply asking for the same concern devoted to the unborn to be given to those who have been born. What is sarcastic about such a request? Jesus said a great deal about his love for all children. May God help us all to do the same.

10) I agree with you that news coverage and video footage of what happens within the womb would be terribly upsetting? Would it be more upsetting than what happens during a rape? Would it be more upsetting than seeing a little child abused, verbally, physically or sexually? How do we determine which is the greatest sin, and which issue demands our primary focus and attention? I believe it is a mistake for Christians to allow themselves to be sucked into quasi-political crusades against some specific behavior. I see nothing in the Gospel that directs us to be so involved. I see nothing that gives us the calling to be so involved.

That's my two cents worth. May God guide us all, in every way, to a deeper appreciation of his love and grace.

RETURN TO PTM WEEKLY UPDATE CONTENTS PAGE

Copyright © 2009 Plain Truth Ministries -- Worldwide.