Twisted Christian

Rev Katherine Hancock Ragsdale, the new Dean of the Episcopal Divinity School in Cambridge, Massachusetts recently gave a sermon saying that abortions are a blessing. She lays out four examples, and ends each with the statement, "the abortion is a blessing."

She started off with an example that many would find they agree with. Maybe not that it is a blessing, but that it is semi-acceptable.

"When a woman finds herself pregnant due to violence and chooses an abortion, it is the violence that is the tragedy; the abortion is a blessing."

Her next example will find fewer supporters, yet it is still something that many would find to be an acceptable option, though maybe not a blessing.

"When a woman finds that the fetus she is carrying has anomalies incompatible with life, that it will not live and that she requires an abortion – often a late-term abortion – to protect her life, her health, or her fertility, it is the shattering of her hopes and dreams for that pregnancy that is the tragedy; the abortion is a blessing."

There are far fewer supporters for her last two examples, with many saying that abortions should not be allowed as a "get out of jail free" card to those who make poor decisions. Though it is still a woman's right to make that choice for herself and we cannot judge the experiences that lead to the decisions she is making, nor can we judge the decision itself.

"When a woman wants a child but can’t afford one because she hasn’t the education necessary for a sustainable job, or access to health care, or day care, or adequate food, it is the abysmal priorities of our nation, the lack of social supports, the absence of justice that are the tragedies; the abortion is a blessing."

"And when a woman becomes pregnant within a loving, supportive, respectful relationship; has every option open to her; decides she does not wish to bear a child; and has access to a safe, affordable abortion – there is not a tragedy in sight -- only blessing. The ability to enjoy God’s good gift of sexuality without compromising one’s education, life’s work, or ability to put to use God’s gifts and call is simply blessing."

The bible does not specifically address the issue of abortion, and I don't think any amount of Christian dogma or doctrine can make up for what the bible says or doesn't say.

Jeremiah 1:5 is often quoted as a verse that shows God's view on abortion, "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you," along with Psalm 139:13-16, another verse that talks about God's role in our creation in the womb. But that is just talking about the role of God in creation, not in the placement of the soul in the body at that moment. God has his hand in the creation of everything. He knows everything before He creates it.

Exodus 21:22-25 is another verse that is used to show how God punishes those that cause (perform) abortions,
"If men strive, and hurt a woman with child, so that her fruit depart from her, and yet no mischief follow: he shall be surely punished according as the woman's husband will lay upon him; and he shall pay as the judges determine. And if any mischief follow, then thou shalt give life for life, Eye for eye, tooth for tooth . . ."

While I don't think this verse has anything to do with abortion, both sides of the debate have used it to either defend, or condemn the act.
The pro-abortion side says that it clearly states that if the fetus dies, then a beating is due, but if the woman dies, then it shall be a life for a life, thus showing that the fetus isn’t a “life”.
The anti-abortion side likes to say that certain words have been mistranslated and that if you read it in the original Hebrew there would be no way you could use it for a pro-abortion argument.
Whether we interpret the verses as pro, or anti-abortion, it doesn’t matter. We can all twist scripture to say whatever we want through all sorts of arguments, but that isn’t going to help any.

Abortions are going to happen. Whether we label them as right or wrong, they are still going to take place. This is not the time to condemn; this is the time to show love. The Christian stance on abortion is one of the major issues that is showcased to the world when describing the ignorance and out-datedness of Christianity. Now I’m not saying we need to change our beliefs to be more popular, but I think we are making the wrong thing the center of attention.

When people think of Christianity and abortions, they think of those selfish assholes that stand outside picketing abortion clinics. What a travesty this is! Christians shouldn’t be known for their arrogance, their ignorance and their hatefulness. This is the perfect opportunity to reach out, to show people that we are caring, loving people that aren’t going to judge you for the decisions you make. We should have support groups, counselling services, and an open, accepting invitation to all women that make the decision to have an abortion. We should be known for our love and support, not our hatred and judgement.

Christianity is about love. Picketing abortion clinics is not love. Judging people for the decisions they make is not love.

Now I'm not arguing statistics here. I know that the majority of abortions are for the reason of convenience. And I’m not going to say that abortions are a “blessing.” Abortions will always be a contentious issue, and I just think that gives us all the more opportunity to change this image people have of Christians. Lose the picket signs and hateful slogans and pickup an attitude of love and forgiveness. It doesn’t matter what you believe, whether you are pro-choice or pro-life, what matters is how you love those that are making the decision.