U
UtterlyConfusedChristian
Guest
The Roman Catholic Church (RCC) has been very fervent in their "Respect Life Campaigns", which is primarily designated to increase awareness about the frequency of abortions ("abortion on demand") since Roe v. Wade. The church takes the approach that abortion is in violation of the 6th Commandment ("Thall Shall Not Kill").
I, however, look at this issue differently. I question, "Is abortion murder?". I feel that the Bible is ambiguous about this issue. It does not come out and say (specifically), "DO NOT COMMIT ABORTIONS." The closest scripture we get to that (in my opinion), however, is "You have been my guide since I was first formed... from my mother's womb you are my God" (Psalm 22:10-11). And since the issue of abortion was not an issue in the time period and locations where the Bible was written, there is a great amount of ambiguity for this issue. Also, I question, "Are there exceptions where abortion is morally acceptable?" I argue yes; especially in instances where the mother's life/ health is at a severe risk, when she has been raped, when incest has occurred, as well as many other circumstances.
Nevertheless, I do applaud the church because they make strong, conscious effort to donate supplies and money to help women get through their pregnancies. Furthermore, the church also assists women who wish to choose to put their child in fostercare, and churches work closely with single mothers (if they choose to keep their child). This much more helpful than those who are strongly oppose abortion, but do nothing to assist women.
Yet, I do not understand the way many Catholicism deals with the issue. Firstly, abortion has always occurred in this country (well before Roe v. Wade), and even if Roe is overturned, women will continue to have/ attempt to have abortions. Secondly, voting for presidential candidates who are pro-life has not paid off. Since 1973, Reagan, George H.W. Bush, and George W. Bush (this is 16 years worth of political control) have articulated strong pro-life positions. And since 1973; "abortion on demand", to the dismay of its opponents, still exists.
Also, polls show that people are very sensitive to the issue of abortion and have voted more on that "single issue" than other issues. Yet, many studies suggest that there was a higher rate of abortions in the Bush Presidency than in the Clinton Presidency. This is because America was economically prosperous during the 1990s, which enabled pregnant women to complete pregnancies at a higher rate. Thus, focusing on other issues (like the economy), instead of valuing a candidate's "pro-life" position will have a better effect in reducing the amount of abortions.
I, however, look at this issue differently. I question, "Is abortion murder?". I feel that the Bible is ambiguous about this issue. It does not come out and say (specifically), "DO NOT COMMIT ABORTIONS." The closest scripture we get to that (in my opinion), however, is "You have been my guide since I was first formed... from my mother's womb you are my God" (Psalm 22:10-11). And since the issue of abortion was not an issue in the time period and locations where the Bible was written, there is a great amount of ambiguity for this issue. Also, I question, "Are there exceptions where abortion is morally acceptable?" I argue yes; especially in instances where the mother's life/ health is at a severe risk, when she has been raped, when incest has occurred, as well as many other circumstances.
Nevertheless, I do applaud the church because they make strong, conscious effort to donate supplies and money to help women get through their pregnancies. Furthermore, the church also assists women who wish to choose to put their child in fostercare, and churches work closely with single mothers (if they choose to keep their child). This much more helpful than those who are strongly oppose abortion, but do nothing to assist women.
Yet, I do not understand the way many Catholicism deals with the issue. Firstly, abortion has always occurred in this country (well before Roe v. Wade), and even if Roe is overturned, women will continue to have/ attempt to have abortions. Secondly, voting for presidential candidates who are pro-life has not paid off. Since 1973, Reagan, George H.W. Bush, and George W. Bush (this is 16 years worth of political control) have articulated strong pro-life positions. And since 1973; "abortion on demand", to the dismay of its opponents, still exists.
Also, polls show that people are very sensitive to the issue of abortion and have voted more on that "single issue" than other issues. Yet, many studies suggest that there was a higher rate of abortions in the Bush Presidency than in the Clinton Presidency. This is because America was economically prosperous during the 1990s, which enabled pregnant women to complete pregnancies at a higher rate. Thus, focusing on other issues (like the economy), instead of valuing a candidate's "pro-life" position will have a better effect in reducing the amount of abortions.
