A Biblical Perspective on the Sanctity of Life
After the Dobbs decision came down from the Supreme Court, many pro-life advocates celebrated the victory. Indeed, giving states the ability to handle the abortion issue is a victory of sorts. Unfortunately, the work needed to promote a biblical view of the sanctity of life is far from finished. The risk of momentary accomplishments may result in a loss of motivation. A list of words come to mind describing this dwindling momentum — lethargy, complacency, apathy, indifference. Those who desire to advocate a biblical view of life in our society cannot allow these words to describe their approach.
I am remorseful over the time I wasted remaining silent on this touchy subject. Recently, I recorded an episode of The Lonely Pastor’s Podcast with my friend, Michael Battenfield, to discuss some evangelicals’ shortcomings in approaching the subject. As an association of churches, we must consider how we may keep the gears spinning to advance a biblical worldview. Our conversation revealed a more significant concern about how Christians think about controversial issues. Our primary purpose must be to see God call our neighbors to a relationship with Him rather than conscripting our beliefs upon them. Nevertheless, we know God intends to use Christians in this pursuit. As such, the greater concern is that more and more Christians are using lines of reasoning that come from the world instead of their Bible.
When topics become front and center in our culture, we allow the most prominent views to become our talking points. For most Americans, discussions about abortion divide themselves across political party lines. Dividing a major issue into a two-party system is not the answer. Many of our church members may be surprised to learn that most “pro-life” organizations fail to align themselves with a truly biblical worldview. While these groups are doing good work, their goal is to implement “incremental management.” Their middle-of-the-road approach to introducing laws that “regulate” and “restrict” abortion seems, on the surface, to be a good thing. Still, they are ultimately compromised positions that fail to apply the Bible wholly. Perhaps my failure to recognize progressive work is why I’m not a politician. Frankly, though, on an issue that is abundantly supported by a biblical understanding of life and its preciousness, I cannot bring myself to align with a compromised position that reflects the same error that resulted in our cultural shift toward accepting murder in some cases.
So, churchmen, let’s do our best to correct the error. We do not need to tell each other what to think. Instead, we need to challenge each other on how to think. Our thoughts should be guided and supported by statements that begin with the phrase “the Bible teaches.” For example, the Bible teaches that life begins at the moment of fertilization (Psalm 139:13-16). Therefore, life does not start at birth or when viability is achieved. Life begins when fertilization occurs. When we disciple others or participate in Bible studies with our brothers and sisters, we tend to apply less scrutiny to points we agree with. I do not believe anyone wants to teach explicitly that so long as a person arrives at the same conclusion as them, their method does not matter. When we fail to contend over points we generally agree with, we inadvertently teach precisely that.
The consequences of failing to challenge how Christians think about controversial issues facing our culture from a biblical perspective result in a confusing testimony to the rest of the world. When visitors draw near to the church’s teachings to find their worldview challenged without seeing the same degree of evaluation applied to others, it gives cause to some of the most common complaints we hear from unchurched generations. Faithful teachers of the Bible cannot avoid controversial issues. Many would instead relegate their teaching authority to others because they are unwilling to have their own beliefs challenged. The type of vulnerability that pours from wrestling with our worldview is the kind of discipleship that changes lives. Imagine the kind of discipleship in our churches if we made this our norm.
Political advocacy doesn’t get my gears spinning. However, discipleship that contends for truth does. I would be grateful to see our sister churches recognize Right to Life Weekend this month. I pray the members of our churches will be informed about the ongoing battle to protect the most vulnerable in our society. I would be delighted to help you in any way to bring attention to this worthy cause.
