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Posts Tagged ‘abortion’

Jane Russell Opposed Abortion

Posted in Commentaries of others, Faith & Practice, Life issues, tagged , , , , , , , , , , on March 5, 2011| Leave a Comment »

Jane Russell was a Hollywood personality of my parent’s generation.  She recently died at age 89.  She was beautiful, but did anyone know what she thought about abortion?

John Smeaton, Director of The Society for the Protection of Unborn Children (SPUC), posted a blog on March 2 that explains why this Hollywood film star of the 40s and 50s spoke out against abortion.  At 19, she resorted to an illegal abortion which almost killed her and left her infertile.  Jane did not conclude that abortion should be legalized.  Instead, she said, “People should never, ever have an abortion.  Don’t talk to me about it being a woman’s right to choose what she does with her own body.  The choice is between life and death.”

I don’t pretend to know much about Jane Russell, but it doesn’t surprise me that her opinion of abortion was kept under wraps.  I wonder how many people know that Jane Russell founded an organization called WAIF (World Adoption International Fund) to help people adopt unwanted children from various parts of the world.  She, herself, adopted three children.

John Smeaton points out that Jane Russell isn’t the only celebrity to have “stuck out her neck by making comments in support of unborn children or the dignity of motherhood, for example:

  • Charlton Heston gave the introduction to Eclipse of Reason (1986), the second of the late Dr. Bermard Nathanson’s documentaries on the reality of abortion
  • Jennifer O’Neill, an actress from the 1970s onwards, now speaks out about her abortion experience on behalf of the Silent No More campaign
  • Justin Bieber, the 17-year-old pop star, last month said that he doesn’t “believe in abortion” because “it’s like killing a baby.”  (He was attacked for being “too young” to have opinions on abortion!)
  • Natalie Portman, who won best actress in this week’s Oscars, has been attacked for describing her motherhood as “the most important role in my life.”  She also described pregnancy as “a miracle” giving meaning and importance amidst superficiality.

Together with John Smeaton and the SPUC, Lutherans For Life, Priests for Life, The National Right to Life, and all individuals, organizations, and ministries that speak up for life, I encourage you to pray for courage to defend our littlest neighbor and his or her mother.  Jane Russell’s first and only child died at the hands of an abortionist.  Jane was hurt by abortion and could never again bear another child.  But, she was encouraged by the truth that choosing life is always better than choosing death.  And, so, she welcomed children into her life and home through adoption.

In memory of Jane Russell and her stand for life, please consider giving a donation to your local caring pregnancy center.

 

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Just Say “No” to Planned Parenthood

Posted in Citizenship, Culture Shifts, Faith & Practice, Life issues, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , on March 5, 2011| 2 Comments »

Want to help make a difference?  Join other voices on March 8 and call or e-mail your Senators.  Respectfully urge them to defund Planned Parenthood.

Why?  We have known for years that Planned Parenthood (PP) is the largest abortion provider in the country.  It endangers the health of women.  Recently, Live Action Films exposed PP officials aiding and abetting individuals posing as criminal sex traffickers seeking abortions for underage girls.  You can view  the YouTube by visiting Live Action Films, Concerned Women for America, or The Susan B. Anthony List.  (See below.)

PP uses our tax dollars to do its work.  But, on February 18, the U.S. House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly to defund PP.  In anger, PP has thrown down the gauntlet and is using its significant war chest to batter members of Congress into submission.

Do you realize that PP:

  • Is a $1-plus billion business that rakes in one-third of its budget from government grants and contracts at both the state and federal levels?
  • Makes an $85 million profit?
  • Fails to report many cases of sexual abuse and statutory rape involving girls under the age of 16?
  • Aggressively advises pregnant girls under 18 on how to avoid telling their parents about visiting their abortion clinics through a process known as “judicial by-pass”?

On February 18 — and with all common sense — members of Congress voted against giving our $363 million (tax dollars) to the largest abortion provider in the country.

Years ago, two other members of Lutherans For Life and I “toured” PP in Des Moines, IA.  I have no doubt that many who work at PP truly believe they are helping women.  That day, during the tour, our “guide” expressed thankfulness that young girls, married and unmarried women, and even older mothers could be “helped” by way of an abortion.  Today, I could share with you countless stories of friends and acquaintances who were “helped” by PP, but then fell to depression, eating disorders, alcoholism, sexual promiscuity, and anger.  Some distanced themselves from God.  Others wrote letters to their aborted children asking for forgiveness.  All confess to me that abortion did not improve their lives; rather, quite the opposite.

A woman entering a PP clinic in 2009 was 42 times more likely to have an abortion than to receive either prenatal care or be referred for adoption.  Through its “award-winning” website, Teenwire, PP normalizes teen sexual activity, peddles their “family planning” services, offers homosexuality as a “choice” and form of birth control, practically ignores the physical and moral consequences of abortion, scoffs at the psychological consequences of abortion, and actually helps build a wall between parents and children.

So, on March 8, please call your Senators and respectfully encourage them to defund Planned Parenthood, the taxpayer-funded organization that does not respect women, protect children, or  honor the Creator of Life.  You can find more information by visiting Concerned Women for America, Susan B. Anthony List, Focus on the Family, and The Family Research Council.

Then, please pray that we all have mercy on our littlest neighbor — the unborn child — and his or her mother.

After all, Jesus Christ calls us to mercy, not sacrifice.

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The Throne of Grace

Posted in Biblical manhood & womanhood, Culture Shifts, Faith & Practice, Identity, Life issues, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , on February 14, 2011| 2 Comments »

The woman carries a burden.  It is the guilt and grief of an abortion.

The deceiver of her soul never leaves her alone.  “Can God ever forgive you?”   “Choice” is building a wall between her and God.  Wouldn’t it be easier to sleep in on Sunday mornings?

Her conscience is stirred.  She remembers that, as a little girl, she attended worship with her parents.  She didn’t really understand the service.  The hymns seemed old and the pews hard.  But, there was a sense of order and peace.  Even her little girl heart identified with that.

So, one Sunday morning, the woman returned to the place of her childhood.  The place of order and peace.  Perhaps her burden made her more sensitive, but something had changed.  Instead of quiet reverence, there was noise and distraction. 

She intentionally chose the more contemporary service.  Even so, there was humility in her manner because she believed she was entering the House of the Lord.   The flurry of activity startled her.  Posters, banners, blinking lights, a latte station, people handing out brochures, and a praise band overpowered her senses.  Making her way to a back pew, she bowed her head.  She wanted to sort out her thoughts.  To pray.  But, all around her people in conversation competed with the vocalists and band.  Her mind wandered away from her prayer.

The woman remembered holding her hymnal when she was a girl.  But, now all the words were on a power point screen.  She couldn’t page through the Psalms or read God’s Word in the hymns.   She couldn’t turn to the page of confession and absolution.  The service moved so quickly.  Along with the others, she was praising her Lord, but what was He doing for her?

The pastor was dynamic.  Charismatic.  He looked almost like everyone else in the room.  She couldn’t help but wonder: How would he receive her?  He spoke about Jesus and mercy and grace, but did she miss the part about why she needed such mercy and grace?

She approached the Lord’s Table with hunger, but was not allowed to kneel, pause before the Cross, and ponder on what she was receiving.   The line of people moved quickly by the pastors and several elders.  She noticed some people looking at their watches.  Perhaps it was her imagination, but the band seemed louder.  Still, it didn’t drown out her pounding heart.  The anxiety.  What am I doing, she asked herself.  Why am I here?

Back in her pew, she again bowed her head.  But, there was no silence.  The praising continued.  The congregation was singing about a great God, a loving God.  But, where was He?  All of the people around her were doing something for Him, but what was He doing for them?  For her?

She had come to His sanctuary, but felt herself in an auditorium.  Sight and sound teased her emotions, but she always felt that way after a trip to the mall, too.

She had come to leave her burden before the Throne of Grace, be received as His daughter, and be equipped for her daily battle with the deceiver of her soul.  But, everyone was so busy taking their hour to praise the Lord.  Perhaps the Lord was receiving her as His daughter, but her head was turned away.  Her eyes were focused elsewhere.

She left with her burden in tow.  She hadn’t really felt like praising God, but wanted Him do something for her.  She wondered, did He give to her and all the others what they needed to engage in daily spiritual warfare?  Or, had they given Him some of their time before scurrying back to real life?

Does this woman sit in your midst?  Does your congregation’s choice of worship direct such a woman to the Cross, or distract her away?  Is she allowed to “be still and know that I am God,” or is she overwhelmed by the choreography of human hand?

Just pondering on the journey…

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Why Should We?

Posted in Citizenship, Culture Shifts, Faith & Practice, Life issues, tagged , , on January 10, 2011| 1 Comment »

From 2002 – 2008, Planned Parenthood received $657,100,000 from federal taxpayers alone.  But, the nation’s largest provider of abortions never released their 2008-2009 annual report until just before Christmas — months later than usual.  Was this to avoid public scruntiny during tough economic times?  Or, were they trying to hide something?

The abortion giant received $363,200,000 in government grants and contracts during that time period, a $13,600,000 increase from the previous year.  At the same time they were receiving a great deal of money off of taxpayers, they were busy killing future taxpayers by performing an unprecedented 324,800 abortions.

Why should we?  Why should Americans — Christians and non-Christians alike who don’t believe in the murder of children in the womb — subsidize a known abortion provider?

Why should American citizens be given no choice but to participate in the murder of future citizens — tomorrow’s scientists, teachers, pastors, doctors, and parents?

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We Can’t Talk About That

Posted in Citizenship, Culture Shifts, Faith & Practice, Life issues, tagged , , , , , , , , , , on November 19, 2010| Leave a Comment »

Every two weeks or so, I compile a two-page bulletin insert entitled “Christian Citizenship.”  The purpose is to help members of our congregation become aware of human care issues that beg a response from Christian citizens.  I’m very disappointed to hear that the insert is upsetting to some.  “We shouldn’t be putting this in our bulletin,” said one.  “We can’t talk about these things,” said another.

What things?  The topics highlighted in “Christian Citizenship” include abortion, stem cell research, euthanasia, creation/evolution, health care insofar as funding abortion or Planned Parenthood is concerned, marriage and family, same sex “marriage,” homosexuality, and persecution of Christians.  I take special care to focus only on those issues where God’s Word speaks.  And, to make sure I stay on track, I submit every edition to my pastor for his approval or suggested changes.

I’m disappointed that some Christians are upset, but I’m not surprised.  Years of experience in Lutherans For Life have taught me that too many Lutherans specifically and Christians in general consider abortion, for example, as a “political issue.”  Abortion is not a political issue.  It’s a moral issue.  And God speaks to it: “Thou shalt not kill.”   A younger generation, more pro-life than their parents, acknowledges that abortion ends the life of a baby.  They’ve seen the ultrasound images.  They know that a baby’s heart begins beating 18-24 days after conception and brain waves are present at 43 days.  Lutheran students learn in confirmation classes that God “knits [us] together in [our] mother’s womb (Psalm 139:13b).  Roe vs. Wade may have legalized abortion and the media may try to politicize it, but only God can create life; therefore, only God can take that life.  Abortion is a moral issue and because God speaks about protecting the human life He has made, we must, too.

Jesus said, “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored?  It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet.  You are the light of the world.  A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.  Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house” (Matthew 5:13-15).  The Christian is called to be “salt and light” in this world where many wrong things — like abortion — are called right.

If discussions of morality, i.e. abortion or same-sex “marriage,” can’t be had in the church, does it follow that we can’t talk about issues of faith outside the church?

To be continued in another “post”… on the journey.

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A Drug Named Ella

Posted in Commentaries of others, Life issues, tagged , , , , , on November 7, 2010| Leave a Comment »

Within a month, a dangerous new abortion drug named Ella will be available at pharmacies.  Ella was approved by the FDA and is being marketed as an emergency contraceptive drug, but it is an abortion drug similar to RU-486 that poses a variety of health risks to women.

Studies in England show that not only is Ella embryo toxic, but it also causes birth defects and starves the baby to death if taken five days after sexual intercourse.  The abortion industry and the FDA, reports Students for Life of America, is apparently hiding the truth about Ella.

Here are the hidden facts:

  • Ella is an abortion drug, not a contraceptive
  • Ella acts in virtually the same way as RU-486, which has killed dozens of women across the world.
  • Ella induces abortion, which increases a woman’s risk of breast cancer by 40%.
  • Because Ella is not classified as an abortifacient, our tax dollars can fund its distribution.
  • Men can give Ella to their pregnant wives and girlfriends without their knowledge, causing abortion.

Students for Life of America reports that the FDA voted unanimously not to inform women that Ella causes abortion.  It also refused to consider clinical trials on whether it causes birth defects, even though evidence suggests that it does.

For more information, Google or Bing Students for Life of America, National Right to Life, or Lutherans For Life.

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Revisiting Breast Cancer

Posted in Commentaries of others, Faith & Practice, Life issues, tagged , , , , , on November 1, 2010| Leave a Comment »

On October 7, 2010, I posted a blog entitled “Breast Cancer & Abortion.”  Here are a few more quotes to ponder:

“I would have loved to have found no association between breast cancer and abortion, but our research is rock solid, and our data is accurate.”  (Dr. Janet Daling, a cancer epidemiologist who supports legal abortion, quoted in Breakpoint, 10-28-10)

“In 2007, the Journal of American Physicians and Surgeons found that women who have an abortion increase by 40 percent their risk of breast cancer.”  (Breakpoint, 10-28-10)

“Many Americans who buy those pink bracelets may not be aware of the strong links between Planned Parenthood and the Komen Foundation.  Komen founder Nancy Brinker once served on the advisory board of Planned Parenthood of Dallas.  One Komen Advisory Board member, Eve Sanchez Silver, resigned when she found out just how strong the link was between Komen and the nation’s number one abortion provider.  Shockingly, Silver says the Komen Foundation’s “Concern for the health of women is now parallel to Planned Parenthood’s concern for the health of the children they abort.”  Those are strong words.  The Komen Foundation also endorses embryonic stem cell research which kills human embryos.”  (Breakpoint, 10-28-10)

If you want to help decrease the breast cancer risk and support research, check out the Polycarp Research Institute or the Breast Cancer Prevention Institute.

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Excellent Medicine?

Posted in Faith & Practice, Life issues, Relationships, Vocation, tagged , , , , , , , on November 1, 2010| Leave a Comment »

Women have abortions because they care about motherhood . . . [It’s] excellent medicine.”

So said Elizabeth Newhall on MSNBC, October 25, 2010. Ms. Newhall has been deceived.  Death is never good medicine.  Who is her deceiver?

Jesus called satan a “murderer from the beginning.”  He said that satan had “nothing to do with the truth, because there is no truth in  him.  When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies” (John 8:44).  Later, Jesus said, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.  I came that they may have life and have it abundantly” (John 10:10).

The “murderer” first approached woman in the Garden of Eden.  He had no respect for her or the children that would grow in her womb.  Despising the human life that God so loves, satan wanted woman to be the mother of death.  He tempted her to think God was holding something back from her, something that should rightfully be hers.  He deceived her into false spirituality and, failing to trust God, the woman determined her own standard of right and wrong.  The man stood by in silence.  He failed to remember God, enter into battle with the “murderer” and protect his “rib.”  Only then did male and female fall into sin.  Their relationship with God and each other was never the same.

The battle for life had begun.

But, God is the God of hope and promise.  He did not want woman to be the mother of death.  And so, He named her Eve which means “life” (Hebrew: chawwah).  Eve became the “mother of all the living” (Genesis 3:20).  Indeed, through her seed came the Promised One, Jesus Christ, who has victory over the “father of lies” and “murderer”.

Until Jesus returns, this will be a deceptive world where evil is called “excellent medicine.”  But, the Creator of Life is not compatible with death.  He loves mother and child.  It is not His will that either be in harm’s way.

The God who created motherhood says choose the “blessing,” not the “curse” (Deuteronomy 30:19).  He says:

Choose life… that you and your children may live.

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Betrayed by Silence

Posted in Commentaries of others, Culture Shifts, Faith & Practice, Life issues, tagged , , , , , , , on November 1, 2010| Leave a Comment »

Today, I received the following from Don, a faithful friend and pro-life pastor:

Christ alone, Word alone, Grace alone, Faith alone.  Those might be seen as slogans, but they are far more.  They reveal the heart and character of God as He enters our history — our world — with His great salvation.  About a week ago, I was with family and friends in Oregon.  There were six of us, from different conservative and “evangelical” churches.  I asked the question: How many of you have heard a sermon on either abortion or homosexuality in the last year or two?  Answer: None.  By that kind of silence we have betrayed Jesus, the Word, and the people we should be serving with the Word of Truth and Love.  May God raise up people who will truly stand on His Word, His faithfulness, and even be willing to be ridiculed for Him if necessary.

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Religious… or Humane?

Posted in Faith & Practice, Life issues, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , on October 15, 2010| 1 Comment »

The television commercials sponsored by the Humane Society of the U.S. are emotional tear-jerkers.  How could the sad eyes of an abused or abandoned puppy not touch one’s heart?  Visiting the web site of the Humane Society, I learned how dedicated “humane” people are to saving the animals.

But, what would happen if Lutherans For Life, National Right to Life, Americans United for Life, or any other pro-human life organization would try to run televised commercials of abused and aborted human babies?  It has not been allowed.  Abortion, after all, is “legal.”  The abuse and killing of human babies is also profitable — even though it is biologically proven that human life begins at conception.  Even though ultra-sonography gives us a window to the womb.  Even though there is medical proof that pre-born babies feel pain.  Even though the brutality of partial-birth abortion is documented.

The Humane Society exists to “rescue animals from disasters,” “outlaw puppy mills,” and “end euthanasia of pets.”  This organization pleads with the American people to “Become a humane hero.”  They remind us that, for 50 years, Jane Goodall has persisted in a battle to save the chimps.  Even a caterpillar is valuable because, the Society says, “Size doesn’t matter.”

I am very fond of puppies.  I like chimps.  And, because I agree that size doesn’t matter, I am tender with caterpillars.  Intentional abuse of any of God’s creatures is wrong.  That’s why for 30 years, I’ve persisted in a battle to save the babies and bring hope to their moms and dads.  So, here’s my question:

If it is appropriate to passionately and graphically raise awareness of the abuse of puppies, why is it not also appropriate to raise the same kind of awareness concerning abuse of human babies?

My worldview tells me that a human is the “crown of God’s creation.”   Humans are called by God to be good stewards of the rest of creation.  We are held accountable for the protection and care of God’s world and all that live in it.  With this worldview, I maintain that all of life is safer.

From that perspective, it is a stain on humanity when many of the same people who defend a helpless puppy refuse to defend a helpless human child.  It makes no difference if the person is a Christian or not.  If a non-believer speaks up to defend a chimp, why would he remain silent when a child is pulled from her mother’s womb in pieces?  If a non-believer cries out when a puppy is left untreated by a vet and exposed to the elements, why would he keep silent when an aborted but still living child laid on a stone-cold counter is left untreated and exposed without cover or comfort?

The Humane Society wants to “end euthanasia of pets.”  But, where was their voice in defense of Terri Schiavo when her husband demanded she be euthanized?  Where is their voice in states like Oregon where euthanasia is legal for those who suffer depression or battle cancer?  Are not fathers, mothers, grandparents, uncles, aunts, brothers, sisters, and children more precious than pets?

The Humane Society defends the rights of our pets.  It does not place the right of the owner over the pet.  Why, then, don’t they join with pro-lifers who defend the lives of both mother and child rather than the rights of the mother over the child?

Heart-wrenching, graphic commercials of abused puppies leave a visual imprint on our minds and we are moved to compassion.  Why, then, doesn’t the Humane Society also support a televised partial-birth abortion to move hearts and minds to compassion?

The public and impassioned plea of the Humane Society on behalf of innocent puppies rings in our ears.  It is not considered strange or cultish.  Yet, when those of us who are pro-human life make sounds of biological and reasonable sense, we are told to silence our “religious” views.

Might there be room for one more on the protected list of the Humane Society: the human child?

Seems sane and sensible to me.  Does it you?

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