"When recruiting activists to the pro-life cause, this is one of the immensely frustrating things that can happen. People will see the reality of abortion, become convicted of their responsibility to do something about it, and immediately lapse into an interminable period of 'finding their calling,' 'discerning,' or a variety of other costly delays. And when I say costly, I mean that the pro-life movement needs people to confront the culture and save babies, and they need them now. The hourglass is dripping drops of blood. . . . We know how to end abortion, and we know it’s not easy."Editor: I think I understand what van Maren is saying because I'm well aware of the kind of "discernment" with which he's frustrated. It's the kind that says a person shouldn't move unless and until he's heard a special, private word from God. God's word reveals His will, and He clearly says to all, "rescue those who are being delivered to death" (Proverbs 24:11).
But to say we shouldn't use discernment is dangerous and foolish. It would be like saying, "Don't love" or "Don't pray." Discernment is a godly virtue (Matthew 16:3, Philippians 1:9, and Hebrews 5:14).
And it's a little crazy for van Maren to say this because the group he's working with promotes a different tactic from the one proposed by Haggard. In fact, his essay goes on to cite Joe Foreman who wrote, "We will never transform our culture by politicking for a surface change in the law." Yet a political solution -- urged on through preaching -- is precisely what Haggard proposed. And this quote was taken from a book Foreman wrote in support of yet another tactic -- the rescues/blockades at abortion clinics of the '80s. If one were to jump on a bandwagon, one would have to first decide which direction to leap.
I'm amused by van Maren's statement that "we know how to end abortion." We do? Judging by the wide array of pro-life groups and the multiplicity of tactics that they represent, I'd be hard pressed to say which is the ultimate solution.
There are as many ways to be pro-life as there are pro-life people. Not every method is efficacious. Some have proven detrimental. A person must choose which one fits his or her beliefs, skills, personality type, etc. It takes discernment.
Yes, do something. But choose wisely.
Related:
Is there an 'overnight solution' to abortion?
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