I heard it several times over the past week and read it in the paper again today—abortion being referred to as a “social issue.” I suppose the more we distance ourselves from an unpleasant reality the easier it becomes to justify relegating it to the periphery of our thoughts and lives. “Abortion” nudges the reality of killing our children toward that periphery. “41 Years of Abortion” would have been a “softer” title for this piece. “Social issue” propels it further to the edge of our consciousness. “41 Years of A Social Issue” would have caused no one to think at all.
Today marks the 41st anniversary of the Supreme Court decision that struck down state laws that protected our children and opened up an unprecedented slaughter. Over 57 million babies have been killed since January 22, 1973. Certainly the magnitude of the loss of so many U.S. citizens has had its affect upon society and truly is a social issue in that regard. But I’m not sure that’s what most people have in mind. They just do not want to even say the “a” word anymore.
But I am thankful today for the countless pastors, educators, and lay people who know the reality of what is going on and also understand the implications, not just for our society, but for the Kingdom of God. For we are not just killing babies in our country, but babies created by God, redeemed by the blood of Jesus, and souls God desires to call into an eternal relationship with Him. More than ever, I am encouraged by those who face this reality and apply God’s Word of Law and Gospel, not to a social issue, but to a sin, and then speak the Good News of forgiveness that addresses that sin.
Roe v. Wade is not an anniversary we celebrate. But it is a good time to remind ourselves of the reality of what this decision did and the responsibility Christians have to address it boldly.