When we think about men and abortion, many times we only hear about the stereotypical man who forces a woman to have an abortion, or who ends up abandoning his expecting girlfriend or wife. However, there are many roles men play in the abortion experience.
I have always loved the story of Ruth —her faithfulness to her mother-in-law, Naomi, and the wonderful confession Ruth makes that begins with “For where you go I will go …” (Ruth 1:16-17). I love knowing of Ruth’s desire to live as one of God’s people and Boaz’ kindness and fidelity to the Lord to the point that he was willing serve as Naomi’s and Ruth’s redeemer and marry Ruth, knowing that a son born to them would not be considered his own (Ruth 4:10). And, because of her faithfulness, Ruth is one of only four women listed in Matthew’s lineage of Christ, as David’s great-grandmother.
Could you use a little good news?
Abortion discriminates against children in the womb. It denies them their civil rights, and it denies them the basic right to life. Are African-American babies at greater risk of such discrimination? Some of the data would suggest that they are!
Adoption is not always seen in a good light. The perception is that adoption is abandonment, a bad choice that is not very loving. There is a need to shed some good light on adoption by looking at adoption in the light of biblical servanthood.
Jesus cares for life at all stages; we are called to do the same.
In “A Life Not Like Any Other,” Roberta Bandy shares how many new parents talk about counting the fingers and toes. With all accounted for, the parent breathes a sigh of relief—and hopefully gives thanks. But there are other parents whose only sigh is that which comes after many tears. What they see on the outside is not normal and for them there is no immediate relief—and sadly many never learn to give thanks. This is the story of such a child—unlike any other child born that particular day—yet a child whose life had hope, meaning, and purpose.
A Collection of resources from the LCMS.ORG Life Library.
“Abortion and the Gospel”
“Abortion and the Meaning of Parenthood”
“…And So the Toll Begins”
“Children of Light”
“The Economics of Abortion: Dannemeyer and Hyde”
“Faith-based Abortion?”
“Fearfully and Wonderfully Made”
“Hippocrates or Hypocrite”
“A History Summary of Abortion from Antiquity Through Legalization (1973)”
“Human Ethics and Animal Rights”
“In Loco Parentis”
“Intensive Snare”
“Next Page Katie’s Story”
“Lawmakers Lawbreakers”
“A Letter to My Birthmother”
“The Many Victims of Abortion”
“Population Implosion”
“Relics of the Saints, Abortion, and Gay “Marriage”
“The Secret Pain”
“Some Theological and Practical Implications of Churches and Pastors Advocacy of Abortion in the Case of a Pregnancy Resulting from an Alleged Rape”
“Theory, not Practice”
“The Vigil”
“What Women Don’t Know Does Hurt Them”
“Will Power”
With support and encouragement of Lutherans For Life (USA), the first Ecumenical conference on the sanctity of human life was held at St. Matthew Baptist Church in Riga, Latvia, on October 31, 2003. Pastor Martins and his wife, Gunta Irbes, were the main architects and organizers of this conference. Archbishop Janis Vanags was the opening speaker. He gave a clear biblical message reminding us of the importance of the sanctity of human life and calling us to stand against abortion—which has brought so much devastation and pain. And he urged us to uphold life—from the time of its conception every baby should be safe and protected.
I am both a parent and child of Lutherans for Life (LFL). It was October 1978. I attended a meeting at Concordia College in St Paul, Minnesota. There, I met Dr. Jack Eichhorst (a friend from college days), Dr. Jean Garton, Pastor Dave Wende, Dr. Gene Linse, and two or three other participants. After discussing the state of the sanctity of life within Lutheran churches, a question was asked: “should we—could we—form an organization to promote the Sanctity of Life in Lutheran Churches of America?” The answer was “Yes.” By virtue of being concerned and being there, I and several of those present became board members of that new organization appropriately named Lutherans For Life. I served on the Board for about 20 years. Currently I serve as International Representative for Lutherans For Life.