what is Grace's stand on abortion?
I'm just curious what kind of stand Grace as a church takes on the abortion issue? Is Grace Pro-Choice? Does the church feel it is wrong in most situations? I understand there are instances where the health of mother or fetus can be compromised, but I'm wondering what other situations would abortion be an acceptable option? Of course, adoption would be best for someone who is not in a position to take on the responsibility of a child. There are so many childless couples who would love to share their love with a baby. It takes dedication to raise a child, especially when one finds they are pregnant before they have fully matured themselves. Is there counseling available for this at Grace? Thanks for any input anyone can provide.
Anne
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Compassion And Conviction
This issue is all about compassion and conviction. We must have compassion for those who find themselves facing the dilemma of an unplanned pregnancy. But our compassion must be guided by the conviction of unchanging truths, or as Thomas Jefferson said, by "inalienable rights." And no right is more important than the right to life itself.
Grace is pro-life because we believe from the Scriptures that a new life begins at the moment of conception. In recent years science has finally verified that beyond the realm of debate. At the moment of conception, a living person with a unique DNA begins growing inside his or her mother.
Having established that the baby is a human being, we are constrained by Scripture and compassion from harming that baby, regardless of the inconvenience the pregnancy may cause.
Strangely enough, our compassion for the mother also insists that we oppose abortion. We recognize that many who are pro-choice are also guided by compassion
for those with unwanted pregnancies. But compassion without conviction
of truth leads to good intentions with devastating results. While many teenagers believe that an abortion is the easiest solution to their problem, in fact it mainly increases their problems. Women who've had abortions bear the guilt of knowing they have killed their own baby. That guilt is a crushing burden that changes the direction of their lives. Attempts to escape the guilty feelings that go along with the actual guilt can compound their problems even more.
In Levticus 19:14 God said, "You shall not curse the deaf, nor put a stumbling block before the blind, but shall fear your God: I am the Lord." And in Matthew 18:6 Jesus said, "Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea." With this in mind, we dare not suggest to a young woman that she take what seems the easy way out and get an abortion. On the contrary, we should try to protect her from the temptation to do so because only heartache awaits those who do go down the road of abortion.
Fortunately, those who have had abortions and those who have not both find forgiveness for all their sins when they come to the cross of Christ. Add all the compassion of the pro-lifers to that of the pro-choicers and it doesn't even begin to compare to the compassion of God. His tenderness and mercy explain why He wants not only to forgive our sins but to heal our hearts.
For those who find themselves facing this kind of crisis, whether it's because you're now pregnant or because you're struggling as the result of an earlier abortion, help is available. I encourage you to call the church and let us share in your situation and help you through it.
Marty Haas
Pastoral Staff
I totally agree with your comments
I especially agree with your comments about compassion. There has to be major compassion for anyone in such a situation. Suggesting an abortion seems very selfish and one sided to me. The person facing such a decision needs to know that there are other options. With compassionate guidance, they will be able to make the right choice without later regrets. More than likely, choosing abortion can affect the person the rest of their life. The guilt alone could cause major problems down the road psychologically.
I firmly believe that adoption should be the first thought when someone decides they do not want to take on the responsibility or find that they are not ready for such a big change in their life. Abortion might seem a good way to hide the fact there was ever a pregnancy, but the person going through it will not be able to forget it as easily as those who suggest it is the best route. I hope that makes sense???
Just the suggestion to abort can cause so much harm to any relationship. If I were a parent of someone considering what to do with an unexpected pregnancy, I could never suggest abortion as an option!
Thanks for sharing with me on this very touchy subject Marty. I think your comments are right on the mark!!! My biggest hope is that those who feel abortion is the only way out will read your thoughts on the discussion and realize its wrong and never a solution for an unexpected pregnancy.
Anne