Question for all pastors

Abortion if necessary, but not necessarily abortion.

I have never preached on the subject. I do believe there are medical reasons for obtaining an abortion, and in these cases, it is the woman's choice; not mine.

Abortion as a means of controlling birth? Never, in my opinion. Abortion should never be a posture of convenience for the individual.

A woman in medical need, ought not be made to feel guilty. The woman who conceives illadvisably ought to be encouraged to give the child up for adoption, rather than choosing abortion. Does this put me in the pro life camp? Or, am I locked into the other camp? I would rather not be put into any camp other than the Lord's camp, and my decision is made with a clear conscience upon which I am expected to minister the Word to all.

Cheers,

Jim

[ December 04, 2002, 10:25 AM: Message edited by: Jim1999 ]

 

Killing an unborn child is wrong because it violates the sanctity of human life. We do not have the right to play God. "Whoso shedeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed." In 30 years of pastoral ministry I never preached a single message just on that subject, but I mentioned it often, reminding people of our biblical morality for human life. The people in my church accepted that teaching, though if someone disagreed they did not tell me. Of course I never decided whether to speak on something because of what someone might say and think about it, I preached it because it was truth.

 

Chrysoprasus,

1. I am strongly opposed to abortion on Biblical grounds.

2. I teach against it in sermons whenever appropriate to the message of the particular sermon. I devote the Sunday morning teaching to the issue at least once a year.

3. I always teach on any subject what I believe the Scritpures teach, hopefully no more and no less.

4.The people at my church would think I was failing in my responsibility if I didn't teach clearly and strongly against abortion whenever appropriate to do so. For example, every year our congregation takes part in the "Walk for Life" in our community in order to help raise funds for the Crisis Pregnancy Center here. It is as a part of the lead-up to this that I devote a sermon specifically to the issue. However, even if the whole congregation suddenly decided they never wanted to hear another sermon on the subject, I would still carry on teaching against abortion as I always have. Although one of my mottos as a pastor is "Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not be broken," there are are a set of core convictions upon which I will never compromise, no matter what the cost to me personally. My stance on the issue of abortion is one of them.

Pastork

[ December 05, 2002, 01:07 PM: Message edited by: Pastork ]

 

Not currently a staff pastor of a church, but as a former pastor, I will say that I have always been strongly opposed to Murdering the unborn for any reason. Anyone who was ever a member of a church where I wa on staff always knew where I stood.

Joseph Botwinick

 

Gina,
I've always heard "Abortion to save the life of the momma" or "for health reasons"---but I've never yet have read in any publication where mommas have chosen abortion because "my life is at stake." or that the "baby's life is at stake." That kite almost always won't fly!!

Your friend,
Blackbird

 

There was a time in my life (back just out of high school and in college) that, though I was not sexually active, if I did ever end up pregnant, I would have at least seriously considered it, simply because I had plans and they did not include children at that time. (At least, having children of my own.)

Now, I would be hard pressed to even think that were an option, no matter what.

 

How can abortion be RIGHT some of the time and WRONG other times? It is either wrong or right- and I've yet to figure out how murder in one setting is 'choice' in another. And how pastors can justify such a decision? And encourage their congregations as such?

Rape and incest are horrible acts (though only accounting for less than .01% of abortions) and the "life of the mother" is a call for God to make - not a man. Is it not still taking a life? I'm amazed that Jim can use the "Bible" to defend his anti-Bible claim.

Josh

 

I have taught on the subject of abortion several times, most recently in a series of midweek meetings on the subject of Christian Ethics. For me this is not just a textbook issue, 13 years ago my wife was bearing a child with severe foetal hydrops - we received "genetic counselling" which intimated the possibility of an abortion on health grounds (the baby's health - my wife was physically fine). We stood upon our convictions and made it clear that we would have no part in the destruction of life. Thank God we did so. Today we have a beautiful, healthy 12 year old daughter. God answered our prayers, and I believe He honoured our stand.

 

I think abortion as a means of birth control is abominable.

I think that the choice to abort a child in favor of the life of the mother is a sin as well, but one that is at least understandable. I disagree with the choice, but I will not condemn the man who opts to save his wife, or the woman who chooses to save her life certainly rather than take a chance of dying. People in such positions need love and compassion. It is a terrible decision to have to make.

I teach the sanctity of life. I teach charity for those who make hard choices in terrible circumstances. I do so when appropriate during Bibel Study, feeling that the interactive environment is more conducive to understanding than in a sermon. I do teach against abortin indirectly in sermons.

I have neve felt the need to compromise. I have ofen felt the need to teach charity in differing from others. That has resulted inthe message against abortin being received well, and respected, even if it is not universally agreed with.

 

Do you include D&C procedures under the label of abortion?

I know of many who are solidly against abortion, but have undergone D&Cs. Not intended as a debate, just a question.

Cheers,

Jim

 

I have never taught on abortion by itself. I have mentioned it in sermons or lessons where appropriate. I am opposed to it, for any reason. I know there are cases where the mother's life is at risk and some do choose to have one then. It is easy to say, no, when your not faced with that decision. However, it is either right or wrong, period, and at that point one would have to have been living a close relationship with God and trust Him (Prov 3:5-6). I don't judge anyone who would choose to have the act done, but I will disagree with it. My people seem to repond well with what I have said about it in the past. I never feel pressured to teach or preach anything God has stated in His Word. I am confused by the statement about D&C procedures being the same as abortion. The life of the child is gone, it is not even close to the same as an abortion. I know there are risks involved, but still that is an argument for people with far more time on their hands than I have got. Those in charge may call it an abortion, but most of those people also call religious "terrorists" fundamentalists, and that is just as ridiculous.
That is my view, anyway.

 

A D&C may be performed pre or post impregnation, depending on the circumstances...it is a medical procedure commonly done,,,,,I am not going into the surgical details in here because this is a public forum. Besides, I was just posing the question.

Cheers,

Jim

 

1) It is my position that abortion is the offering of children on the alter of convenience. If I am not mistaken Molech was a statue of a large bull raised from it's back legs. A fire would be built inside the bull and children would be cast into the statue as offerings to their god.
2) I am strongly opposed to it as I believe America is in place for God's immediate judgement because of our "choice". So strongly opposed that I preach in public forums as often as I possibly can. So strongly opposed that as I was preaching in Indianapolis I was taken to jail. Thank the Lord, he gave me a jail ministry and many heard the gospel in "general population cell" and some recieved Christ.
3) I speak concerning abortion to our congregation from time to time as the Lord speaks to my heart but not whole messages on it. I believe it is a settled issue with our people so we need to move on.

Thanks --------Bart

 

What is your personal position on abortion?
No one has the right to kill His /Her child

What do you teach on it during church?
Yes

Do you feel free to teach on it as you truly believe or do you feel you have to moderate your stance to make it more acceptable?
I preach what God says.

How have the people received your messages on it so far?
Mixed