I don't plan on giving a full review of the film here, but did want to say - it definitely makes it to the "must-see" list. I will also warn the reader - bring tissue. This film from John and Andrew Erwin, in their feature-film debut (primarily known for producing Christian music videos), could have taken a bully path and driven through this sensitive subject with an "in-your-face", judgmental attitude. Yet these brothers deal with this tragic and painful issue with Christ-like love, and while they did not soft-step on the issue - the message is that of healing and forgiveness.
But back to the bigger issue - Abortion. It is surprising that this word - this practice - this "procedure" isn't spelled with four letters. On September 11, 2001, nearly 3,000 people lost their lives - and that single attack continues to occupy the minds of most people and still makes news on a regular basis. But a far larger tragedy is continuing to this day here in the United States - over 50,000,000 lives have been taken from the most innocent since the 1973 Roe vs. Wade decision that granted a "constitutional right" for a woman to murder her unborn child under the auspices of "privacy". Under this logic, a woman could theoretically murder a 3, 12, or even 17 year-old child if they become to heavy a "burden".
Even well-intentioned Christians find themselves with conflicted views that do not align with God's Word. They say they are "pro-life" yet believe in exceptions for this including for the "to protect the life of the mother" or in cases of rape and incest. This is little more than moral relativism - and flat inconsistent. God's Word is either true and trustworthy - as 2 Timothy 3:16 clearly states, or it faulty. David, in penning Psalm 51:5, spells out his pre-birth nature (his "life" began at conception). Exodus 21:22 clearly spells out protection for not only the mother, but the unborn. The shedding of "innocent blood", according to Numbers 35:33, literally "pollutes the land". Amos 1:13 describes the crimes of Ammon which included literally ripping the unborn out of women's wombs. And I encourage the reader to ponder on Proverbs 6:16-17- What is listed among those things God "hates" (abomination)? The shedding of innocent blood. That unborn baby, while inheriting the sin nature from Adam, has yet to commit any sin of his or her own - thus that unborn baby is as close to "innocent" as any human being.
But lets deal for a moment with the "acceptable" excuses for abortion, beginning with "to protect the life of the mother". By definition, child birth and pregnancy is a "risk to the mother's health". Just check out the liability release one signs when arranging pre-natal care and obstetric care, as well as the admission paperwork when going in to the hospital for delivery - they all make it clear that there are dangers inherent in childbearing. Recent statistics point to 550 maternal deaths in the US (out of over 4 million births). This number hardly compares to the 1.2 million babies who's lives are taken annual in the US. A helpful statistic would be the number of mothers who's lives were saved by having an abortion. But this figure is not made available for a variety of reasons. I am also fully aware that, even if such a case could be made, the decisions would - for many - be a gut-wrenching "decision"... and there is a reason. This reason is the same that is why the other common "excuses" for abortion are given:
The case of rape or incest. While I know no-one who believes that rape and incest are minor problems, indeed rape is one of the most atrocious and evil acts against a women, how is committing murder of the unborn baby a "positive outcome" to such a heinous crime? The obvious answer is - it doesn't. Indeed, abortion creates more victims than just the one who's life is taken. The same holds true for cases of incest - while no-one in their right mind would think that such an act is acceptable, what is a baby conceived by such an act, guilty of? He or she had no say in the matter - indeed, none of the millions of babies who have been aborted were asked for their "choice".
Abortion is not just a political issue, a moral issue, and a financial issue (the abortion industry is a multi-million dollar business) - it is a heart issue. Just consider the following facts:
On average, women give at least 3 reasons for choosing abortion: 3/4 say that having a baby would interfere with work, school or other responsibilities; about 3/4 say they cannot afford a child; and 1/2 say they do not want to be a single parent or are having problems with their husband or partner (click here for more info).
But of extreme importance is the reality that God forgives. Jesus Christ willingly gave His life, pouring out His blood for my sins and yours. Jesus came to fulfill what Isaiah penned in Isaiah 53:6 "All we ilk sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all." When Jesus die, he carried away our sins- all past, present, and future, and along with it the "iniquity" - the guilt of our decisions. Because of the forgiveness that God freely gives, we no longer have to be bound by guilt and shame. The only unforgivable sin, is the rejection of Jesus Christ!
For more information and resources on this serious issue:
Abort180
Circle of Prayer - Abortion Survivors
Hope After Abortion
Every Life Is Beautiful
CareNET
Are you looking for acceptance, and healing? We would like for you to consider visiting Park View Baptist Church - where we won't judge you by your past, but will help you to find the forgiveness and freedom offered in Jesus Christ.
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