Dear Annual Council Delegates,
I give the proposed Abortion Statement a B plus. However, we can do better. God wants an “A” from His Church. I'm concerned that some of the wording may allow for elective abortion loopholes. There have been too many of those loopholes for the last 50 years and you might not get a chance to solve this problem again for another 50 years! If there is even one loophole left after your discussions and vote then Abortion: Time for a GC 2020 Protest is on! See this link for details of the damage this will do to our church https://hart2hartbiz.wixsite.com/website/single-post/2019/04/28/Abortion-GC-2020-PROTEST---Full-Speed-Ahead . I don’t want to do any damage unless absolutely necessary. So, ladies and gentlemen, it is incumbent upon you to get it right this time. We are praying for you and that the Lord give you the energy, endurance and wisdom to “stand for the right though the heavens fall.”! I know the discussion is scheduled for the end of the day. Resist the desire to “make nice” and compromise in order to finish the business of the day. This is just too important a matter for God’s Church to take lightly!
Following are my concerns:
Page 1:
Line 18/19:
...Consequently, individuals are at times faced with difficult dilemmas and decisions regarding a pregnancy.
Comments:
The only biblically acceptable dilemma I can anticipate is the choice of saving the life of the mother or the life of the baby. That is the only dilemma that is biblically acceptable, in my opinion, because it's a choice between saving one life or another. Any other dilemma that opts for abortion is a choice between one sin or another.
Suggested Rewording (in bold):
...Consequently, individuals are at times faced with difficult dilemmas and decisions regarding a pregnancy. The only biblically acceptable dilemma occurs when there is the threat of the loss of life to the mother. The choice to save the mother’s life or the baby’s life is the only acceptable dilemma. All other dilemmas involving elective abortion are not biblically acceptable and are not condoned.
Page 2:
Line 29-31:
...Biblical law shows a strong regard for protecting human life and considers harm to or the loss of a baby or mother as a result of a violent act a serious issue (Exodus 21:22–23).
Comments:
I agree with this statement but don't think it's strong enough.
Suggested Rewording (in bold):
...Biblical law shows a strong regard for protecting human life and considers harm to or the loss of a baby or mother as a result of a violent act a serious issue including capital punishment for the loss of the fetus (Exodus 21:22–23).
As an aside, I disagree with Page 3, Lines 5-7. I agree that God owns everything as the Creator but disagree with the "dual claim" that all humans are His because He is their Redeemer. He's only a Redeemer to those who choose Him as their Redeemer. We are not Universalists.
Page 3:
Line 14-15:
The principle of the stewardship of life obligates the community of believers to guide, support, care for, and love those facing decisions about pregnancies.
Comments:
I agree with this statement but think it's too vague.
Suggested Rewording (in bold):
The principle of the stewardship of life obligates the community of believers to guide, support, care for, and love those facing decisions about pregnancies and to do so consistent with biblical principles.
Page 3:
Line 31-38:
Paul describes the impact of the Fall as subjecting the creation to futility. Consequently, in rare and extreme cases, human conception may produce pregnancies with fatal prospects and/or acute, life-threatening birth anomalies that present individuals and couples with exceptional dilemmas. Decisions in such cases may be left to the conscience of the individuals involved and their families. These decisions should be well-informed and guided by the Holy Spirit and the biblical view of life outlined above. God’s grace promotes and protects life. Individuals, in these challenging situations may come to Him in sincerity and find direction, comfort, and peace in the Lord.
Comments:
In my view, this statement is problematic and is the crux of the matter. I believe it's too vague and confusing. Should be cleaned up and stated simply.
Suggested Rewording (in bold):
Paul describes the impact of the Fall as subjecting the creation to futility. Consequently, if an individual or family is faced with the choice between saving the life of the mother or the life of the unborn child then the decision is left firstly, to the mother, secondly, to the father, thirdly, to the family and, lastly, to the nearest of kin. Decisions in such cases may be left to the conscience of the individuals involved and their families. These decisions should be well-informed and guided by the Holy Spirit and the biblical view of life outlined above. God’s grace promotes and protects life. Individuals, in this challenging situation may come to Him in sincerity and find direction, comfort, and peace in the Lord.
Page 4:
Line 8-9:
While not condoning abortion, the Church seeks to support those who are confronted with the possibility of abortion, and believers are challenged to...
Comments:
I believe this allows a loophole to support elective abortions. We do not support elective abortions. However, I agree with reason (5) in Line 14-16. After an abortion we should do our best to help the sinner look to Jesus for repentance, forgiveness and salvation.
Suggested Rewording (in bold):
While not condoning abortion, the Church seeks to support those who are confronted with the possibility of abortion in a manner consistent with biblical principles and this Statement, and believers are challenged to...