Abortion: A Series Of Considerations
For the next few weeks, I will be posting on the subject of abortion, and particularly the issue of late-term abortions. I will do so, understanding some things about the issue:
*It is volatile; most have very strong feelings, and many equally strong convictions (the two are not the same).
*For such very reasons, some are reticent to engage the subject. I am asking you to consider letting down your guard, and joining with me in this conversation.
This is a learning exercise for me, as I research, as I develop opinions, and as we interact.
*A healthy conviction should be able to withstand challenging debate
*Emotions are o.k., but should not be the main basis of a public conviction
I understand, for many of us, our views about this subject are inexhorably tied to our religions.
I’m a conservative, evangelical Christian. Most in my camp are pro-life. My particular denomination os strongly pro-life. Yet I believe, as a Christian, that my mind and my heart are both on loan from God. I have a responsibility, to my Lord, to do more than just parrot the words of my religious leaders or to adopt whatever positions find the least resistance. In other words, with God as my helper, I need to develop my own convictions about this matter.
For your sake, I will not be quoting (much) scripture as I share my thoughts. Personally I believe the Bible to be the completely trustworthy guide for life. But, principles of right and good should be able to stand as true without the propping of an authoritative text. Right is right, and not just because the Bible tells me so.
This blog is an open forum.
I have never erased a comment (although I have received some rather nasty ones) and I’ve never blocked a fellow blogger. I do not hide the fact that I would like to influence you. And I would like for you to influence me toward growth as we interact. To do so, we have to behave respectfully toward one another.
As we discuss the issue of abortion, here are some guidelines I would like for you and I to follow:
*Be honest. Tell what is on your mind, and especially what is on your heart.
*Be kind. There is seldom reason to be nasty.
*Be open. None of us knows it all. All of us have room for enlightenment and growth.
Please stay with me through this series. Blogging is inexact, which is good, so I will not promise to stick to the following outline. But, I will try.
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PASTORDAVE CONSIDERS THE ISSUE OF ABORTION
(1) “Mr. Sperm meet Ms. Egg” – now, what?
When does a fertilized egg become a human being?
(2) The Prom-Dress Girl
Why have an abortion?
(3) My Right, My Health
Important Supreme Court Precedents
(4) Opening The Door To The Procedure Room
Language & visuals in the Partial-Birth Abortion Debate
(5) Location, Location, Location
Viability matters, but only a little
(6) The Slippery Slope
Can we meet somewhere in the middle?
(7) Attempts To Be Reasonable
European laws and Democrats For Life
-------------------
So, can I count on you to join me for the next few weeks?
10.10.06 (7:07 pm) [
edit]
posted by:
surrogate (
reply)
post date:
10.10.06 (4:43 pm)
good luck
posted by:
bronwynj (
reply)
post date:
10.10.06 (4:47 pm)
But Pastor Dave, I'm afraid of commitment (re the few weeks)!
posted by:
fractalmom (
reply)
post date:
10.10.06 (5:13 pm)
i will be there. most definately. i am looking forward to this one.
dawn
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
10.10.06 (5:47 pm)
Reply to: surrogate
Do you say this with skepticism? O ye of little faith!
Or do you say this with support? I'm hoping there are enough t-bloggers among us who would enjoy a refreshing exchange about this very important social issue. We shall see, and I am optimistic.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
10.10.06 (5:48 pm)
Reply to: bronwynj
Oh, you can handle commitment just fine. You've been with t-blog longer than me. Your commitment to your hobby of photography is alive and well. I'll tell you what- jump on board, and if you need to get off at any time, just let me know.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
10.10.06 (5:49 pm)
Reply to: fractalmom
Great. I think we will learn some things from one another.
posted by:
surrogate (
reply)
post date:
10.10.06 (6:18 pm)
Well, from the questions, it appears to me that you're starting with a thinly veiled conclusion and will look for opinions and "facts" that support your position.
Where for instance is the question, "why is what you decide with your doctor any of my business? -and conversely, should you also have a say in whether I have a prostate exam?"
Or, "Don't you agree that if men could have babies, one or more versions of the morning after pill would be available in gas station bathroom vending machines?"
I'd like to offer these as additions to the list of questions.
posted by:
mimi (
reply)
post date:
10.10.06 (6:21 pm)
I will be a quiet observer, at least for the moment.
xoxox
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
10.10.06 (7:02 pm)
Reply to: surrogate
Now, I do not claim to be neutral on the issues, but I am going to try to study and grow in my understanding. And, importantly, I'm not angry.
You equate a prostate exam with a late-term abortion? I would say that is extreme. I think most Americans, pro and anti, are much more sober about the issue.
I've tried to make the questions, which are springboards for comment, relevent to the issue. Basic, really. When does life begin? Should viability make a difference? These are worthwhile questions.
Is there nowhere between the extremes where folks like you and I can meet on this issue? Surely you do not expect me to do all the giving, and yourself be unwilling to consider any adjustment to your views. That would be closed minded, the antithesis of "liberal".
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
10.10.06 (7:05 pm)
Reply to: mimi
Quiet observers are welcome. Here on t-blog, you've been very quiet lately. As I remember, we spoke on the phone for about 2 minutes. I gained the impression you can be a lively conversant. I like that version of "Mimi".
posted by:
surrogate (
reply)
post date:
10.10.06 (9:26 pm)
Reply to: PastorDave
What will come of this is you will climb the old tBlog ranks as your comments will be... well, numerous.
"You equate a prostate exam with a late-term abortion?"
No, but you miss the point, or pretend to.
I maintain you'll come to the conclusion you start with. Bet'cha a hundred bucks. A thousand? (Hell, it's a lock.)
But, it'll be fun.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
10.11.06 (7:24 am)
Reply to: surrogate
It's time to change your name to "surrogate the cynic". You and I have interacted quite a bit, so you probably know me fairly well. However, my views are evolving- or maybe a safer term is to say "growing". How about yourself?
I think I'm pretty much stuck in the 25-40 range with hotblogs. That's o.k.; it probably would not be good for t-blog for a pastor's blog to be ranked too highly- would send the wrong message to prospects. My intention is to post about 3 times per week, and spend the other days interacting and commenting on other blogs. I think the formula for a high ranking is to post twice daily, without fail.
So, you'll wager a thousand bucks? How about a venison dinner compliments of one of those guys who visits in your backyard?
posted by:
radiohead (
reply)
post date:
10.11.06 (8:46 am)
This oughta be interesting.
posted by:
surrogate (
reply)
post date:
10.11.06 (9:50 am)
Reply to: PastorDave
Last night a doe slowly walked by in the back yard limping. Hope it wasn't injured by a hunter, though how it got injured isn't that important I guess. The important thing is that she was hurting, and I wished there was something I could do for her.
posted by:
doeeyed (
reply)
post date:
10.11.06 (10:09 am)
You mean we can block people from our blogs?
Well, all be damned! uh, I mean, darned!
posted by:
doeeyed (
reply)
post date:
10.11.06 (10:11 am)
Reply to: surrogate
It was me surr ;) just twisted my ankle, I'll be fine :)
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
10.11.06 (10:16 am)
Reply to: doeeyed
I haven't checked the settings recently, but I know at one time I considered blocking a particular individual, and indeed the ability was there to do so. But I so hate the idea that I decided against it.
You do need to stay out of surrogate's backyard; he's partial to roasted venison.
posted by:
doeeyed (
reply)
post date:
10.11.06 (10:19 am)
Reply to: PastorDave
You do need to stay out of surrogate's backyard; he's partial to roasted venison.
EGADS! Thanks for the warning ;)
posted by:
Bonegnawer (
reply)
post date:
10.12.06 (1:05 am)
[ot - english] beeing partial to something means to like it ? (yesh. dictionary site confirms - thanks)
roasted venisan ? see the flames leaping up. emotions, mhmmm tasty.
