Written by Peter Brain, Bishop of Armidale, Anglican Diocese of Armidale
It has been said that ever since God made us in His own image, we have returned the compliment and made a god in our own image! Among the casualties of this horrible reversal of reality is that life is devalued. Humanism, with its lofty intention of furthering the welfare of people, can only ever flourish out of a garden bed of Christian theology. Put simply, I will only consistently value my fellows when I see them as those made in God’s image.
‘How can a Christian leader promote the pro-life cause?’ is the question I’ve been asked to address. It’s a good question and I find it a searching and challenging one. What I mean is this. I’ve always been pro-life, but I often feel that I’ve not done enough to stand against those who work to undermine life through advocacy of abortion, euthanasia and embryonic stem cell research.
The Christian leader promotes life every time s/he
* demonstrates respect for all people. This includes the rich and poor, the popular and unpopular, the influential and ordinary, children and adults, the well and the sick, the able and disabled, the born and the unborn. The Christian who preaches the sanctity of all life but fails to show respect in the simple, ordinary things of life (like having time for listening, talking, watching out for others) will not be heard unless (s)he demonstrates respect for all.
* promotes and teaches the whole counsel of God. It is the great theology of Creation – redemption through Christ, the Father’s providential care, every member ministry, priesthood of all believers and final judgement – that gives the background noise as to why we ought to respect and value all life. Take the doctrine of God’s judgement, for example. Not only does this deliver a healthy fear of the Lord in terms of the consequences of our behaviour but is ennobling, since it shows how much God values us and our actions.
* prays publicly for those who promote the pro-life movement, especially in times of controversy or parliamentary debate. * encourages members of their church to write letters to their local members, Premier or Prime Minister in order to firmly yet respectfully vote pro-life. A well-worded personal letter (as distinct from a computer generated or abusive one) is worth at least 500 signatures on a petition.
* gives reasons for the pro-life position they advocate. These reasons will range from the Scriptural emphasis on the value of life, to the consequences of rejecting this teaching (as seen in our culture), to the help available and the alternate possibilities available. The clearer we are on the reasons for our Lord’s gracious incarnation and generous atonement in our place and on our behalf, the clearer will be our promotion of life, since these twin truths constantly affirm the value of life.
Being pro-life is not the gospel but it is clearly a fruit of this life-saving and affirming message.