Will We Fund Abortion?

42 Responses to “Will We Fund Abortion?”

1. Noah on October 30th, 2009 6:53 am

   I will be a voice for life! I have been baffled for years on why good Christians differ on the topic, sanctity of life. I will always stand on the Word on this matter and the issue is cut and dry. From the very beginning God established Himself as the author of life. Psalm 139:13 says, “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.”

2. Sarah on October 30th, 2009 7:07 am

   Thank you for reminding us of this issue, I believe that it is time for the Body to decide which side we will serve. The Word says, “come out from among them and be separate.” We have a responsibility to serve God first, although it is often uncomfortable and unpopular.

3. curtis on October 30th, 2009 9:10 am

   Del,
   Thank you for stirring the pan of water we live in and reminding us of how hot it is getting. Like you, I served in the United States military because I believed that this country was worth it. However, the country I served is only a shadow of what it is becoming.
   The rich want power, and with power comes the belief that they know what is best for the citizens. I too fear what the rich and powerful feel is best for me. Government controlled health care with its underpinning of population control is too much like Hitler’s vision, to name but one Socialist extremist.
   The ballot box and the soap box seem to be loosing their effectiveness.
   Our hope is to live in reverence of the Truth, the Way and the Life, and to prepare to disobey the bent rulers and face the possible consequences like our brothers and sisters have throughout history. As for me and my house we will serve the Lord, and like the Egyptian mid-wives we will do what we feel is right.

4. Brett on October 30th, 2009 9:31 am

   We definitely speak, and there are organizations that do every day like Right to Life, Liveaction.org, etc. But the tax, if passed, is another beast to ponder. Although it was regarding a poll-tax, the other reference that comes to mind is Mark 12:17 (”Render onto Caesar…”). I wonder how that fits into the options.

5. Kelsey on October 30th, 2009 9:36 am

   I would also choose life. I feel very strongly about this topic and I am very glad that you have addressed this issue when most would consider it to contraversial. I also know that this choice would not be easy. Certainly, a part of me wants to just go with the flow, but a greater, more powerful part of me says to take the harder road because I know what is right.

6. Fred on October 30th, 2009 10:21 am

   The battle is right before our eyes. It’s our country and we must be heard so we don’t have to wrestle this dilemma later. There are members of congress who know this is very wrong but are under tremendous pressure. They need to hear from us.

7. Janet on October 30th, 2009 10:48 am

   Del: There is a difference between having a lawful choice to obtain an abortion and making the personal and moral decision to have one. By analogy, under the first amendment, we have a right to burn the flag, but that doesn’t mean I would ever do so. In fact, I would be hard pressed to come up with a situation so dire that I would engage in burning the flag — perhaps if my life or those of my loved ones were at stake, and the only thing I could use to signal help was by burning a flag. The same is true with abortion. I have never known a woman who chose to have an abortion who didn’t thoughtfully and seriously consider the implications of the decision from a moral and spiritual viewpoint. I have never kown a woman who cavalierly used abortion as an alternative to other forms of birth control. I remember the years of back-alley butchers. Is that what we want for any young woman? If this country establishes a law that prohibits abortion, then what is to prevent us at some later time from passing a law requiring abortion (e.g., China’s one-child policy). Having an abortion-free society is a laudable aspirational goal, but until moral persuasion can make it so, legislating the criminalization of abortion and refusing to publically fund it, is not the answer. Our nation has historically been somewhat schizophrenic in its legislating: the death penalty is man’s judgment of man; two decades ago AIDS was seen by many as God’s wrath on homosexuality — now we have public funding of AIDS research and medicines for the afflicted; in the early 20th century, we legislated a ban on alcohol from our society — that didn’t work so well. On the other hand, our recent collective national media and educational efforts to reduce the number of smokers in this country has worked really well. Legislating isn’t the answer. Moral persuasion from bully pulpits like yours are a far more effective means of teaching than legislation ever will be. And let us remember that young women don’t usually get pregnant all by themselves. It takes a young man as well. Let’s talk about the young man’s responsibility to the young woman! Just some thoughts on possible topics for upcoming blogs. Bottom line –keeping preaching.

8. Doc B on October 30th, 2009 10:52 am

   The truth is, our tax dollars already fund many, many things which do not glorify God, and in some cases even directly attack Him.

   I’ve still never heard a solid explanation of the verses in Romans 13 contrasted with a command (rather than historical examples) that mitigates Romans 13; including a way to differentiate between objective and subjective views of tax dollars going against God’s will in our culture. Yes, there are many examples, but I have not seen a command as direct as the one in Romans 13 that counters the command in Romans 13.

   Based on this, I think the vast majority will choose option #2. What else are we to do?

9. Megan on October 30th, 2009 12:23 pm

   Del, Thank you so, so much for addressing this. sadly, in this world, it can’t always be sunshine and smiles especially for those of us who try to live in obedience to God. I struggle with this - not the issue of abortion. I feel abortion is wrong and detestable and horrifying with every fiber of my being - but how can I deal with this? I cannot refuse to pay taxes, but if I pay taxes, I have no control over what they are spent on. So, what can I do? Pray for my country? of course! every day… but that answer seems so passive to me. I am involved with the local Christian pregnancy clinics that fight abortion on so many levels (in wonderfully responsible ways) but what can I do about my tax money? I feel so helpless where this is concerned. I’ve only been a taxpayer for a few years now (I’m 23) but I assume I am correct in saying there is no way around this… ? I’m so sad…
   We are already funding abortions overseas… now it may be here too? so, so sad

10. Trey on October 30th, 2009 12:41 pm

    Wow, great scripture example. I was adopted as an infant, and cannot support abortion out of empathy as well as obedience. What to do about it if this bill is made into law is a difficult question and I do not have an answer. But it needs an answer, and I will be listening for one.

    Trey

11. Deborah on October 30th, 2009 1:45 pm

    GOD is the author of LIFE, satan is the author of death. NO matter what the cost we need to do JESUS work and defend the life of the unborn. The cost will be heavy but the battle of abortion has already been won by GOD ALMIGHTY, and fear is not from GOD. I will continue to speek for the unborn till JESUS takes me home and the killing will stop.

12. Robin on October 30th, 2009 2:02 pm

    OK, I will respond. Read the full of the message before you disregard it. Let’s deal in some facts. If we did this, it would have to out in the open, an intentional act. Tell the IRS what we owe and pay less. Now that that is done, how long do you think you would last in jail, having never been anywhere near there before? Would you crumble after the first body cavity search or would it be after the other inmates told you you had two choices, do horrid things you would never have considered on the outside or die? Perhaps some of us would become like Paul and use the time for Christ. Many, many others would fall apart. How about getting a job once you are released? You are now a convicted felon. I do not know if what we are discussing is a feloney. For the sake of discussion, let’s say it is.Then here comes Satan. Satan, in the form of the government says, your conviction will remain, but it is Christmas or Easter, so we will let you out. If you chose to get out, and the crime was a feloney, then you will never again vote in this country. Our Founding Fathers gave their lives so we had a say in our government. Do you think it would play into Satan’s hands to have, say a million, conservative Bible believing Christians not able to vote? What about the ministries you are involved in? I am on a committee that attempts to feed and provide temporary shelter to the Homeless. I am not so important that the work would stop. It took a long time to get the ministry going. What if other people do not come as easily as I did? The government does not do the ministry now, why do you think the work would “somehow” get done? I do not have the funds to maintain my household while I am in prison. So we are looking at the loss of the vote and the loss of all personal diginity and property. Is Christ worth all that to you? To your family? Really? Are you sure? Or am I just like the Rich Young Ruler???? What is the blood of Christ worth to you? Be sure. Satan would love to have this start and not finish.

13. Betsy on October 30th, 2009 3:46 pm

    I believe that Jesus’ “Render to Caesar” (Matt 22:16-21) is very relevant to our question. Caesar was not a godly man, and his government did many horrible things with tax money. Jesus paid it anyway (Matt 17:24-27), and commanded it to be paid.

    I am very Pro-Life. I am horrified by what has become of America by every moral measurement, not just the issue of abortion. I believe I would have been horrified by Caesar’s government if I had been alive in those days.

    Why did Jesus say, “Render unto Caesar?”

    Tell me, what good did Caesar’s money do against the cause of Christ? Christ’s kingdom is not of this world. It cannot be bought with money, nor defeated by it. Do we really believe that obedience to Christ’s command to “Render unto Caesar” will cause Christ’s purposes to be thwarted? Would Jesus naively command the very thing that would bring about the Kingdom’s destruction? Or does His command force us to take our eyes off of the power of money and put it on Him, trusting Him to conquer those who have the world’s mammon?

    There are clearly battles to be fought and won, but they are not fought with the weapons of this world. If we want to change our world, we have to deal in hearts, minds, and spirits, not in fleshly things (2 Co 10:3-4). If we settle for the latter, we may someday end abortion, but we won’t see souls saved. By all means, fight the abortion battle, but fight for the hearts and souls of those who would kill, and fight in a way that brings glory to Christ. We do not glorify Christ when we disobey Him (Render to Caesar), and we do not glorify Him when we fear money’s supposed power to defeat Him. We glorify Him when we serve Him in humble, trusting, loving obedience; and when we serve our fellow man the same way Christ served.

    The same Christ who confidently paid His taxes to the very government that would crucify Him.

    I don’t pretend to understand it, but isn’t that the point? We walk by faith, not by sight. And faith obeys.

    Whose power do we trust more…God’s, or mammon’s?

14. Chrissy on October 30th, 2009 4:23 pm

    Wow, great scripture. I am DEFINITELY Pro-Life. I participated in the Pro-Life Day of Silent Solidarity October 21st. Abortion is so wrong in so many ways no matter how early in the pregnancy it is, and I would never support abortion.
    Concerning the bill and if it gets passed, that’s a tough question, and I don’t know if I have an answer to that yet.

15. Tom on October 30th, 2009 5:30 pm

    Del:
    Thank you for bringing this issue to the for. Clearly, as Christians we must stand against the abortion issue any way we can. However, this brings to the fore the larger issue of when one must submit to authority and when to oppose it. As you note above, there is not always a bright line. I sincerely believe that we need to examine this issue carefully.

16. Vicki on October 30th, 2009 7:24 pm

    I agree with everyone that this is a timely article. I wish that Christians would recognize the true power of prayer over these issues that are so obviously against God’s very nature. If we could just remember that Jesus always prayed and sought God’s face daily. This prayer wasn’t an excercise in futility, but the beginning of the battle and war he had to face each day. It is the only way we will ever accomplish anything in the current political, social and spiritual climate. I really believe that this country is going through these times because we, as Christians, have stood back and not taken the stands that we should. We have allowed those who hate God to define our country and have been afraid to even offend fellow Christians who are not taking Biblical stands. It is important for all believers to understand that prayer is always the beginning of our stance for God and He will guide us to the next step and watch to see if we will be obedient to stand up for His Truth.

17. Frank on October 31st, 2009 12:12 am

    I think the contradiction between Romans 13 and the many examples where God seems to commend defiance of the ruling authorities (such as actions of the midwives, Rahab’s lie about the spies, and the magi who disobeyed King Herod) should lead us to take a second look at Romans.

    Romans 13, verses 1 & 2 seem to teach us to absolutely obey those in authority, no matter what the circumstances. But note verses 3,4: “For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same; for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil.”

    Why are we told to obey? Because the rulers are a minister of God, rewarding good and punishing evil. So when the rulers reward evil and punish good, are they acting as ministers of God? Should they be obeyed?

    Tough questions. If the best way to interpret the scriptures is through the scriptures, then the numerous examples of God-blessed defiance should lead us to answer “No” to both queries, in my opinion.

    To those who would bring up Paul’s admonition that all authority is established by God, I would ask, what about Satan? We are told that he is the god of the world (II Cor 4:4), prince of the power of the air (Eph 2:2), the ruler of this world (Jn 12:31, 14:30, 16:11). He even tempts Jesus by offering Him all the kingdoms of the world! Jesus doesn’t contradict him on that point.

    I don’t see any honest way around it: taking Paul’s words without any context means that Satan’s authority is established by God and that consequently we should obey Satan. However, I can find no other scripture that backs this interpretation, and many which contradict it. We need to be careful whenever our interpretation of one passage of scripture leads us to conclusions which do not comport with the rest.

    Perhaps a better way of understanding Paul is that when he says all authority is established by God, he means to emphasize the God part. That is, God is the author of all real authority. Thus, a government that restrains evil has real authority, because it acts as a minister of God. However, a government that rewards evil may not have real authority.

    That doesn’t mean that we can disobey even an evil government whenever we feel like it (a good Christian would still have obeyed the traffic laws in Nazi Germany, for instance). In most cases we must deal with complexity, such as the many good things our own government does (restraining crime) versus the bad (using tax dollars to promote abortion).

    Honestly, I don’t know where I stand on the original options 1, 2 and 3. But I am asking myself the same types of questions. At some point Christians may (and I emphasize the word MAY) need to engage in civil disobedience. Kudos to Mr Tackett for bringing this up now, while we still have time to discuss, argue, and pray about such a serious issue.

18. Raj on October 31st, 2009 12:41 am

    Doc B raises a valid question.

    What about the hundreds of millions of dollars already being given to Planned Parenthood by the taxpayers? It appears that we have already made our decision. The question should be: what are we going to do if this gets worse by the passing of this legislation?

    Furthermore, like Doc B asks, what about our tax dollars going to teach evolution in schools? What about the abhorrent versions of history and government being taught in public schools?

    I’m not saying that Christians don’t have difficult decisions ahead. I’m just saying that we’ve already rolled through quite a few similar decisions without so much as pumping the brakes.

19. mike on October 31st, 2009 1:56 pm

    Option two would be my choice. And continue to work for life! Option three, in my opinion would be detrimental to the overall progress to end abortion. Remember Naaman who was given permission by Elisha to bow down to his lord’s idol.(2Kings 5) The state is responsible for how they tax us and how they use that money. In the structure of our state “we the people” are responsible to vote for representatives who will “rule” according to truth.

    Mike W

20. charley on November 1st, 2009 9:39 pm

    Christians should recognize that their view of abortion is a religious one which many citizens disagree with. This is a pluralistic nation, and freedom of religion does not include the freedom to impose ones religion on others. Ultimately, our laws must be traceable to the constitution and need not be in accord with any scripture.

    The alternative is to live in a theocracy like Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan or Iran where only one religion is permitted and the law is derived from that religion. Few citizens desire that the U.S. should become more like these comparative hellholes.

    Perhaps you will, or already do, fund abortions, just as pacifist Quakers fund wars and most others support activities they don’t approve of with their taxes. Living cooperatively with 300 million others inevitably involves compromise.

    Be a voice for life if you choose; freedom of expression is one of this country’s greatest strengths. Maybe your voices will convince enough people and lead to a change in the law.

    On the other hand, those who skip their taxes because everything doesn’t go their way aren’t moral leaders, but small-minded criminals. Further, leaders who suggest that breaking the law might be a good idea should be regarded with suspicion.

21. HP on November 2nd, 2009 6:14 am

    Interesting question which no doubt will leave many believers in peril. Do we obey the civil magistrate and “render unto Caesar” or do we resist? Do we obey Romans 13 or do we obey Ex. 20:13?

    Dr. Tackett, as you have so aptly taught us…we must look at the nature of God. Perhaps my reasoning may be off and those more erudite than I can correct me, but I think we must return to the His ‘design framework’ to determine the correct response.

    As I see it, the question is, does a commandment given by the Lord for the sake of social order (Rom 13) trump a spiritual law (Ex 20:1, Gen 9:6, etc) for the preservation of the image of God (imago Deo) and life? I am convinced that the need for social order cannot override the ‘arbitrary’ taking of life (which state sponsored abortions would be) because if we do so, we make ourselves to be God. We would be complicit with the State in granting it the authority to make decisions reserved for God only. Obeying the State in this matter would means that since we’ve allowed the State to take life (when no crime has been committed warranting death)that we are now violating the first two commandments as well because we make ourselves to be God - when only He is God. Additionally, by complying we would also then agree with the State that life is now defined not by God, but by the government. The government then determines when life begins and ends. This is a perilous position as already noted.

    The cost could be high indeed. After all, we know from John the Baptist that he lost his head for preaching to the State (Herod, an Idumean)about the moral requirements of God’s Law. In the end, however, I think we must in good conscience agree with Peter and John and tell the State, “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to obey you rather than God.” (Acts 4:18). We swore allegiance to the “Lordship” of Jesus Christ in our lives.

22. sofuye on November 2nd, 2009 6:24 am

    Though abortion is antithetical to God’s will,but one is helpless when it is backed by Govt. legislation.
    It is now left to the child of God to choose whom he wishes to serve.

23. Betsy on November 2nd, 2009 10:26 am

    I feel the need to add a little to my previous comment.
    Scripture makes it clear that we are not to trust in money. We are to trust in the Lord our God. Most of us would agree with that when it comes to spending money…but how many of us agree when it comes to withholding money? If we see our power coming from the withholding of money, then our faith is still in money’s power. If we withhold it from them, we win, because victory comes to those who have the most greenbacks.
    Really?
    The kings of the Old Testament were often evil, vile men, and Scripture tells us they exacted taxes from the people to support their wickedness. Yet in all the canon of Scripture, do you find people being chastised by God for paying taxes?
    Let’s think about the well-known story from 2 Kings 6. Elisha and his servant were isolated and surrounded by the best that their evil king’s tax monies could buy for him. Armies and chariots in numbers sufficient to surround the whole city..all focused on capturing just two men.
    The servant was terrified, but Elisha was calm. The prophet prayed for his servant’s eyes to be opened, and suddenly, the servant was able to see piles and piles of shekels all around them. Woo hoo, they were saved!
    Of course, if you know the story, you know that’s not how it went. The servant saw angelic hosts arrayed in their defense, not piles of money. But I fear that in our current Western mindset, we’re hoping to see my made-up version rather than Scripture’s. The servant might have been happy if he’d seen gobs of earthly treasure instead of angels…and he never would have known what he missed out on seeing.
    I wonder if that’s why we’ve been losing this battle all along. Has our trust been in carnal weapons? What have we missed out on seeing?
    How Spirit-filled are Christ’s people? How open are our eyes?
    I know there are good honest Christians who will disagree with me on this. And while I may not understand what seems to me like pure disobedience to a clear command of Christ’s (render to Caesar), I can at least respect the heart motive. I love to see faithful obedient hearts, trusting Christ as they best understand Him. Even if I think they’ve misunderstood Him, I would rather see that than either paying OR withholding done with misplaced faith…faith in the power of money. So that is my plea. Whether you choose to pay or withhold, be sure you do it with your faith focused on Christ, not on the money.

24. Brenda on November 2nd, 2009 11:23 am

    Dr. Tackett,
    By the way, “The Truth Project” is having a revolutionary effect on my family’s life. My husband, an agnostic is facing the claims of Christianity and is deeply moved; God is working in his heart and mind to draw him into that relationship with Himself. I can’t even describe how much the information means to me, but God is Awesome and He is revealing more and more about Himself which strengthens my Faith and deepens the desire within me to put aside self and sin, walk with Him daily, to enjoy Him, and to Glorify Him in all that I do. Thank You and PRAISE GOD.

    So timely your article on tax-funded abortion! I like you cannot remain static about the pro-choice/abortion/murder issue. I feel as though, even born-again Christians hide their heads in the sand and just pass by this issue because they don’t know what to do. I work as a counseling voluteer at a Pregnancy Resource Center.
    Last week I watched a pro-life video called “The
    Silent Scream”; the testimony of a former abortion doctor in the mid 80’s who was director of one of the largest abortion clinics in the U.S. He explained that since the advent of the ultra-sound technology, and after having watched an abortion of a 13 week old baby via the ultra sound, he was horrified at what occurred and immediately discontinued his practice of aborting human beings. His main assisting nurse also was aghast at the violence that occurred within and no longer performed abortions. He then went on to show the abortion via the ultra sound video, pointing out how portions of the lower body are sucked out, then the head is crushed and sucked out of the uterus. The ultra sound picture actually showed the baby literally running from the suction tool, then opening it’s mouth really wide as if screaming-which this doctor verifies is really a scream. God help us is we ignore this atrocity which is happening around us thousands of times a day, and look the other way. Can we actually say their blood is not on our hands if we aren’t taking steps somehow to help abait the holocaustic killing. Most christians think, “well what can I do?”. Plenty: write your President, Congressmen and Senators speaking up for the unborn, pray that God will stay the hand of more doctors like the Dr. mentioned above, donate time and money to your local crisis pregnancy centers or speak with them about how you can help their cause, talk to your pastors and church leaders encouraging them to speak boldly to their congregations about the issue, pray for the volunteer that daily meets with young women who are thinking about having an abortion and ask for God’s guidance as they counsel them, encourage young women who find themselves pregnant to think about finding a family to parent their child vs. aborting the baby, speak to women about abstinence vs. abortion as birth control…the ways to help are endless.
    And now to the tax issue: I would agree with Betsy on 10/30 3:46 - we must render to our Government it’s due - entrusting our leaders and our government to God(He is Sovereign), for all nations are under Him and will someday have to give an account for their lives to Him. But He also is a merciful God and constantly forgives the heart that is humble and contrite before Him.
    I agree with you; it is going to be a difficult decision to know what the right course for Christians, in our time, to take concerning abortion. Like Esther, who knows that one individual who stands up and helps in the Cause Against Abortion, was not placed in their situation for “such a time as this”. On your face prayer for Godly direction and guidance will be paramount in responding to this issue, knowledge of what our government is doing re: it, and literally reaching out in one’s community to help, one woman at a time, make the PRO-LIFE decision-is what will give one a VOICE FOR LIFE!

    Brenda

25. Janet on November 2nd, 2009 1:45 pm

    I am always fascinated by the fact that my comments “await moderation” for days before being posted (or not). See entry from Janet above on October 30th. Because I don’t usually parrot Del’s thoughts back to him, it doesn’t necessarily mean that I disagree with him — just that I take a different approach. I read Del’s entries whenever new ones are posted and appreciate his values, moral teachings, and spirituality. Don’t be afraid of those who may view “life, the universe and everything,” a bit differently — our world view may be equally Christ-centered. What will you do with this comment?

26. Ed on November 2nd, 2009 2:11 pm

    Charley, I must disagree with you.

    I don’t know if you’ve seen the Truth Project. If so, in Lesson 9, Dr. Tackett talks about “legal positivism” — the elevation of man’s law above God’s law.

    We cannot accept “the law” (man’s law) as our moral guide, because it can often be (increasingly is) amoral, perhaps even immoral. Neither can we look to the Constitution as our moral guide (in its original form, it approved of slavery), because it may have been partly inspired by the Bible, but it is NOT a Biblical or Godly document. It is man’s law too.

    At Nuremburg, in 1945, we saw the folly of man’s law. The Nazi judges said in their own defense, “We were only following the law! We’re judges — how could we do anything other than follow the laws that are on the books?” But they were found guilty of violating a higher moral law, by sentencing innocent people to death, and they were hung to death for it.

    Dr. Tackett has a series of blog posts about “Theocracy” (should be a tag link for it), and I think I agree with him. We need not impose “theocracy” in order to have a Christian country. We should draft our civil and criminal laws with God’s laws in mind, and establish a system of law that is honoring of God.

    That, in itself, can be respectful of other religions, so long as they are not immoral religions. The USA was that way for many decades, and members of other religions felt welcome.

27. Kelsey on November 2nd, 2009 3:07 pm

    Concerning the comment above, I see where you are coming from. But our entire purpose is to glorify God right? Are we glorifying God by not doing anything to save a life? Of course not. Therefore, although it is uncomfortable for us, God has called us to do it.

28. Teresa on November 3rd, 2009 11:45 am

    I’m confused on the whole subject of “tax-funded” abortions, there shouldn’t be this debate. Although a percentage of public funds are given to Planned Parenthood, they fund programs such as their STI treatment and neo-natal programs. Abortions are paid for by the purchaser. Rest easy, your taxes are not being used in that way.

29. Dan H. on November 4th, 2009 9:33 am

    Dear Teresa… If only what you said were true!

    Take a look here: http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/new.php?n=8780

    In Christ,

    Dan…

30. Lisa on November 6th, 2009 11:49 am

    I agree with many who have pointed out that we need to start praying for God to handle this situation. With the many remarks of not knowing what to do I reply let God handle a God sized problem. Only He can handle this and us trying to find a solution to this mega problem is not allowing Him to be God! On that note, we still need to be active. Of course we need to be heard and we need to reach out to those in Government who God has allowed to be there. Write letters, call, and go to these rallies. Let them know that as a Christian you desire to obey God’s will…pay taxes, but that also you desire to obey God’s will and protect life! Let them know the position this puts you in as a law abiding citizen. We WILL be heard if we all speak as ONE voice. I think it’s time we start picking up our phones and our pens and voice our thoughts! When’s the last time you ever did that?

31. Charmaine on November 6th, 2009 11:52 am

    It is difficult to know or keep track of where every cent of your tax dollar is going. A large percentage (outside of what goes to schools, highways, etc.) seems to be tossed into a large pot and stirred until you cannot tell what penny came from your pocket or your neighbors.

    Is it possible to tell exactly what percentage of any citizen’s tax dollar went towards funding some poor woman’s abortion, or if it went to one of the welfare programs that feed and treat the children of low-income women who bore their fifth or sixth child? Or maybe YOUR dime went to pay for a young father’s tuition so he can eventually send his child to college.

    How does one know where every cent of their dollar goes? How much time and money is spent trying to direct a nickel to where we believe we’d rather have our taxes go? Any taxpayer in this nation could try and attempt to withhold their taxes from any program that the government supports or subsidizes.

    Is there really a way to filter our personal penney out of the pot? Or, once tossed in does all that was “yours” simply blend in with everyone elses. How does one know for certain that their individual tax contributions don’t go to the welfare programs that provide food, clothing and shelter to a foster child?

    How can people tell? If they can discern this, perhaps there could be an option placed on tax forms about what programs they want that percentage of their taxes to go.

    Maybe, in the meantime, just believe your percentage is going to something that isn’t enough to make you stand up in protest.

    Charmaine
    Phoenix, Arizona

32. Russel on November 6th, 2009 3:50 pm

    As a Truth Project facilitator, I can not accept the thought of what the proposed healthcare bill brings. I have written multiple emails on the topic to my representatives in congress. In my last email, I compared this issue, as many have, to the Nazi death camps. We, as a nation, have long decried the lives lost in those camps, but ignore the silent cries of our own death camps. I can not accept a double stand and most of all it violates “The Nature of God.” If I have to decide to be a greater voice for life, then I believe that God will support that decision. In reality, there is no decision with those who are in Christ. The decision has already been made.

33. Jackie on November 6th, 2009 10:09 pm

    I am surprised at how many abortion sympathizers have replied to this. Only 2% of abortions in this country are due to rape or incest so that means everyone else choose to make a baby. We all know how to make babies and not to make babies. If you don’t want a baby don’t make one. As for me I have sympathy for the babies not the mothers. They never asked to be created. Children are a blessing from the Lord. It has to be true because God said it. Even if you have 6 or 10 or 12.

34. Jackie on November 6th, 2009 10:17 pm

    Also to Janet. At least back ally butchers put some fear into women not to murder there babies. Now we have butchers in clinics. The women are safe from death, but what about the babies?

35. Paul on November 7th, 2009 7:44 am

    How can we change public policy without changing public opinion. We need to get ourselves trained to change hearts and minds and save lives one conversation at a time. FLI students do this by being trained to take the abortion debate to a dialogue go to JFAweb.org and get involved.

36. Charmaine on November 7th, 2009 1:37 pm

    Russell–

    And what do you propose to do in order to become, as you say, “…a greater voice for ‘life’….”? Will you take in some foster children, or at least request that your tax dollars instead be used to support welfare programs that would feed, clothe, and shelter those in dire need?

    Whatever happens to the laws, in some form or another we are all going to wind up with a portion of our federal tax dollars used to support an impoverished person’s unplanned pregnancy.

    At this time we cannot instruct the government to use them for foster care or food stamps for those needing the help, instead of to pay for procedures a huge population of citizens don’t believe in.

    We all want to support “life,” but in doing so people also have to look ahead and realize the change in the laws will mean an immediate increase in people who will need assistance, because abstinence isn’t going to catch on overnight!!! Are you willing to donate money to crisis pregnancy centers, to help finance an orphanage with your money, and to be taxed more for school lunches or supplies?

    In your stance above, you are comparing two circumstances that have both blotted out “life,” but for very different reasons or motivations, and at differing stages of the life cycle. Not that it makes abortion more right in any way, but those killed in Nazi concentration camps had been fully-functioning, conscious human beings who had loved much and were known and loved in return. They enjoyed sunrises and sunsets, hugging their children… and all they had known was taken away from them. They had seen the light of day, and cherished it. A skilled debater might disagree with you in using this particular argument that compares the intentions of Hitler to the motivations of a physician in a medical facility that performs the proceedure.

    To convince and sway the highly-educated “choice” advocates, any argument used should be very well thought out. However, this divisive issue will be resolved through a decision that ultimately come from the heart and a realization, not argument.

    There is no problem-free answer. I too, think the current laws should be curtailed; but you have to be prepared for the new social problems that could recur or result from an abrupt halt to this practice, as such clinics probably won’t be closed overnight.

    In the meantime, ask that your tax dollars go toward the programs that help feed and clothe the nation’s struggling, instead of funding something you don’t believe in. It may not be possible to know if your penny is going directly to something you don’t favor, or instead to help pay for foster care that aligns with “life.”

    Something to think about.

    Sincerely,
    Charmaine
    Arizona

37. Rachel on November 9th, 2009 8:06 am

    Most christians have created this mess. Christians have used birth-control, we’ve had our tubes tied, and vasecomies. What if we as christians trusted God rather than our comfort? What if we had more than two or three children?
    Would we be in this mess if we obeyed God to be fruitful and multiply rather than worry about money? Do we really trust God to provide? If we had, if generations before us had trusted in God’s provision, would they of had more children who later became voters and voted in pro-life candidates? Muslims don’t use birth control…they are growing in number not by conversion but by having more babies than christians. Think about it….we brought this upon ourselves and now act so self-rightous as if we were so pro-life. Are we?

38. Tony on November 10th, 2009 12:47 pm

    Thank you Rachel! I have been struggling with that very question and now see the light!

39. Sunny on November 10th, 2009 8:09 pm

    I had a friend respond to this bill by stating, “You’d better not tip a waitress, she might be using the money to for her abortion!” I was stunned that he was so blind and accepting.

40. Susan on November 10th, 2009 11:05 pm

    I must agree with Betsy’s and with Brenda’s comments. God’s Word says He is the one who opens the womb and He is the one who closes it. I do not begin to understand why, but I do choose to believe that in all circumstances God knows better than I do, the “why.” That does not let us off the hook of personal responsibility to live according to God’s commandments.

    But by looking at abortion as the problem, we actually ignore the real problem and focus on the symptoms. We can treat symptoms all day and the underlying disease is still rapidly muliplying. We are rebellious and do not want to follow God’s laws. We are selfish and want to control our lives; prideful to think we know better than God what is best for us. And like Rachel said earlier today, “Do we really trust God to provide?”

    Charmaine-you mention the social problems that will occur should abortion become illegal. We already deal with out-of-wedlock births, teenage pregnancy, rampant std’s, low-income single-parent households, child abuse, absent fathers,a fostercare system that is stretched to the max. Then figure in the affects of abortion on men and women: depression, mental illness, suicides, infertility and I could go on and on. Safe, legal abortions and free, accessible birth control were supposed to alleviate our society from these evils (that is the bill of goods we were sold in 1973). Instead of abortions in backalleys they are on Main Street, literally (check out Planned Parenthood’s goal to put clinics in a shopping mall near you & your teenage daughter) and they have pushed us farther down the path of becoming less than human–to a blatant disregard for the sanctity of life–all life!
    And yes, Janet, there are many women who do not think through their abortion decision–it is not agonized over–it is “just not a good time for them to be pregnant.” And yes, they use abortion for birth control. I work in a Pregnancy Resource Center as well and both of these scenerios were in my office just this week.

    My tax dollars are already funding many things I do not agree with in principle or because of my Christian beliefs, but I am still paying them. Though I know abortion is absolutely wrong in all circumstances, I still do not physically restrain any woman from walking in a clinic. But, I will not be silent. I will speak the truth about abortion and its evil reprecussions on our society and I will continue to believe my God is bigger than the U.S. Government and the money it prints. I will be faithful and obedient to the part He has called me to play as long as I have breath.
    So I am choosing #2 for now because I think it is the most effective at this time.
    Thank you, Del for helping us to engage in this thoughtful debate while we still have the freedom to do so openly.
    Blessings!

41. Wen on November 11th, 2009 11:41 am

    I should like to suggest the abortion clinics show the clip called “The Silent Scream” to women and men prior to them making any decisions! Be informed. know what you are doing will impact you for ever and ever.

42. Kaetchen on November 13th, 2009 4:09 pm

    I’m so glad for this discussion. I wrote to my Representative in Congress before the Stupak-Pitts ammendment was added to the House health care bill. Anticipating that HR 3962 could pass and include federal funding for abortion, I asked my Representative if there was a taxpayer revolt planned. To date he has not answered my question. There is still a chance that the Obama Administration will succeed in passing legislation that attempts to force all Americans to fund abortion on demand. We need to prepare to rally behind some response that will communicate our refusal to take part in the killing, and the response will have to be widespread to be effective. Would it send a powerful enough message if we all sold our savings bonds simultaneously? What if we withheld a percentage of our income taxes?
    We have been praying, demonstrating, writing letters and supporting CPCs for 36 years. Meanwhile, 40 million (40 million!) children have died violent deaths. Try to imagine arguing that we should not ever disobey the government if the government requires that you help it dispose of a “useless life” - one “not worthy to be lived.” How will you feel in the future about defending your participation as being strictly legal?