Why Do We Turn Away?

You've heard about the Planned Parenthood videos in the news. Have you actually watched them? If you haven't, why haven't you? Have you asked yourself that question? Do you want to avoid facing these grisly realities?

If you have reticence, how many of those you interact with at work or in the neighborhood or at school have actually watched the videos? I bet lots of people who are listening to and talking about the political commentary have not viewed the videos.

So, I'm writing here for three reasons:

1) To encourage you to read this article by Russ Douthat entitled, "Looking Away From Abortion."

Here's one brief sample from the article:

...it’s precisely a fetus’s humanity that makes its organs valuable...more than just “products of conception” or tissue for the knife.

That’s why Planned Parenthood’s apologists have fallen back on complaints about “deceptive editing” (though full videos were released in both cases), or else simply asked people to look away. And it’s why many of my colleagues in the press seem uncomfortable reporting on the actual content of the videos. 

Because dwelling on that content gets you uncomfortably close to...that moment when you start pondering the possibility that an institution at the heart of respectable liberal society is dedicated to a practice that deserves to be called barbarism.

2) To encourage you to push back any reticence to watch these videos, and to go and watch them.

3) To be prepared to ask others if they've watched the videos. And if they haven't, to ask them why.

If we Christians want our nation to face the horrific realities of abortion and abortion practice, then we Christians need to be willing to face the horrific realities of abortion and abortion practice. Don't look away. And be prepared to ask others why they do.

Planned Parenthood News and Commentary

By now, you've seen the sting videos (see this if you're bothered by the ethics of sting videos in the service of righteousness) and heard all kinds of commentary and reaction for and against Planned Parenthood. As Christians, outrage at this horrific evil is righteous. Indifference and silence and avoidance is morally repulsive in the face of such atrocities. This does not mean we scream and spew hate. It does mean we weep and plead with God for his merciful intervention. And it means we speak up and seek to influence and persuade. 

One helpful perspective you may not have considered is represented here in a post by Rosaria Butterfield. She grew up thinking that Planned Parenthood upheld "family values." Read it and ponder the fact that some of the people you work with or live by or go to school with grew up much in the same way. And God is just as able to grab hold of them as he did Rosaria. Maybe he'll even use you!

Finally (for this post anyway), Justin Taylor has posted lots of helpful commentary on his blog. This update contains lots of helpful information, including some ways we can take action. Now that the Senate defunding vote has been taken and a 5th video has been posted, it is a bit "dated", but still helpful.

What You Should Know About the Planned Parenthood Defunding Vote

Joe Carter answers some FAQ's on yesterday's vote.

Why Did Jesus Say What He Said?

Why did Jesus teach the way he taught? Why did he say the things he said? I'm sure there are lots of answers to those questions.

This morning I found three reasons, in close proximity, that were pretty thrilling. They combine to paint a beautiful portrait of our Savior's love and goodness. Who wouldn't want to listen to this man?!

John 15:11:

These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.

John 16:1:

I have said all these things to you to keep you from falling away.

John 16:33: 

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.