Abolishing Abortion: How You Can Play a Part in Ending the Greatest Evil of Our Day
1 February, 20164 Min Read
Before I had ever met my husband, I worked as a full time pro-life activist with Campus Life Tours. During my time traveling with the organization – mostly working in a photojournalistic capacity covering lectures, protests, and political events – I had the privilege of working with and meeting some rock stars in the human rights activism world.
During a trip to Washington, DC I found myself working alongside Alveda King, the niece of Martin Luther King Jr. and the Reverend Frank Pavone with Priests for Life.
Reverend Pavone has been a very vocal and very active player in the fight to restore human rights to ALL human beings, regardless of race, gender, religion, nationality, or age. He serves as the president of the National Pro-life Religious Council and as the national pastoral director of Rachel’s Vineyard, the world’s largest ministry of healing after abortion. He is also the national director of Priests for Life, the largest Catholic pro-life organization in the world.
While I am not Catholic myself, I am quite fond of Father Pavones writing, and I am big fan of his human rights efforts in America. So when I saw this book up for review, I jumped at the chance to give it a read. (And truth be told, were it not available for review, I would have purchased it myself!)
About the Book:
Book description from Amazon.com:
The struggle against abortion in our nation has been going on a long time. Sometimes it seems like an evil that will never go away. People want to get involved in the fight, but it feels futile, and increasingly the culture tells Christians to stay out of politics.
Longtime activist Rev. Frank Pavone counters this frustrated mindset with challenge, encouragement, plain facts, and a healthy dose of strategy. He explores biblical, moral, historical, and legal reasons Christians belong in the public square and challenges both churches and individual Christians to full engagement.
Pavone argues convincingly that the battle against abortion not only can be won, but must be won. The soul of our nation depends on it.
My Thoughts on the Book:
While much of this book contains the usual arguments against the act of violently stopping a beating heart in the womb, there was a lot of useful information that I have yet to see in pro-life literature (and I have read quite a bit!)
Chapters five through eight alone make this entire book a stand-alone piece you should have on your shelf if you are looking for unique pro-life content. These chapters focuses on the legal realm of the church’s rights in regards to speaking on politically controversial issues such as abortion.
This is an area that personally maddens me. So many churches in America stay silent on this issue, indulging in the worst form of cowardice, hiding behind fear of the state if they get too political. Meanwhile, organizations – including churches! – have no fear of proclaiming a pro-choice culture with no fear of repercussions. It seems the legality of free speech in the realm of religion is somewhat muddied these days, to the detriment of culture that COULD and SHOULD protect innocent human life.
As Pavone explains, “Incredibly, in the sixty year history of the Johnson Amendment, among the three hundred thousand churches in America, only one church has lost it’s tax exempt status, and that just for one day.”
He continues to exhort churches, “What so many of us are afraid of – namely that the state is going to require our church to pay large sums of taxes as a result of its political intervention – has never happened, not even once.” Pavone rightly uses this shocking information to strengthen the resolve of churches and Christians to speak the truth without fearing consequences; especially those fears that are quite unrealistic.
Churches SHOULD NOT have to fear that exercising free speech might result in being shut down, fined, or persecuted. Especially on an issue as important as the slaughter of innocent children. Christians should not fear boldly proclaiming the simple biological facts of prenatal development.
With the current release of the chilling and barbaric undercover Planned Parenthood videos, and the fresh outcry and protests that have been launched across the nation to defund Planned Parenthood, this book has hit the book stores at just the right time. I sincerely hope and pray that this book encourages churches to not fear preaching pro-life sermons from the pulpit and distributing pro-life leaflets and voter education materials during election time.
Thanks for the review, friend. This important issue has been thrust on to the back burner with all the craziness going on in the political world these days. Thanks for reminding us that life, all life, matters …
It IS such an important issue! And it is terrible the strongest advocates for life feel that their hands are tied, and their voices must be silent on this issue.. it is so untrue! Blessings to you my sweet friend! <3
Gingi, I don’t think anyone should judge you for your stance on abortion. I for one am against it for me. I have never had one and have taught my children there are better options. Also, I don’t judge people who do have one, I am not the one that has to live with their decisions… I do hope that one day people understand that abortion isn’t the answer, especially in this day and age where there are so many options to prevent you from becoming pregnant in the first place.
Although I am not an advocate of teenagers engaging in sex, I also do not bury my head in the sand and think that they won’t, I was a teenager with hormones, I taught my oldest about birth control and I will do the same for my youngest. I would prefer they used that than felt the need to have an abortion. I have known many people in my life who have had one and regretted it a great deal.
I also know there are people who don’t regret it, I won’t judge them but I also don’t want them to judge me for my beliefs … we all have the right to believe what we do and fight for those beliefs fairly.
It really isnt a matter of judgement in the sense of looking down on someone, as it is judgement in the sense of assessing facts and drawing a conclusion between right and wrong. IF abortion kills a living human being (and medical biology tells us that it does – every surgical abortion in America stops the beating heart of a human being, a living member of the homo sapien family that is genetically unique and distinct from its mother) and IF killing an innocent human being is wrong (most would say that it is morally wrong to execute an innocent human, especially a child) then abortion is therefore not only murder, but it is wrong.
There are many people who either do not know the medical facts of prenatal development, or dont understand what happens during an abortion. These are usually the women who suffer horrid regret and depression when they discover the truth. I personally do not know anyone who looks down on misguided women or judges them in the negative sense. There ARE, however, people who know the facts, know that abortion is killing an innocent baby, but just do not care. There are also people who know that rape is wrong, that slavery is wrong, that terrorist attacks are wrong, but just dont care or do them anyway. There is nothing morally wrong with looking at these people, and judging them to morally bankrupt and worthy of pity.
Thank you. I would never have an abortion, even if my life was at stake. I’d always save my own child before myself, whether in utero or not. As a vegan, a woman, a mother, and a Christian, I think that ending any life is wrong. It took me a long time to realize this, but better late than never.
I always tell people that I would kill myself before I would ever dream of harming my children in any way. This should be such a basic tenet of motherhood. It is sad to see how corrupt our culture has become that sacrificing children for personal preferences or pursuits is seen as a virtue. 🙁
Very helpful information for those who wish to speak for a cause. A great sermon on abortion talked about the voice the whispers into the young woman’s ear as she enters the clinic saying, “This is your right, it is your body, you are making a choice for you future”.. and then that SAME voice whispers in her ear as she leaves saying, “You just killed your baby, you should be ashamed, you should carry guilt forever.” If nothing else, I hope we support women as they make the tough decision to let the life continue.
Yep! That is a scientific fact. Its crazy, because people who choose to believe otherwise and literally IGNORING science. Its like the new flat earth movement, to deny that life begins at conception..
It really is good.. well, the middle part is groundbreaking in my opinion, the rest is what you would find in most pro-life literature.. but still, a VERY good read!
Your heart for the unborn colors everything you do. From the quest for the healthiest foods for your babies to working to make yourself as healthy as you can. LIFE is our first and most important RIGHT. It’s all simple, until politics gets involved and then the spin starts up to try to change the basic facts of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Don’t let any nay-sayers rattle you…you have the truth on your side. I’m glad to see the soldiers in this war attacking on the legalities, since that is part of the language the left understands. Money, or Biblically speaking, the LOVE of money sure does prove to be the root of this evil. Keep up the great work. Being a voice for the voiceless is important.
Thanks for the review, friend. This important issue has been thrust on to the back burner with all the craziness going on in the political world these days. Thanks for reminding us that life, all life, matters …
Blessings to you today.
It IS such an important issue! And it is terrible the strongest advocates for life feel that their hands are tied, and their voices must be silent on this issue.. it is so untrue! Blessings to you my sweet friend! <3
Gingi, I don’t think anyone should judge you for your stance on abortion. I for one am against it for me. I have never had one and have taught my children there are better options. Also, I don’t judge people who do have one, I am not the one that has to live with their decisions… I do hope that one day people understand that abortion isn’t the answer, especially in this day and age where there are so many options to prevent you from becoming pregnant in the first place.
Although I am not an advocate of teenagers engaging in sex, I also do not bury my head in the sand and think that they won’t, I was a teenager with hormones, I taught my oldest about birth control and I will do the same for my youngest. I would prefer they used that than felt the need to have an abortion. I have known many people in my life who have had one and regretted it a great deal.
I also know there are people who don’t regret it, I won’t judge them but I also don’t want them to judge me for my beliefs … we all have the right to believe what we do and fight for those beliefs fairly.
It really isnt a matter of judgement in the sense of looking down on someone, as it is judgement in the sense of assessing facts and drawing a conclusion between right and wrong. IF abortion kills a living human being (and medical biology tells us that it does – every surgical abortion in America stops the beating heart of a human being, a living member of the homo sapien family that is genetically unique and distinct from its mother) and IF killing an innocent human being is wrong (most would say that it is morally wrong to execute an innocent human, especially a child) then abortion is therefore not only murder, but it is wrong.
There are many people who either do not know the medical facts of prenatal development, or dont understand what happens during an abortion. These are usually the women who suffer horrid regret and depression when they discover the truth. I personally do not know anyone who looks down on misguided women or judges them in the negative sense. There ARE, however, people who know the facts, know that abortion is killing an innocent baby, but just do not care. There are also people who know that rape is wrong, that slavery is wrong, that terrorist attacks are wrong, but just dont care or do them anyway. There is nothing morally wrong with looking at these people, and judging them to morally bankrupt and worthy of pity.
Thank you. I would never have an abortion, even if my life was at stake. I’d always save my own child before myself, whether in utero or not. As a vegan, a woman, a mother, and a Christian, I think that ending any life is wrong. It took me a long time to realize this, but better late than never.
I always tell people that I would kill myself before I would ever dream of harming my children in any way. This should be such a basic tenet of motherhood. It is sad to see how corrupt our culture has become that sacrificing children for personal preferences or pursuits is seen as a virtue. 🙁
Great post!
Have a nice evening!
Angela Donava
http://www.lookbooks.fr/
<3
Very helpful information for those who wish to speak for a cause. A great sermon on abortion talked about the voice the whispers into the young woman’s ear as she enters the clinic saying, “This is your right, it is your body, you are making a choice for you future”.. and then that SAME voice whispers in her ear as she leaves saying, “You just killed your baby, you should be ashamed, you should carry guilt forever.” If nothing else, I hope we support women as they make the tough decision to let the life continue.
Thats a chilling way to put it.. and so accurate!
I am pro-life as well. A life is a life from the moment it is conceived.
Sounds like a great read.
Thank you for sharing.
xoxo
Yep! That is a scientific fact. Its crazy, because people who choose to believe otherwise and literally IGNORING science. Its like the new flat earth movement, to deny that life begins at conception..
Great issue and perfect review, so helpful info… that book sounds interesting!
Kisses, Paola.
Expressyourself
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Thanks Paola! <3
I have not been able to watch those videos. It all makes me sick. This sounds like a book I should read.
Thanks for sharing!
It really is good.. well, the middle part is groundbreaking in my opinion, the rest is what you would find in most pro-life literature.. but still, a VERY good read!
Very interesting and helpful review on such a tough subject, thanks!
<3
Such an amazing post!I have a giveaway on my fb page, if you’re interested 🙂
GIVEAWAY♥
blog
I will go check it out right now! <3
Very informative post dear
have an happy day
fashion blogger
kiss
You too sweetie! <3
Surely a great book and educational book to read. Tough subject!!
Thanks for the review, Gingi dear.
http://missymayification.blogspot.co.uk
Of course!
Great review.
http://www.thestylegalaxy.com
Thanks!
Your heart for the unborn colors everything you do. From the quest for the healthiest foods for your babies to working to make yourself as healthy as you can. LIFE is our first and most important RIGHT. It’s all simple, until politics gets involved and then the spin starts up to try to change the basic facts of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Don’t let any nay-sayers rattle you…you have the truth on your side. I’m glad to see the soldiers in this war attacking on the legalities, since that is part of the language the left understands. Money, or Biblically speaking, the LOVE of money sure does prove to be the root of this evil. Keep up the great work. Being a voice for the voiceless is important.
Thank you momma! <3 <3 <3