(Each Saturday, a faith leader in Franklin County offers a personal perspective in this space. To become part of this series, email religion@recorder.com)
Everyone’s world view is shaped by either religion or politics, often both.
For the Christian, the bible is authoritative in life and worship. I know this is not true for most people, but in order to make my point, please allow that many trust the book for guidance and even historical accuracy. They judge the world around them through its lens, just as the atheist, secularist, and progressive often do when criticizing the Christian upon viewing his perspective or behavior as unbiblical, using a verse or passage for support.
One recently elected U. S. Representative, with all the wisdom 10 years of adult life can provide, is proposing a radical economic reconfiguration of our society based on the disputed idea that the use of fossil fuels has brought us to the brink of climatic catastrophe. The problem is so urgent, she and others insist, that unless everyone stops burning anything right away, we are doomed because of climate change; you know, formerly known as global warming, formerly known as global cooling, formerly known as unusual weather events.
In view of this crisis, our young leader and others tell us, we might consider reexamining our historic proclivity to procreate. Here are their reasons, as Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who is quoted in a Feb. 25 interview declares, “Our planet is going to hit disaster if we don’t turn this ship around, so it’s basically like, there’s scientific consensus that the lives of children are going to be very difficult. And it does lead, I think, young people to have a legitimate question you know, is it OK to have children.” And Hillary Clinton as quoted in the LA Times way back in 2009, and repeated in numerous forms since, “It’s rather odd to talk about climate change, and what we must do to stop the ill effects, without talking about population and family planning.” (italics mine) Let me translate: How could anyone with a conscience bring a child onto a burning planet? And to complete the circular argument: Why would anyone with a conscience bring a creature onto a planet they will burn up? Of course. it is OK to engage in the behaviors that bring about these little climate changers, these terrible planet destroyers, because the choice and procedure to eliminate them anytime between conception and their journey into daylight, upon consideration of their destructive capabilities, must be available.
The Psalmist writes, “You have created my inmost being, you knit me together in my mother’s womb, I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made … my frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, your eyes saw my unformed body.” The writer and other narrative in the bible clearly declares the personhood and dignity of the individual from the time of conception. This is long before sonograms, the detection of the fetal heartbeat and the observance of the DNA molecule.
There are numerous cultures throughout history that have practiced human sacrifice, and many who have devolved into child sacrifice. We judge cultures on how the weak and the indefensible are treated. In Old Testament history, babies were sacrificed to the Canaanite god Moloch for the purpose of appeasing him toward fertility, crops and weather. They were tossed into his infernal furnace with the celebratory approval of the parents and the cultural elites, where their cries were silenced. See any parallels emerge? God has always judged such peoples harshly. Is there a name for the god our society is sacrificing our children to?
These words from Thomas Jefferson come to mind, “Indeed, I tremble for my country, and I reflect that God is just, that His justice cannot sleep forever.”
When God’s justice awakens, I fear for my country, and I believe the church has an obligation to speak out against this terrible practice. All in a society will suffer the effects of divine judgment, even those who are not directly responsible for bringing it about.
The conscience of Christians demand they pray for their country, its leaders and speak out, and stand up for the innocent. I call upon my brothers and sisters in the faith to do so consistently.
The present ministry at Gill Church began in 1996 and is independent, evangelical and emphasizes the Lordship of our Savior Jesus Christ. Our focus is on the three-fold purpose of church: worship, fellowship and evangelism. Our services are at 10 a.m. with Sunday School/Bible study at 9 a.m. Additional information such as our statement of belief and doctrine can be viewed on our website by simply googling gill church.