Prolife – Madi's Musings

Introducing CROWN and SR1.5

January 13, 2023January 13, 202322 Comments

I am excited to announce that CROWN and Shattered Revelation are now available for ARC signups.

Before we get to that, however, here are the official cover reveals. (Click on each picture to expand.)

(forgive the poor blurbs. They’re the best I can come up with right now.)

About CROWN

The Redwyn Chronicles, Book 0.5

Blurb:

Can a noblewoman-turned-goose girl stop a sinister plot before it’s too late?

All Isadora Fendalva wants is to secure aid for her struggling town, but a maid’s betrayal lands her in a commoner’s field herding geese. With her maid posing as Isadora and hatching nefarious schemes to do away with the royal family, Isadora finds herself relying on the fragments of her faith. Will God answer her pleas, or will evil schemes succeed and be the end of her and the royal family?

CROWN is a Christian fantasy fairy tale retelling of The Goose Girl.

Inspiration board

About Shattered Revelation

Where do you stand in the fight for life?

The Shattered Lands, 1.5

Blurb:

Where do you stand in the fight for life?

As rumors of war grip the Lowlands, a different fight is being waged in the small town of Maerima—a fight for the lives of unborn babies.

With her town still reeling from the All Lands War, Lady Thana Nalloway’s only goal is to help her people recover—and protect them from more pain and bloodshed. When her council approaches her with a proposal that affects newborns and unborn babies, Thana signs it into law, believing she is saving babies from a potential life of horror and heartache.

What Thana doesn’t expect is opposition from Boden Kedder, her fiancé. When two different worldviews collide and unavoidable ramifications must be faced, will a broken heart lead Thana to the undeniable truth?

Shattered Revelation is a Christian fantasy story focusing on prolife vs. abortion.

Inspiration board

*The author offers her sincerest apologies (and condolences to the Marcus fan club) that she was unable to work in Marcus en Rhwyndor.

If you are interested in ARC reading one or both of these stories, you can sign up here.

I will send out the ARCs as soon as they are formatted, which will probably be next week.

This day has finally arrived. I don’t know their release dates, yet, but I do know one will make you laugh and I hope the other will make you cry (it certainly did me). SR1.5 did not go in the direction I first expected, but I am pleased with it nonetheless. These needed to be finished so I could get to work on the Little Mermaid retelling (which I still have no clue what to write).

For those who have been praying for me with the whole spam/one-star debacle, thank you. Your prayers are felt.

Which cover is your favorite? Which story are you looking forward to the most? Have you read IRON or Shattered Reflection yet?

Book Review: Fault Lines

January 3, 2023Leave a comment

The ground is moving…

In this powerful book, Voddie Baucham, a preacher, professor, and cultural apologist, explains the sinister worldview behind the social justice movement and Critical Race Theory.

Title: Fault Lines: The Social Justice Movement and Evangelicalism’s Looming Catastrophe

Author: Voddie Baucham Jr.

Genre: Nonfiction; Spiritual; Political

ABOUT

The Ground Is Moving

The death of George Floyd at the hands of police in the summer of 2020 shocked the nation. As riots rocked American cities, Christians affirmed from the pulpit and in social media that “black lives matter” and that racial justice “is a gospel issue.”

But what if there is more to the social justice movement than those Christians understand? Even worse: What if they’ve been duped into preaching ideas that actually oppose the Kingdom of God?

In this powerful book, Voddie Baucham, a preacher, professor, and cultural apologist, explains the sinister worldview behind the social justice movement and Critical Race Theory—revealing how it already has infiltrated some seminaries, leading to internal denominational conflict, canceled careers, and lost livelihoods. Like a fault line, it threatens American culture in general—and the evangelical church in particular.

Whether you’re a layperson who has woken up in a strange new world and wonders how to engage sensitively and effectively in the conversation on race or a pastor who is grappling with a polarized congregation, this book offers the clarity and understanding to either hold your ground or reclaim it.

Rating:

5 Stars

Review:

I don’t really know where to begin, so this review will probably sound jumbled, since I’m just going to put my thoughts “onto paper” and try to apply some semblance of organization.

To be clear:

One thing Baucham was extremely clear on, and that I agree with, is that a lot of Christians who support CRT do so from a genuine desire to help others. While their intentions are good, their support for such a vile ideology is not, and they need to examine CRT for what it really is, then decide whether or not to pursue supporting this idea. They need to investigate for themselves and not just accept what the media and society tell them. To be clear, I am completely, one hundred percent, wholly, totally, and unwaveringly against CRT, social justice, racial inequality, and every vile idea Marxism has birthed. However, I also agree with Baucham that, when we interact with brothers and sisters who disagree, we need to do so in a direct, but kind, manner. Thus, I will compose my review, such as it is, in a direct tone.

______

What do Tim Keller, Margaret Sanger, Kermit Gosnell, “social justice”, the “Black Lives Matter” movement, defunding police, and “reparations” have in common?

CRT, otherwise known as Critical Race Theory.

And what does CRT have in common with the aforementioned list?

Marxism.

In Fault Lines, Voddie Baucham addresses CRT and Critical Social Justice, their origins, proponents, and how they are infiltrating, and utterly destroying the Church. It begins with Marxism, which was founded by Carl Marx. Marxism is the very root from which CRT and CSJ and their branches, “social justice”, “reparations”, “racial equality”, and “hegemony” sprout.

Baucham first provides the reader with an insight on his childhood, then his faith journey, his education, and other influencers in his life. Baucham then uses that to propel the reader into the purpose for this book: addressing the social justice movement. In a world full of those easily offended and people tiptoeing around to ensure they don’t offend those easily offended, Baucham holds no punches. In a direct and candid, but gentle, manner, Baucham details what is wrong with CRT, CSJ, and the slew of issues which have arisen from them.

I learned a lot from this book. While I already knew certain church figures have gone off the path by accepting CRT, I didn’t realize the full extent of how seriously lost and devastating this has been to churches and church groups. Baucham clearly details how CRT and its associates are incompatible with the Bible. In fact, Baucham easily backs his claim that CRT is now a cult. I also never realized how long this has been going on. Of course, I knew about Marx. I knew about the “American founders saying black people were only 3/5th a white person” lie, and I knew how CRT is deconstructing society, churches, and politics, but I never realized how deep its roots reach.

As I warned above, I’m going to be direct. Also known as blunt and frank. CRT is evil. It’s vile, deadly, and a tool of Satan used to crumble the nuclear family, churches, and society’s (already barely existent) remaining morals. Baucham illustrates multiple reasons why CRT and its associates are so destructive, and does it well. Someone who knows little about these topics can easily garner much information and knowledge by reading this book.

Baucham pulls no punches. Unafraid to call out prominent members of faith who support CRT, he opens the reader’s eyes on who to stay away from regarding listening to their theology, and what to watch for when engaging in culture. Also provided are ways to interact with those so deeply entrenched in CRT and its associates that they can’t see the utter absurdity of what they believe.

Everything about this book is powerful, but what really struck me were the abortion sections.

I’ve studied abortion; I’ve participated in prolife blog tours and have written numerous, lengthy prolife and anti-abortion essays for high school and (secular) college. I’m no newbie to the grotesqueness of researching abortion. I knew about Margaret Sanger and her Negro Project. I even knew a little about Kermit Gosnell. I knew they were vile people. Horrible beyond description. What I did not know was the extent of their evil.

Maragret Sanger, the founder of abortion, began the murder of unborn babies not to “free women”, but to put eugenics to use and eradicate black people. She’d be proud, for, as Baucham notes, over fifteen million black babies alone have been murdered through abortion—and that number is ever increasing.

The following paragraph contains disturbing information.

Kermit Gosnell. There aren’t words to describe how wretchedly awful this man was. A black man (who gleefully partook in the very action meant to wipe out black people) killed thousands of babies and murdered one immigrant due to anesthetic overdose. Baucham reports that when Gosnell was finally arrested, after years of society turning a blind eye to his atrocities, agents and police found his building to be littered with fetus parts just scattered about.

This book can cause worry at times. Can even cause anger at the true injustice going on (which is not social justice, etc.). But it also gives hope. Filled with Scripture, Baucham gently reminds the reader God’s church will prevail, that nothing can destroy God’s plan. We have been given the tools to deal with this blight upon our churches and homes, and we need to use them.

Racism exists. Racists exist. But there are not so many of them that “racial inequality” is real. There will always be evil. But, when you advocate for white people to apologize for being white and to pay repartitions for slavery, you only help perpetrate that evil. CRT is completely unbiblical for many reasons. By telling me I need to apologize for being white—the color GOD made me—you’re saying God made a mistake. By telling me I need to pay for the sins of those long ago, you’re accusing me of a crime I did not commit, which is bearing false testimony against your neighbor.

Fault Lines is an amazing book that tackles a difficult and divisive issue. I recommend it to everyone. Thank you, Mr. Baucham, for being unafraid to stand for truth. It bolstered my courage, helped me understand this complex evil, and provided ways to stand strong amidst this storm.

To those who embrace CRT, please, please look into its origins. It’s not what you think it is. Take the heart for others that God has given you and apply it to a true Bible-based effort.

To those who are watching the effects of CRT and are wondering what comes next in this catastrophe, stand strong. Ensure your foundation made of truth so it will not be replaced with a foundation of lies.

CONTENT WARNING

Some language (not from the author himself, but from quotes).

Disturbing discussion about the atrocities of abortion.

Nature’s Testament

December 7, 202211 Comments

I rarely do three posts a week. Even rarer is two posts a day.

Yet, today is an exception.

Last night a weather statement was sent out, alerting my county that heavy fog was on the move. We were warned to stay off the roads and away from the higher elevations. But, the weather station said, the fog would be gone by 4 a.m..

While remnants still lingered when I arose this morning, the fog had left behind a breathtaking and spellbinding sight.

The trees are coated with frozen fog, edging their branches in pure white that glitters when the sunlight–devoid of any warmth–falls upon it. So I pulled on my sweatshirt, grabbed the camera, tugged on the snow boots, and ambled outside, precariously stumbling across the ice rink that is our driveway so I could reach the back yard’s gate.

As I snapped the below pictures, Psalm 19:1 kept running through my mind. Nature is proof that evolution could not have happened. No big bang could have frozen that fog onto the trees. No eruption of disaster and mayhem could have formed each individual ice crystal with all of its jaw-dropping intricacies.

No, nature offers no proof of evolution or the big bang. Nor does it offer any proof of theistic evolution. Instead, it showcases the wondrous creativity of our Creator.

Likewise, nature is proof of how valuable each individual life is. If God put such thought and design into snowflakes and the aftermath of fog, how much more does He put into the babe in the womb? Human life is complex–from our cardiac and respiratory systems, to how our brains function, to the movements of our muscles and ligaments–we are a testament of our Creator.

The prolife message is blatantly clear in Scripture.

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you.” – Jeremiah 1:5a

“For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.” – Psalm 139:13-16

The God who forms storms and sunshine, who sprinkled the stars across the sky, and who individually forms each one of us, is the Creator. The Designer. He is the I Am. He is the LORD.

And He created the world and everyone and everything in it. Life is precious and valuable to him.

Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.

The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.
Psalm 19:1

Responding to Abortion Arguments Pt. 2 – Write for Life: Sustainer’s Smile and To Save a Life Book Launch

October 12, 202111 Comments

Last week I responded to five abortion arguments. This week is a continuation . Many thanks to Mom, Lil’ Sis, Karli, Katja, Erika, Rebecca, Grace, and Ryana who helped supply these arguments.

RESPONDING TO ABORTION ARGUMENTS PT. 2

Argument One: The baby was conceived through rape/incest

Rape and incest are terrible and something no one should be subjected to. But that does not nullify the fact that Baby is still a human and does not deserve to be murdered just because Baby was conceived in a horrific way. Baby is not responsible for the actions of the parents, and has no say in how he/she came to be conceived. How does wanting to murder a baby for a crime they did not commit make sense?

It’s okay if the mother does not feel she can keep the baby – after birth. There are so many couples eager to adopt (see Argument 5 of last week’s post). In the wake of pain, sin, and heartache, give the gift of life and love. Keep the baby and bless not only Baby, but a couple eager to have a child and give that child the chance to have a caring family.

The greatest destroyer of love and peace is abortion, which is war against the child. – Mother Theresa

Argument Two: The mom’s too young.

Too young to take care of a baby? Perhaps. Too young to be saddled with the “burden” of carrying Baby? No. Too young to understand Baby is a human being with unalienable rights, which include life? No.

If the mother is too young to care for Baby, that’s okay. Once again, abortion is not the answer. Punishing Baby for the pregnancy is not the right way to handle the situation.. Adoption is a beautiful thing. Baby is not at fault for the mom’s age. Choose life over death.

Before I formed you in the womb I knew you. – Jeremiah 1:5a

Argument Three: The mom is too busy.

So it’s okay to murder an unborn baby because of lifestyle, work schedule, or plans being disrupted? Really? When did we become such a selfish, self-centered society that this argument and justification is considered “acceptable” and “reasonable”?

When did we begin putting ourselves and our glorified schedules above the immeasurably precious lives of unborn babies? Once more, if you don’t want to care for your baby – a baby you are fifty percent responsible for the conception of – put Baby up for adoption. No one is telling or forcing you to keep Baby after Baby is born, but please choose life.

I’ve noticed that everyone who is for abortion has already been born. – Ronald Reagan

Argument Four: Baby is a burden.

Excuse me? A precious little baby is a burden? Is an unborn baby only precious when that little, growing life doesn’t interfere with the mother’s figure? Reputation? Weight? Living arrangements? Work?

Genesis 1:27 says, “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them”. Baby is created in the image of God, our infinite, perfect, holy Creator. The Maker of all counts every life precious. So precious that “that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). If the One who knits our bones, forms our skin, puts so much thought into making us unique human beings, and who gave His Son for us that we would have hope of eternal life and forgiveness considers us worthy, we have no right to call an unborn baby a “burden”.

See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven. – Matthew 18:10

Argument Five: Baby won’t have a good life because of medical reasons/Baby will die from complications.

Who are we to declare an unborn child worthy of murder because they might not live a life we think perfect? Babies with Autism, Down Syndrome, and other health issues are worthy of being give the chance to experience life and family and happiness. Just because the world labels them different doesn’t make them incapable of living. Even if the baby will experience pain, that pain cannot compare to the heinous, grisly torture they endure during abortion.

We live in a fallen world. Birth defects and medical issues are a result of that. These precious lives had no say, no choice in having these issues. They wear the evidence of the Fall. How is that their fault? Are they to be punished for physically bearing the product of sin? Something we all suffer from? Those not born a second time have black hearts and black souls. That is far worse than a baby with medical issues or a birth defect.

According the CDC, “Every 4 ½ minutes, a baby is born with a birth defect in the United States. That means nearly 120,000 babies are affected by birth defects each year”. Society treats birth defects and medical issues like they’re abnormal. They’re not. Since when did we let society tell us a baby that does not fit the demanded standard for appearance, health, or heritage is unworthy of life and worthy of murder?

God, not society, determines the value of life, and He finds life – He finds that unborn child with medical issues or a birth defect – lovable. Worthy of life. Worthy enough to be presented with salvation when they’re at the age of understanding.

And let us reaffirm a fundamental truth: all children – born and unborn – are made in the hold image of God. – President Donald Trump

Argument Six: Baby’s family is poor.

So what? Riches don’t guarantee a good life; in fact, trouble can arise from that too. If the family is too poor to raise Baby, then give Baby up for adoption. Same goes for if the parent or parents feel they are monetarily unable to provide. Putting Baby up for adoption doesn’t mean you don’t love Baby. Contrary, it means you love Baby enough to do what is best for Baby. Parents brave enough to put their babies up for adoption, instead of choosing abortion, are to be applauded.

Regarding riches, the world thinks wealth comes from a lot of money, expensive vehicles and houses, and oodles of worldly goods and possessions. But that’s not what real wealth is. Luke 12:15 says, “[F]or one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions”. Children are called blessings from the Lord (Psalm 127:3). They are gifts. And real wealth is knowledge and faith in God; wisdom; knowing how to live within our means; and the ability to be grateful no matter what station we’re in.

Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. – Psalm 127:3

Argument Seven: The mother’s parents force it because it would reflect badly on them if daughter is pregnant and not married.

So you’re more worried about society’s opinion than doing what’s right? How far we have fallen.

Getting pregnant out of wedlock is a sin, but no one has any right to punish the baby for that sin. If you care more about what society thinks of you, more about your status and standing, your priorities are wrong. Baby’s life supersedes any “damage” done to reputation. In the end, it is not our reputation that saves us, but salvation. Focus on pleasing and worshiping God rather than man.

As you do not know the way the spirit comes to the bones in the womb of a woman with child, so you do not know the work of God who makes everything. – Ecclesiastes 11:5

Argument Eight: It was an accident.

To you. Not to God.

If you’re doing the deed that can get you pregnant, you know there’s a chance for pregnancy. If you don’t want a baby, don’t have sex. Simple as that. “Safeguards” to keep pregnancy from happening are not fool proof. Only abstinence is.

Baby may be an accident – unplanned – in your eyes, but God knew just when and where Baby would be conceived. No life is an accident. No life happens by chance. Don’t murder Baby because you didn’t plan to be a parent. It’s not Baby’s fault he/she was conceived, but it is well your fault if you choose murder over life. Your life is just as precious as Baby’s. Abortion murders not only the baby, but scars the parents. Darwinism would have us believe we all are accidents, but we’re not. We are intentionally made and formed and created (Genesis 1:26-31). You have no right to take Baby’s life, just as no one has no right to take yours.

Oh I don’t believe in accidents / Miracles, they don’t just happen by chance / As long as my God holds the world in his hands / I know that there’s no such thing as unplanned – “Unplanned” by Matthew West

SOURCES CITED:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2021. What are Birth Defects? | CDC. [online] Available at: <https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/birthdefects/facts.html> [Accessed 9 October 2021].

IF YOU’VE HAD AN ABORTION OR KNOW SOMEONE WHO HAS

If you’ve had an abortion, please feel free to reach out. Abortion is murder, and murder is sin, but you are not beyond the cleansing love and mercy of Christ. Romans 3:23 tells us, “For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God” , and in Romans 10:9, we are told, “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved”.

There is hope. You have hope. Your sin is not unforgivable. Repent, confess, place your faith in Christ, and become a new creation.

If you know someone who has had an abortion, there is a high chance she feels guilt, fear, confusion, and pain. Despite what some claim, abortion is not a once-and-done procedure. There are mental and physical scars the woman will never recover from, even if she won’t admit it. Reach out and confront them in love. Tell them what they have done is wrong, but that they can be forgiven and made new. Come alongside them and offer hope and comfort and the love of Christ.

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. – Romans 6:23

BONUS MATERIAL

Podcasts/Short Videos about the atrocities of abortion:

The Way I Talk About Abortion

What are 10 Responses to Common Abortion Arguments?

Life Begins at Conception?

What Does the Bible Say About Abortion? (Not for the faint of heart)

Prolife Movies

UNPLANNED

(This is rated R for a reason. Graphic images pertaining to the atrocities of abortion and some cursing. It is excellent though. I highly recommend it for anyone over eighteen.)

DO YOU BELIEVE

Launch Tour Schedule

October 1

Erika Mathews at Resting Life – tour intro

Autumn Lehman at Bursting Through the Darkness – Write For Life Blog Tour ~ Intro Post ~ Why I am Pro-Life

October 2

Erika Mathews at Resting Life – Read the First Chapter for Free

Grace A. Johnson at Of Blades and Thorns – prolife post

Katja Labonté at Little Blossoms for Jesus – prolife post

October 4

Joy C. Woodbury at Discipleship With Joy – prolife post

October 5

Madisyn at Madi’s Musings – Responding to Abortion Arguments Part 1

October 6

Jen Rose at Living Outside the Lines – Sustainer’s Smile spotlight

Akira Rodriguez at With Joyful Praise – prolife post

October 7

Eva-Joy Ruth Schonhaar – Sustainer’s Smile review

October 8

Kylie Hunt at Kylie Hunt – The Film Director’s Wife – Sustainer’s Smile spotlight

Autumn Lehman at Bursting Through the Darkness – One Life At A Time

October 9

Grace A. Johnson at Of Blades and Thorns – Sustainer’s Smile spotlight

Kylie Hunt at Kylie Hunt – The Film Director’s Wife – To Save a Life post

October 11

Joy C. Woodbury at Discipleship With Joy – Sustainer’s Smile review

Katja Labonté at Little Blossoms for Jesus – prolife post

October 12

Madisyn at Madi’s Musings – Responding to Abortion Arguments Part 2

Lauren Compton at Novels That Encourage – prolife post

October 13

Jen Rose at Living Outside the Lines – Sustainer’s Smile character spotlight: Carita

Akira Rodriguez at With Joyful Praise – Sustainer’s Smile review

October 14

Vanessa Hall at Vanessa Hall – Sustainer’s Smile review

Stephanie Agnes-Crockett at Stephanie’s Ninth Suitcase – Sustainer’s Smile post

October 15

Autumn Lehman at Bursting Through the Darkness – Sustainer’s Smile spotlight

Kelsey Bryant at Kelsey’s Notebook – Sustainer’s Smile character spotlight: Rita

October 16

Brianna Burden at Singing in the Rain – prolife post

Grace A. Johnson at Book Nations – guest post by Erika

October 18

Joy C. Woodbury at Discipleship With Joy – To Save a Life review

Katja Labonté at Little Blossoms for Jesus – Sustainer’s Smile review, spotlight, character spotlight: Liliora

October 19

Rebekah Morris at Read Another Page – Sustainer’s Smile review

Lauren Compton at Novels That Encourage – Sustainer’s Smile author interview

Martha Abilene at Beyond the Literary Horizon – prolife post

October 20

Kristina Hall at Kristina Hall – To Save a Life review

Jen Rose at Living Outside the Lines – Sustainer’s Smile review

Akira Rodriguez at With Joyful Praise – To Save a Life review

Vanessa Hall at Vanessa Hall – prolife post

October 21 – Sustainer’s Smile release day!

Erika Mathews at Resting Life – Sustainer’s Smile special author post

Kristina Hall at Kristina Hall – Sustainer’s Smile review

Grace A. Johnson at Book Nations – author interview with Erika

Kellyn Roth at Lilacs & Reveries – Sustainer’s Smile spotlight

Martha Abilene at Beyond the Literary Horizon – Sustainer’s Smile review

October 22 – To Save a Life release day!

Erika Mathews at Resting Life – To Save a Life release post

Autumn Lehman at Bursting Through the Darkness – TSAL spotlight & author interview with Ryana

Grace A. Johnson at Of Blades and Thorns – To Save a Life spotlight

Kellyn Roth at Lilacs & Reveries – To Save a Life spotlight

Martha Abilene at Beyond the Literary Horizon – To Save a Life review

October 23

Grace A. Johnson at Book Nations – To Save a Life spotlight

Stephanie Agnes-Crockett at Stephanie’s Ninth Suitcase – To Save a Life review

Abigail Harris at Read Review Rejoice – To Save a Life spotlight and SS character interview: Claera

October 25

Courtenay Burden at Sheep Among Wolves – prolife post

Katja Labonté at Little Blossoms for Jesus – To Save a Life review

Tara at Tower in the Plains – prolife post

October 26

Tara at Tower in the Plains – Sustainer’s Smile review and character spotlight: Tae

Lauren Compton at Novels That Encourage – To Save a Life review

Rebekah Morris at Read Another Page – To Save a Life review

October 27

Tara at Tower in the Plains – To Save a Life review

Jen Rose at Living Outside the Lines – To Save a Life review

October 28

Kaitlyn Krispense at Kaitlyn Krispense, Author – Sustainer’s Smile, To Save a Life, & prolife

Vanessa Hall at Vanessa Hall – To Save a Life spotlight

October 29

Autumn Lehman at Bursting Through the Darkness – Author Interview: Erika Mathews

Kelsey Bryant at Kelsey’s Notebook – To Save a Life post

October 30

Erika Mathews at Resting Life – tour wrapup

Grace A. Johnson at Of Blades and Thorns – To Save a Life review

Stand for life. Stand for truth. Stand for the unborn.

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. – Genesis 1:27

Responding to Abortion Arguments, Pt. 1 – Write for Life: Sustainer’s Smile and To Save a Life Book Launch

October 5, 202129 Comments

When does someone become a person? Is it when they’re born? When their first heartbeat is detected? When their name is signed on the birth certificate? When they’re a toddler? When they can fend for themselves? If you ask lawmakers in New York and Virginia, certain representatives and senators, residents of the White House, the media, and pro-abortion activists in Texas, they’d say a person becomes a person when they’re wanted. When that baby isn’t an “inconvenience”, “unplanned”, or “unwanted”. When that baby doesn’t interfere with the parents’ lifestyle. When that baby doesn’t “pose a threat” to the family’s image or society’s perception of the parent(s) or grandparents.

Truth is, a baby is a baby from the moment they are conceived (Psalm 139:16). Not when the baby is wanted or deemed appropriate or allowed to be born. A miraculous change does not occur in the womb when the mother decides she wants the baby.

All Scripture is from the ESV.

RESPONDING TO ABORTION ARGUMENTS

Argument One: It’s just a clump of cells.

What’s your point? We’re all clumps of cells. Are you saying just because the baby is comprised of a clump of cells that don’t yet “resemble” a human being that the baby is worthy of horrific murder?

You don’t have to take an advanced biology course to know how a baby comes to be. From the moment the egg is fertilized, the baby is a human. On the fourth week, the earliest abortions are given, a heartbeat is already detected. According to the Mayo Clinic, “Soon after fertilization, the zygote travels down the fallopian tube toward the uterus. At the same time, it will begin dividing to form a cluster of cells resembling a tiny raspberry — a morula […] The rapidly dividing ball of cells — now known as a blastocyst — has begun to burrow into the uterine lining […] Within the blastocyst, the inner group of cells will become the embryo”. Furthermore, “upon fertilization, parts of human beings have actually been transformed into something very different from what they were before; they have been changed into a single, whole human being” (Irving).

Dr. Dumitru, a fifth-year M.D./Ph.D. candidate at Dartmouth, explains, “As scientists, my colleagues must concede that embryos are made up of living cells, but they don’t accept the embryo as a living organism. If the early embryo is ‘just a clump of cells,’ then you can justify abortion. By this logic, it’s not an autonomous being, and it’s definitely not a human person yet. It’s just a few cells growing in the mother’s body, and so the mother can choose to get rid of those cells if she wants to”.

The problem with this view, Dumitru writes, is that so-called “clumps” whether in a uterus or in a lab, don’t behave like clumps of cells. Instead, they appear to act independently, or autonomously, of any signals from the mother’s body, whether in or out of the womb. And “clumps” don’t do that.

As Ana Maria explains, “This one little cell, with its complete genetic content, can and does begin to divide and to grow, even in an experimental dish in an incubator in the closet space of some unmarked lab. … That means, as we suspected, embryos know what they’re supposed to do to live, and they try to live, whether they’re in their mother or not.”

And it means not only that the embryo is a living being, but that it’s a person (Stonestreet).

Baby is already a person, already forming within the first weeks of conception. Their clump of cells just looks different from ours since they’re not yet a fully developed baby.

A person is a person no matter how small. – Dr. Seuss

Argument Two: My body my choice.

Logic says otherwise. If it truly were your body, and therefore truly your choice, it wouldn’t be called abortion. It’d be called a surgery or operation to remove something potentially as harmless as a benign growth or something as dangerous as a tumor. The very fact that the operation is given a different name tells you this is not a typical procedure.

Biology says otherwise. The precise, exact moment a baby is conceived, a new cell is formed. That “new single cell has a brand-new DNA, never before seen in the world” (Mathewes-Green) That DNA brands that new, single cell as a different person. That cell – that baby – is alive and growing. That distinct DNA makes Baby a person, not some unwanted, inanimate lump. “The fact is, an unborn child, from the very first moment, is a new human individual. It has the three essential characteristics that make it “a human life”: It’s alive and growing, it is composed entirely of human cells, and it has unique DNA. It’s a person, just like the rest of us” (Mathewes-Green).

The Cleveland Clinic details Baby’s development:

First Trimester

Weeks 1-4: The face (eyes, jaw, mouth, lower throat) are developing. Blood cells are taking shape. The tiny “heart” tube will beat 65 times a minute by the end of the fourth week. Baby is 1/4 of an inch long by the end of the first month.

Weeks 5-8: Facial features still developing. Ears, arms, legs, fingers, toes, eyes are forming. Everything connected to the nervous system (brain, spinal cord, etc.) is well formed. Digestive tract and sensory organs are developing and bones are replacing cartilage. Baby is about four inches long and one ounce heavy.

Second Trimester

Weeks 9-12: Nervous system is functioning. Heartbeat audible through doppler instrument. The fingers and toes are well-defined. Eyelids, eyebrows, eyelashes, nails and hair are formed. Teeth and bones become denser. Baby can even suck his or her thumb, yawn, stretch and make faces. The doctor can tell if Baby will be a boy or girl. Baby is six inches long and four ounces heavy.

Weeks 17-20: Baby is active, developing muscles and exercising them. Hair is growing. Baby is ten inches long and weighs between .5 to 1 pound.

Weeks 21-24: Veins are visible through translucent skin. Finger and toe prints are visible. Eyelids part and eyes open. Baby can hiccup. Baby is 12 inches long and weighs about two pounds.

Weeks 25-28: Baby develops reserves of body fat. Hearing is fully developed. Baby changes positions and responds to stimuli. Baby is 14 inches long and 2-4 pounds.

Third Trimester

Weeks 29-32: Baby can see and hear. Most internal systems are well-developed. Baby is 18 inches long and weighs up to five pounds.

Weeks 33-36: Lungs are close to being fully developed. Coordinated reflexes, blinking, turning, grasping, and detailed response to stimuli. Baby is 17-18 inches long and 5.5-6.5 pounds.

Weeks 37-40: Baby prepares for being born.

Unborn babies hide from abortion instruments. Tumors and growths don’t. They can’t. An unborn baby can. That along proves Baby’s humanity.

From the second of conception, Baby is a person. Science, logic, and biology prove it’s not your body and not your choice.

For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. – Psalm 139:13-14

Argument 3: Baby should be aborted because the mom’s health and/or safety is at risk.

First, we must define “at risk”. Is the mother’s life “at risk” because pregnancy causes discomfort, or is it truly at risk due to a medical condition and/or the treatment necessary to provide it?

No matter meaning of “at risk”, the answer is no.

This is both hard and easy to explain. I’ve researched many articles, read many opinion pieces, and contemplated both sides. Ultimately, though, the answer is found in Exodus 20:13: “You shall not murder”. This is not a statement with clauses and exceptions. It is a point-blank command. From this the conclusion is drawn that it is not permissible to abort a baby due to the mother’s health being at risk.

Before I continue, let’s clear something up. There is an argument posed by abortion activists that someone who is pro-life must then, by their reasoning for being pro-life, be against the death penalty. This is false. The death penalty targets criminals who have committed insidious crimes against humanity. This is not murder, this is justice. Babies are innocent and never deserve to be murdered. God commanded the death penalty (Genesis 9:6, Numbers 35:30-34, Exodus 21:12, 22:19, Leviticus 20:13). God did not command abortion; in fact, His Word is exceptionally clear that the penalty for murder is death (Genesis 9:6, Exodus 23:7).

Rescue those who are being taken away to death. – Proverbs 24:11a

Argument 4: The kid is better off / It’s better for the baby to be aborted rather than stuck in foster care

Better off dead through a brutal, bloody, sadistic, evil death? Really?

No matter the reason this argument is presented (parents have a hard life, are poor, etc.) it is unacceptable to murder a baby. If the mother or parents do not feel they can adequately provide for the child or give Baby a good life, then they need to place Baby up for adoption. According to American Adoptions, “Some sources estimate that there are about 2 million couples currently waiting to adopt in the United States — which means there are as many as 36 waiting families for every one child who is placed for adoption. Based on this couples waiting to adopt statistic, many couples are waiting to adopt” .

There are so many couples wanting to adopt. If you feel unable to raise your child, put them up for adoption. Adoption is a beautiful thing, and when babies are aborted, couples who would make wonderful parents are deprived of being able to be so.

“It’s better for the baby to be aborted rather than stuck in foster care.“

Bold of you to assume Baby wouldn’t be adopted. True, some kids don’t get adopted, but do you really wish an unimaginably horrific death on them rather than allow them the chance of childhood? Of living and growing up? This is another unacceptable excuse used to justify baby murder. If the person saying this excuse really cared about Baby’s future, they would be advocating ways for adoption to be cheaper and a quicker process, not advocating for murder.

Destruction of the embryo in the mother’s womb is a violation of the right to live, which God has bestowed upon this nascent life […] The simple fact is that God certainly intended to create a human being and that this nascent human being has been deliberately deprived of his life. And that is nothing but murder. – Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Argument 5: The dad’s a loser.

That’s unfortunate, but no reason to murder an unborn baby. The baby cannot help who their parents are. This is just one of the many reasons abstinence until marriage should be followed: that a baby is not conceived with a loser (or two) for a parent. Are you really going to punish your baby for your choices? For who the dad is? How is that Baby’s fault? If it is just too horrible and too much to raise a loser’s, felon’s, convict’s, any-other-descriptor’s child, then put Baby up for adoption. It is never justified to take an unborn baby’s life.

It is a poverty to decide that a child must die so that you may live as you wish. – Mother Theresa

SOURCES CITED

American Adoptions, Inc. “How Many Couples Are Waiting to Adopt a Baby?” American Adoptions – How Many Couples Are Waiting to Adopt a Baby?, https://www.americanadoptions.com/pregnant/waiting_adoptive_families.

“Fetal Development: Month-by-Month Stages of Pregnancy.” Cleveland Clinic, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/7247-fetal-development-stages-of-growth.

Grudem, Wayne. “Scientific Evidence for the Personhood of Unborn Children.” Crossway, 21 Jan. 2019, https://www.crossway.org/articles/scientific-evidence-for-the-personhood-of-unborn-children/.

Mathewes-Green, Frederica. “When Abortion Suddenly Stopped Making Sense .” National Review, https://www.nationalreview.com/2016/01/abortion-roe-v-wade-unborn-children-women-feminism-march-life/.

Stonestreet, John. “Scientist Confirms: An Unborn Baby Is a Human Being from the Moment of Conception.” LifeNews.com, 13 Feb. 2017, https://www.lifenews.com/2017/02/09/scientist-confirms-an-unborn-baby-is-a-human-being-from-the-moment-of-conception/.

IF YOU”VE HAD AN ABORTION OR KNOW SOMEONE WHO HAS

There is hope. You have hope. Your sin is not unforgivable. Repent, confess, place your faith in Christ, and become a new creation.