Local News
Letter To The Editor: Persons Of Faith Must Believe
Published: April 9, 2009
To the Editor:
I was so moved by a recent letter to the editor on the issue of the morality of supporting a pro-abortion candidate for public office that I felt compelled to respond.
Abortion is either simply the removal of a bit of tissue from a woman’s womb or the murder of an innocent child. To paraphrase C.S. Lewis, ‘murdering unborn children in the womb is either of no importance or of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be is moderately important.’
I can understand how a person who refuses to believe in God can and must, if following such linear logic, also deny the existence of the human soul. To such a person abortion is simply the matter of removing a bit of tissue.
But a person of faith enlightened by the grace of God must believe that each human being is created by God with his or her own unique soul. We also know by our faith that life begins at conception. In both matters and in the absence of any proof to the contrary, how can people of faith believe otherwise?
As a person of faith, I cannot think of any position a politician can take on any other issue that would offset the damage done by supporting abortion. In our home we have a single small wine glass marked with the Star of David. This glass came from a German home my family lived in following the end of World War II. The home’s rightful owners never came home. When persons of faith support a political candidate who is pro-abortion, their actions must seem eerily similar to the actions of those “good citizens” of Germany who professed to denounce the Holocaust while supporting the National Socialist Party for its good works in restoring Germany’s economy during the 1930s and early 1940s.
What is much harder for me to understand is the tolerance and support provided by church leaders to politicians who are pro-abortion. How confusing it must be for individuals of faith when Notre Dame extends both honors and recognition to a President who supports abortion.
I understand why for many the issue of abortion is a painful one to face. Few families have been left untouched, mine included. I can think of few pains more searing than that which comes from making the wrong decision on abortion. But through our Savior there is forgiveness and healing. Our savior did not promise us a smooth journey to salvation, but a journey well worth the pain and sacrifice.
I pray that all who serve in political office receive the Holy Spirit and move in ways to end this tragedy.
Tom Philbeck, Roswell
