How can pro-life Christians respond to pro-choice Christians?

Not all Christians are pro-life or pro-life in the same way. For instance, some Christians might allow abortion in cases of rape or incest while holding to a more general pro-life stance. Others might hold to a pro-life stance while prohibiting abortion after a particular period of time, but not before. Still, others may simply be pro-choice.

As we interact with one another as Christians, it can be helpful to lay some groundwork on which we all agree. For instance, all the biblical arguments in the world won’t matter if the Christians to whom we are speaking don’t believe the Bible is the final authority for life and faith.

As such, here are a few steps to keep in mind that will help you establish common ground:

• Don’t make it about the other person’s identity - When talking with those we disagree with, particularly those within the community of faith, we may be tempted to label them or their position as “sinful” or “heretical.” We need to suspend judgment if we want to have a productive conversation.
• Avoid stereotypes and labels - Again, it may be tempting to throw around labels like “liberal” or “progressive.” Maybe those labels fit…maybe not. Either way, the labels are almost always accompanied by generalizations about the members of that group. Try to deal with the individual with whom you are taking and that individual’s specific understandings and positions.
• Encourage your conversation partner to talk - Asking questions and seeking clarity is a helpful way to find common ground and minimize the potential for defensiveness. It may even be good to ask, “where do you think we can find some common ground?”
• Be prepared to share your perspective - In many debates, people hold positions that they don’t fully understand. Be prepared. Think through your positions. Know its strengths and weaknesses. Be humble and ready to stay calm even if your conversation partner begins to attack your points.
• Having established common ground, consider the scriptures - As helpful as logic or science may be, the scriptures instruct, rebuke, and transform. Getting others to consider the scriptures will be an important goal in any conversation with a brother or sister in Christ.