Questions
What posture might Christians adopt when we interact with those who are angry about the Dobbs v. Jackson decision?
Summary: Christians must not become so focused on protecting the unborn that they forget the call to reach the lost, many of whom do not know Christ. Convincing someone to be pro-life is not the same as seeing them come to faith, and Christians must hold both aims without collapsing one into the other. When argument is not working, stopping to ask questions and seek genuine understanding is often more faithful than pressing harder.
We can’t become so focused on protecting the unborn that we forget about saving the lost. There are people who don’t know Christ in both the pro-life and pro-choice movements. Remember, many of those who are angry about the recent SCOTUS decision do not know Christ. Convincing them to be pro-life may be a move in the right direction, but, ultimately, we want to see the lost believe in Jesus Christ.
Be prepared to proclaim the gospel in word and/or deed, even within the context of the abortion debate. If you find that debating points isn’t working, stop. Ask questions, try to understand more deeply their perspective, and be compassionate. The people you are debating aren’t your enemies, but lost individuals who need to be saved by grace through faith (Eph 2:8-9) just as we have been.
As difficult as it can be to listen to the frustrations of others or to stand quietly as they make accusations or say hurtful things, that is often necessary if we are to point them to Christ.
About the Author — James Spencer, PhD, is a theologian, author, and host of the Thinking Christian podcast, where he writes and speaks on Christian formation, political theology, and technology. He holds a PhD in Theological Studies from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and an MA in Biblical Exegesis from Wheaton College. He serves as president of the D. L. Moody Center in Northfield, Massachusetts, as an Associate Research Fellow at the Kirby Laing Centre for Public Theology, and as adjunct faculty in Wheaton College’s MA in Leadership program. His forthcoming book is Digital Discernment (InterVarsity Press). Learn more at thinkingchristian.org.