This past week I watched Lake of Fire , a documentary about abortion by Tony Kaye of American History X fame. The film was stunning and honest in their unloading of information. What I most appreciated was that the film never took sides, which is rare for documentaries.
The entire film was shot in black and white in order to show that this subject has no grey or at least the media is unwilling to show the grey areas. Maybe more a statement of how we discuss complicated issues in western countries and our conversations about abortion, homosexuality, war, etc are more yelling our views than an attempt to grow in understanding and being open to that the other side has many valid points.
An unsettling part of the film was the anti-abortionists profiled and how different they viewed the Christian faith. I know many people will want to dismiss them as religious extremist, but I think that is dangerous and almost justifies their actions. Many of them made statements that people should be stoned for various behaviours and maybe most puzzling is that they don't believe in religious freedom. This one was a bit confusing or maybe I just don't understand America. In my conservative Christian upbringing there was always an understanding that one shows respect and dignity to those who disagree with you. However, the anti-abortionist did not feel that was important and as many of you know have killed many doctors performing abortions.
I guess my problem with the politically motivated pro-life agenda is that once the baby is born these people who so vehemently fight for the babies right don't seem to care what kind of environment they live in. I think for the pro-life stance to have merit they need to oppose all forms of war and persecution of all people.
Then again this is not an easy subject and both sides have valid point. It is interesting how so many people realize life is lived in the gray areas, but when it comes down to these political topics its all or nothing. At times I fear that Canada is becoming more like America and not willing to see the other's point of view with an open mind.
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"At times I fear that Canada is becoming more like America and not willing to see the other's point of view with an open mind."
If the whole controversy with Morgentaler is any indication, it seems that Canada is trying to push a pro-abortion agenda and seems to want to ignore opposing voices. I agree that we need to truly listen to others with an open mind, and pay attention to gray areas, but I have a difficult time understanding how Christians (who view life as a gift from God and who are called to welcome strangers) can view abortion as anything other than evil.
I am not sure if all of Canada is trying to push the whole pro-abortion agenda. I know many Christians who are pro-choice on the basis of human rights. While I can appreciate this perspective, it appears a bit weak and taking the Christian perspective of life being a gift or blessing.
I also can't understand Christians being the ones killing doctors and assistants who perform abortions. Personally I am pro-life, particularly when abortion is used by people who are able to care for a child but simply do not want a child at that time.
My question is how Christians claim to be pro-life, but don't care about people living in poverty or justify any war. Anyways this topic clearly needs a conversation not merely us writting back and forth. Maybe we can chat soon.
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