Friends, welcome. For those of you just joining us on the Case for Life program, it’s a pleasure to have you. Today, I want to address a critical question that has been on my mind lately: Why is it that many individuals who start out with such passion and conviction in the pro-life movement eventually falter, fizzle out, or otherwise cease to be effective defenders of the unborn? I’ve had the opportunity to connect with people I once mentored or influenced early in their pro-life journeys, only to find that their active engagement has waned significantly. This has led me to ponder: what short-circuits their commitment? What can we, as aspiring or current pro-life apologists, do to ensure our longevity and effectiveness in this vital cause?
While we often focus on the specific arguments and claims made by those who advocate for abortion, today I want to shift our attention to the foundational elements that underpin a sustained and impactful pro-life advocacy. If you are watching today and harbor a desire to be a long-term defender of the unborn, or if you know someone who does, I want to discuss three crucial pitfalls that can undermine your ability to engage effectively over the long haul. Some of these may seem self-evident, but I assure you, their impact is significant. Overcoming these pitfalls is essential for anyone committed to defending unborn life from a biblical perspective.
The Indispensable Foundation: Courage
The first critical element for long-term pro-life engagement is courage. Now, let me be clear about what I mean by courage in this context. As Christians, we must recognize that the world will inherently oppose us. And I say this as gently as possible: if your actions and beliefs are not provoking some level of discomfort or even animosity from the prevailing culture around you, you are likely not having the impact you should in bearing witness to Christ.
Consider this: last week, navigating the Atlanta airport, I observed a group of Jehovah’s Witnesses distributing their Watchtower magazines at the entrance. While one might find their beliefs unconventional, the general reaction of passersby was not one of hatred. They might have been seen as peculiar or perhaps even irritating, and people might have chosen to avoid them, but there was no widespread contempt or hatred. Similarly, think back to the tragedy of the Heaven’s Gate cult in the late 1990s, who believed in shedding their physical bodies to join a spaceship accompanying the Hale-Bopp comet through mass suicide. While people undoubtedly viewed their actions as tragic and perhaps even bizarre, there wasn’t the same visceral hatred directed towards them as there is towards those who stand for the unborn.
The crucial difference lies in what we, as Christians and prolifers, stand for. We challenge the very structures of thought that the dominant culture embraces. By “culture,” I mean the influential forces shaping human perception: education, the entertainment industry, news media, and academia – all of which are overwhelmingly pro-abortion. In fact, the culture doesn’t merely tolerate abortion; it loves it and will fiercely resist any attempt to restrict the killing of unborn children.
The animosity directed at prolifers has little to do with personal likability or perceived eccentricity. It goes much deeper than being labeled as “narrow-minded” for focusing on the issue of abortion. Our critics often attempt to derail the pro-life message by demanding that we demonstrate concern for a litany of other social issues – poverty, immigration, refugees, equal pay, and so on – implying that a singular focus on abortion invalidates our “pro-life” credentials. Sadly, some pro-life advocates fall into this trap, believing that a “PR makeover” or a broader approach is the solution.
But let me be unequivocally clear: the reason the culture hates you as a pro-lifer is not because you are perceived as too narrow. To prove this, consider posing this direct question to your critics: “Suppose I dedicate myself to addressing every issue you’ve listed. I champion the cause of refugees, I work to alleviate poverty, I advocate for immigrants and equal pay. If I do all of this to your satisfaction, will you then join me in opposing abortion?” The answer, almost universally, will be a resounding no. The fundamental right to abortion is non-negotiable for them. They don’t hate you for a perceived lack of broad concern; they hate you because you oppose the intentional killing of an innocent human being in the womb. There is no way to sidestep this core conflict.
Therefore, courage, in this context, is the ability to stand firm on the truth, even when it means facing hatred, contempt, and relentless opposition. Jesus himself forewarned us of such persecution, and we should not be surprised when it manifests. My definition of courage extends beyond mere bravery. Bravery can be found even in those who lack moral principle, such as a kamikaze pilot or a pro-abortion activist disrupting a pro-life meeting. Courage, true courage, is rooted in moral principle; it is the unwavering commitment to truth, even when pursuing that truth invites scorn and hostility.
Think of Abraham Lincoln in 1860, who refused to compromise on the issue of slavery through the Crittenden Compromise, even when faced with immense pressure to avoid war. Or consider Winston Churchill in 1940, standing firm against the overwhelming tide of British sentiment that favored appeasement with Hitler. These individuals, facing immense opposition, demonstrated the courage to stand against what they knew to be profoundly wrong.
As a pro-life advocate, you will undoubtedly face similar pressures. You will need to be less concerned with being liked and more focused on whether you possess the courage to confront profoundly wrong and, dare I say, demonic ideologies. Without this unwavering courage, your long-term effectiveness in this movement will be severely limited. This does not mean we should be intentionally offensive, but it does mean that our commitment to truth must supersede our desire for approval. Courage is loving the truth so deeply that you are willing to take risks and endure hardship for its advancement. There is simply no alternative for those who intend to be in this fight for the long haul.
The Essential Tool: Intellectual Fortitude
The second critical pitfall that can derail long-term pro-life effectiveness is what I term intellectual deficiency. Many individuals who are deeply moved by the tragedy of abortion and possess a genuine heart for the unborn may lack the intellectual grounding necessary to effectively engage the arguments that underpin the pro-abortion agenda. They may be heartbroken by the issue, but they haven’t equipped themselves with the knowledge and reasoning skills to counter the prevailing worldview. Consequently, when they engage in conversations, they often find themselves outmatched and unable to persuasively defend their pro-life stance.
If you aspire to be a long-term advocate for the unborn, particularly if you are younger, committing to mastering the moral logic of the pro-life view is paramount. You should strive to know the arguments of the opposing side even better than those who espouse them. Familiarize yourself with the key thinkers who have shaped pro-choice philosophy, individuals such as Peter Singer, Judith Jarvis Thompson, David Boonin, Kate Greasley, and Michael Tooley. Understand their core arguments, their underlying assumptions, and their logical frameworks.
Imagine being able to engage in a debate and confidently suggest to your opponent, “Let’s try something interesting – let’s switch sides. I’ll argue your position, and you argue mine, just to see how well we understand each other’s viewpoints.” This level of intellectual mastery should be your aim. In many cases, I have found that I understand the positions of those I debate better than they themselves do, and I could often articulate their arguments more effectively.
Cultivating this intellectual mastery of the moral logic of the pro-life view is not merely an academic exercise; it is intrinsically linked to courage. When you are intellectually grounded and confident in the truth and reasonableness of your position, your courage to stand firm against opposition will be significantly strengthened. Conversely, a lack of intellectual preparedness breeds uncertainty and undermines long-term commitment. Therefore, dedicate yourself to continuous learning, critical thinking, and a deep understanding of the philosophical and ethical foundations of the pro-life stance.
The Structural Framework for Longevity: Wise Life Choices
The third crucial area that can significantly impact a pro-lifer’s long-term effectiveness involves what I call poor structural choices – decisions in life that, rather than supporting your advocacy, ultimately hinder it.
For those of you who are younger, single, and perhaps under the age of 25 (though this can apply to older singles as well), the first and perhaps most significant structural choice revolves around dating and the selection of a life partner. You must prioritize finding a partner who shares your fundamental worldview. The notion that “love is blind” and that strong feelings can overcome fundamental differences in worldview is, frankly, nonsense. Your understanding of ultimate reality (creation versus design), the nature of knowledge (objective truth versus subjective construction), the intrinsic value of humanity (image of God versus functional worth), ethics (objective morality versus relativism), and cosmology (afterlife versus oblivion) must align with that of your potential spouse.
Furthermore, and this may be perceived as overtly partisan, but I believe it is a crucial consideration: be exceedingly cautious about entering into a marital relationship with someone whose fundamental political views are vastly different from yours. The leftist worldview, as we are increasingly witnessing, can be deeply hostile and even violent in its pursuit of societal transformation. A core tenet of many leftist ideologies is the belief that existing societal structures are inherently oppressive and must be dismantled, even through forceful means. If you are married to someone who subscribes to a worldview that seeks to tear down the very foundations you believe in and raise your children according to these principles, you will inevitably face profound and damaging conflicts.
The biblical wisdom in the admonition “Do not be unequally yoked” holds profound truth in this context. And if you are a Christian, please hear me on this: under no circumstances should you ever become romantically involved with a non-believer. This is a firm and absolute principle, irrespective of your feelings. It is a direct act of disobedience to God, and that alone should be sufficient reason to avoid it. Moreover, aligning yourself with someone who does not share your core spiritual values will almost certainly be detrimental to your future pro-life effectiveness. I have heard the anecdotal defenses – stories of long-lasting marriages between believers and non-believers – but I must state, based on my observations, that compromise almost always flows in one direction: towards the non-believer, often at the expense of the believer’s principles, particularly in the realm of sexual ethics.
Regarding interfaith relationships among Christians, such as between a Protestant and a Catholic, the situation is more nuanced. While there is alignment on the fundamental issue of the sanctity of life and the wrongness of abortion, significant theological differences exist, primarily concerning justification (how one is made right with God) and authority (the ultimate source of spiritual truth). The Catholic view generally emphasizes an infused righteousness received through union with the church, while the Protestant view emphasizes a declared righteousness based on faith in Christ’s merits. Similarly, Catholics recognize both scripture and the teaching magisterium of the church as sources of authority, whereas Protestants hold to the principle of sola scriptura (scripture alone). These fundamental disagreements can lead to significant challenges in raising children, particularly regarding church attendance and religious education. While alignment on the pro-life issue is crucial, theological misalignment can create considerable friction and hinder long-term unity in pursuing shared values.
Another critical structural consideration is finances. Many well-intentioned prolifers undermine their long-term potential by failing to manage their finances responsibly, accumulating consumer debt, and taking on unaffordable car payments. If your aim is to engage in pro-life work for the long haul, especially on a full-time basis, being burdened by debt will severely restrict your freedom and ability to pursue that calling. Scripture wisely states that “the borrower is a slave to the lender”. I have witnessed too many passionate prolifers hampered by crippling debt, unable to dedicate themselves fully to pro-life ministry. Therefore, particularly for younger individuals, avoiding debt like the plague is a foundational structural choice for long-term success.
Finally, your presentation also matters. This refers to how you appear to others. I have encountered many dedicated prolifers with unconventional appearances, and while I value their commitment, we must be mindful of potential barriers to communication. I recall a conversation with a prominent Christian influencer who, despite having numerous tattoos, acknowledged that he often needs to cover them to be invited to speak to certain audiences. He recognized that his appearance, while personally meaningful, could inadvertently hinder his ability to reach the very people he wanted to influence. This is not about judging personal choices as inherently sinful; rather, it is a matter of prudence. As prolifers, our goal should be to remove as many unnecessary obstacles as possible that might prevent people from hearing and accepting our message. Thoughtful consideration of how we present ourselves can significantly impact our ability to connect with and persuade others.
Conclusion: Building for the Long Haul
In conclusion, making it long-term as a pro-lifer requires more than just initial enthusiasm. It demands a steadfast courage rooted in the unwavering truth of the sanctity of human life, an intellectual fortitude that equips you to confidently engage and dismantle pro-abortion arguments, and wise structural choices in your personal life that support and enable your ongoing advocacy. These choices encompass the foundational relationships you build, the financial stewardship you practice, and the way you present yourself to the world.
I urge you to reflect on these three critical areas. Are you cultivating the courage necessary to stand firm in the face of cultural opposition? Are you diligently honing your intellectual understanding of the pro-life case and the arguments against it? Are you making life choices that will empower, rather than hinder, your long-term effectiveness in defending the unborn?
For those seeking to build a strong intellectual foundation in pro-life apologetics, I encourage you to explore our Pro-Life 101 course available on our website. In just seven days, you can gain the intellectual grounding needed to articulate the pro-life view persuasively and encourage others to reconsider their stance.
Thank you for joining us today on the Case for Life. Your commitment and perseverance are vital in this ongoing fight for the unborn. Let us strive to be not just passionate advocates, but courageous, intellectually sound, and structurally prepared champions for life, for the long term.