Abortion: A Rational Look at an Emotional Issue [Paperback]

This is the second book I have read recently that hasn't been reviewed yet on Amazon.com. Knowing how popular R.C. Sproul is this came as a great surprise. An even greater surprise was the subject matter of this book, titled "ABORTION (A Rational Look at an Emotional Issue)." Since most of R.C. Sproul's books are on Theology, Church history and Logic matters, it seemed unusual for him to write a book on a social issue like abortion. I'm very happy that he did.

The book is divided into three parts:

Part I: Abortion: The Ethical Dilemma of Our Time.

Part II: An Analysis of Pro-Abortion and Pro-Choice Arguments.

Part III: A Compassionate Response and Strategy

In Part I, Sproul points out how emotionally divided America is over the abortion issue, with the potential of ripping apart the social fabric of one of history's most successful nations. In doing this, he covers some of the core issues like "Is a fetus a living human person?" "When does life begin?" the sanctity of life from a biblical viewpoint, the sanctity of life in Natural Law and how abortion violates that sanctity. Sproul summarizes this as follows:

"A negative prohibition again actual and potential murder implicitly involves a positive mandate to work for the protection, sustenance, and respect for the sanctity of life. To oppose murder is to promote life. Whatever else abortion does, it does not promote the life of the unborn child. Although some people will argue that abortion promotes the quality of life of those who do not desire offspring, it does not promote the life of the subject in question, the developing unborn child."

I found Sproul's section on how abortion can be shown to violate Natural Law very interesting and which a brief history of abortion in both America and world history. He states that "Abortion--whatever else it may be--is an act against nature." This is great information for those who do not recognize or honor the scriptures. Sproul really begins to get to the crux of the matter when he addresses the central point of "When does life begin?", a question he covers from the biblical, medical and legal viewpoints. Being ever so thorough, Sproul even focuses a chapter on the role of Government in abortion. I haven't heard the issue of abortion presented from this vantage point before.

In Part II, Sproul provides an analysis of the Pro-Abortion and Pro-Choice (there is a difference) arguments. This part is where Sproul is at his finest, sifting through the often-heard cliches from these groups like "a woman alone has the moral right to her own body," "women have a legal right to privacy on abortion" and "men have no right to address abortion because it is a women's issue." He carefully peals back the arguments, revealing the underlying paper-thin arguments that cannot be honestly defended.

The Pro-Choice chapter is such a revealing study and asks questions every citizen in America needs to ask themselves and honestly answer. According to Sproul, there are relatively few in America who are Pro-Abortion and many more individuals who are Pro-Choice, or at least they think they are. Again, Sproul reveals just what is meant when we claim we are Pro-Choice. He wraps up Part II with a chapter on The Problem of Unwanted Pregnancies.

Part III covers the Pro-Life position and strategy. Sproul ends his book with a fascinating 33-page Appendix which includes a transcript of testimony provided by Jerome Lejeune, M.D., Ph.D, a Professor of Fundamental Genetics (holds the Kennedy Prize for being first to discover a disease caused by chromosomal abnormality--Down's Syndrome). Testimony was given during a court proceeding in August, 1989.

I was impressed with the way Dr. Sproul handled this sensitive and emotionally-charged subject. The only drawback I found was the book is 20 years old and, though the arguments are timeless, some of the data is in need of a updating. It is a fast read, yet at the same time very thought-provoking, just like most of Sproul's other books.

One of the most frustrating things about reading opinions on abortion is that otherwise intelligent people find it acceptable to be illogical in their arguments. The emotion involved in this issue makes them feel it's okay to name-call, make assumptions, ignore counterpoints and dismiss opponents as 'liars' without any evidence. Both pro-life and pro-choice voices have been guilty of this in newspaper op-eds, in elected office and as pundits on news shows (not to mention the Ground Zero of these tactics - rallies).

Dr. R.C. Sproul's book is a must-read for anyone who wishes to make their opinion known on this issue. His logical dissection of commonly-used arguments should simply be the end of them - if those who use those arguments would take the time to read this. The abortion debate has no shortage of closed-minded slogan shouters, and it's books like this on the issue that are in short supply.

R.C. Sproul writes that abortion "may be the most serious ethical dilemma ever faced by the United States." It's certainly an issue that divides the nation and arouses strong emotion on both sides. This is no less true today than it was twenty years ago, when Dr. Sproul first published his book, Abortion: a Rational Look at an Emotional Issue.

Sproul says up front that abortion is not a simple issue to address:

"It is a multifaceted, complex matter that involves a conflict of perceived rights. No matter how the issue of abortion is resolved, someone's rights--or at least perceived rights--will be in jeopardy. Can such a web of interwoven and conflicting issues be untangled?"

In this reader's estimation, Sproul does a great job of untangling the issue with clear facts and skillful logic.

While the book is short and easy to read, it provides a good overview of the questions surrounding abortion. What is the proper role of government and law? What does natural law teach us about the sanctity of life? What does the Bible say about the sanctity of life? Does the sanctity of life have any bearing on abortion at all? When does life begin? What does science say? In each of his responses, Sproul shows that "abortion is against the law of God, against the laws of nature, and against reason."

Sproul's arguments probably won't move many who are firmly planted on either side of the debate. Those who are pro-life will agree with him; those who are pro-abortion won't. But his primary audience is those who aren't convinced. Those who are undecided or who, in an attempt to take a middle ground, call themselves pro-choice.

Why should anyone who is already pro-life read this book? By examining the issue from several angles, readers will be more equipped to present balanced and convincing arguments in support of their view. Sproul also answers the most common arguments in favor of abortion, further preparing readers to engage in informed discussion.

Unfortunately, many professing Christians don't act wisely when it comes to addressing abortion. Sproul discusses both appropriate and inappropriate responses. Most importantly, he reminds readers that, for those who are repentant, regardless of their sin, there is forgiveness in Christ:

"Though what I have done cannot be undone, I can be forgiven. Forgiveness is one of the marvels of God's grace. Its healing power is magnificent. If a woman has been involved in abortion, God does not require that she spend the rest of her life walking around with a red `A' on her chest. He does require that she repent of her sin and come to Him for the cleansing of forgiveness. When God forgives us, we are forgiven. When God cleanses us, we are made clean. That is a cause for great celebration."

The fact that everyone needs God's forgiveness should remind us that, though we may hate the practice of abortion, we are to extend grace and love to everyone, especially to those who are hurting.

Of all that I've read about our "most serious ethical dilemma," Dr. Sproul's book is the most convincing. And, regardless of what side of the argument readers are on, I'm sure they will agree that Sproul is both fair and, as the subtitle says, rational. To those who don't know where you stand, I encourage you to read this book. For those considering an abortion, I beg you to read this book. It may be the most worthwhile reading of your life. In the meantime, I'll leave you with a final word from the author: "The simple adage of common wisdom applies to you: `When in doubt, don't.'"

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