An Unexpected Email

Imagine my surprise today when I checked my inbox and found that a friend had forwarded me an email from Tennessee Right to Life (TNRTL) with the message, “Hey! Sounds like they will be doing a series on you guys! Check it out!”

As I read through the email, TNRTL made it clear that they are, in fact, doing a series about the abortion abolition movement, of which I am a member through Abolish Abortion TN.

And So It Begins

Their email begins by claiming that throughout TNRTL’s 50-year history, they have faced many challenges. Concerning abolitionism, TNRTL stated, “Today, we believe we are facing one of the most important internal conversations in our organization’s history.”

I could not agree more. This conversation is literally a matter of life and death—and whether Christians should obey or disobey what God commands.

TNRTL claimed that in “nearly every legislative interview,” abolitionism was brought up and legislators wanted TNRTL “to help clarify a growing movement that is creating confusion, division, and unnecessary obstacles to protecting life in Tennessee.”

I know a large majority of our members in Tennessee, and none of them are creating division, confusion, or obstacles to abolishing abortion. We are all simply seeking to abolish abortion without exception or compromise, in obedience to God’s Word.

The email goes on to say:

“It is important to understand that this is not simply another pro-life organization with different leadership or a different advocacy style. It represents a fundamentally different philosophy regarding legislation, public policy, the role of government, the role of the Church, pregnancy resource centers, women facing unexpected pregnancies, and even the work of long-standing pro-life organizations like Tennessee Right to Life. Because of that, we believe it is important to address this conversation directly, not to create division, but to provide clarity.” They state their goal is to “clearly explain who Tennessee Right to Life is, what we believe, and why we have faithfully pursued the same mission for more than fifty years.”

I agree that we have a fundamentally different philosophy because abolitionism is distinctly Christian; therefore, we seek to be obedient to God and glorify Him in all we do. Furthermore, if TNRTL wanted to address this conversation directly, why not sit down with a Tennessee abolitionist for a conversation? And if their goal is to clearly explain who they are and what they believe, why address abolitionism at all?

What Is Required of Us

Under a section of the email titled “WHAT THIS REQUIRES OF US,” TNRTL states, “As this conversation continues across Tennessee, we believe every pro-life Christian should ask a few simple questions whenever they encounter new organizations, movements, or voices within the pro-life community.”

They then pose the following questions, which, as an abolitionist, I am happy to answer:

• Does this message strengthen the Church or divide it?
  The message of abolitionism is distinctly Christian and Gospel-centered. The Five Tenets of Abolitionism are Gospel-centered, providential, Church-driven, biblical, and uncompromising. The abolitionist message only serves to strengthen the Church, as it is based solely on the Word of God.
• Does it encourage pregnancy resource centers or condemn them?
  Many abolitionists have experience in pregnancy resource centers (myself included). I am not exactly sure what TNRTL is getting at here, but Abolitionists encourage obedience to the Word of God. Unfortunately, I and other abolitionists have encountered pregnancy resource centers that reject God’s Word and believe abortion should remain legal for pregnant women. Abolitionists have pleaded with those leaders to follow God’s Word, as every Christian should (Ephesians 5:11).
• Does it build relationships with legislators working to protect life, or does it seek to publicly shame those who are making genuine progress?
  Again, abolitionists encourage obedience to the Word of God, and civil magistrates are no exception. God has specific commands that our elected officials are called to obey (Romans 13:1-4). We build relationships with legislators, share the Gospel with them, and disciple them in the Word of God as it relates to their role as civil magistrates. We point out where a legislator is or is not obeying the Word of God because we care for their souls as individuals and do not want them to experience God’s judgment but His blessings.
• Does it encourage fathers to embrace responsibility?
  Absolutely, we do! Abolitionists are focused on the Word of God and sharing the Gospel with everyone, including fathers. We know fathers are vital to the well-being of their children. Abolitionists have discipled and equipped many fathers to fulfill their God-given role in the home.
• Does it protect both mother and child?
  Yes! Abolitionists want everyone—mother, father, male, female, born, and pre-born—equally protected from murder. We believe the same laws that protect a mother from being murdered should also protect the pre-born child. That is exactly what we are fighting for, because that is what Scripture demands (Deuteronomy 16:19, Proverbs 20:10, Isaiah 1:17).
• Does it lead people toward hope, wisdom, and biblical truth?
  Again, yes! Abolitionists never sheathe our sword (the Word of God—Ephesians 6:17), and we are always discipling those we interact with toward biblical truth. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the only thing that truly changes hearts and minds. God’s Word is where our hope is found and where wisdom comes from. God has saved many babies and souls because of the faithfulness of His people to proclaim His Word and obey it.

Looking Ahead

TNRTL concludes their email with a section titled “Looking Ahead,” stating that next week they will be addressing the question, “Can we protect unborn children while abandoning compassion for their mothers?”

Abolish Abortion TN will be publishing a follow-up article with our answer to this question. When that article is completed, it will be linked here. If you would like to learn more about abolitionism. You can visit Resources page.