Let this be a place where respectful, honest, even vulnerable, conversation about the topic of abortion takes place. Comments absent of tact and class will be removed.

To oversimplify the issue:

* On one side are supporters that prioritize the mother’s rights. They are described as “pro-choice”* or in favor of abortion rights.

* On the other side are supporters that seek to uphold the rights of the unborn child. They are described as “pro-life” or anti-abortion. It should be noted that some (many? most?) who hold this second position still prioritize the life of the mother over the child should it ever be put in jeopardy.

Around the world, the public perception and legal precedents varies. Canada, for example, permits abortion-on-demand, meaning at her request and without legal restriction. On the other end of the spectrum is a country like Chile which bans abortion, even without consideration for the life of the mother. Between these two extremes would be a country like Ireland, where it is illegal except when the mother’s life is in danger.

In the U.S., since the landmark 1973 Supreme Court decision on Roe v. Wade, abortion is legal. More recent legal debate has brought restrictions on late-term and partial-birth abortions and the requirements for parental notification for minors and disclosure of health risks prior to an abortion.

This public debate has recently reached a fevered pitch due to the Kermit Gosnell case. In it, he was convicted on three murder charges and accepted a life sentence without possibility of parole. This case has produced dramatic responses. Some of which further decry abortion because of Gosnell’s malpractice while others distinguish his criminal behavior from legalized abortion methods. This is NOT a post or discussion about Gosnell.

Where are you at in your understanding and beliefs about abortion? Please read below to see the content for discussion.

Let me frame the discussion.

1. Please avoid inflammatory comments that begin with the phrase, “How could any Christian believe…?” and then state the opinion in opposition to yours. This doesn’t foster conversation.

2. People may understand your position and still disagree with you.

3. Learn from one another. This is intended to be a place where you can ask your own questions. It’s also intended to be a place where you can share your perspective as well.

Here’s what I am interested in seeing discussed:

In my reading there seems to be two slider scales (Are you familiar with what these are? The slider can be moved from one end to the other or somewhere in between.).

* One of the scales has the rights of the mother ranging from absolute right to abort on one end (e.g. Canada) to no rights to abort on the other (Chile). The slider could be moved within these extremes as well.

* The other scale looks at the “viability,” or likelihood of survival outside of the uterus, of the embryo/fetus/unborn child. This ranges from conception on one end to a delivered baby on the other end. Examples of viability where the slider could be adjusted within these two extremes have been trimester deviations (1st, 2nd, 3rd) or quickening (moment when mother feels first fetal movements).

On these two scales, where would you currently place your sliders and why? Additionally, if you are a person whose sliders have moved dramatically concerning this issue, would you be willing to share how this happened? 

(Some readers have been having a harder time posting their comments. If this happens to you, please email me at pastorcor@gmail.com. Thanks for your patience. Also, if you know web hosting and understands why this is happening, please contact me!)

* Readers should note that most terms listed within this article have some level of opposition due to historical or political connotations (i.e. baggage!). Despite this, I use them to facilitate conversation trying to use common language of the topic.

At times, we make connecting with God out to be Quantum Physics. It feels impossible. But it doesn’t need to be. Here are 12 simple ways you can connect with him right now.

1. Talk to him. It doesn’t have to be long or articulate. Just tell him what’s on your mind.

2. Recall a favorite verse.

3. Write down 5 things you’re thankful for. It’s doesn’t just work on Thanksgiving.

4. Realize he sees you exactly as you are, spiritual zits and all. Still he loves you and sent Christ to die for you.

5. Read these.

6. Verbally encourage the next person to pass by you.

7. Memorize these words: Where sin increased, grace increased all the more, so that, just as sin reigned in death, so also grace might reign through righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

8. Look outside your window and marvel at his creation.

9. Pray for (or with) the second person to pass by you.

10. Recognize peace comes from God regardless of your current circumstances.

11. Lift your hand to your mouth. Feel your breath. He has given you breath and life.

12. Imagine heaven.

QUESTION: What would you add?

On Saturday night, I returned from Orlando. My family and I spent eight days there. Five of those were committed to Disney World. I walked away enamored with Disney and certain the Church should be challenged due to what I saw.

It’s hard to encapsulate Disney with words. It is one of those things that eludes easy descriptions.

Apart from the enjoyment of Disney with my family, I learned several things. I believe there are at least three lessons the church can learn from Disney.

Don’t forget what the church is all about.

Walt Disney is quoted saying, “I only hope that we don’t lose sight of one thing – that it was all started by a mouse.” In another place he stated, “You’re dead if you aim only for kids. Adults are only kids grown up, anyway.” And “Disneyland will never be completed. It will continue to grow as long as there is imagination left in the world.” It’s a unique combination of (1) humble origins with Mickey plus (2) aiming for people’s enjoyment plus (3) an ongoing push for innovation that drives Disney forward.

Similarly, the Church must remember what it’s all about. (1) I only hope we don’t lose sight of one thing – it was all started by God. It’s all about him. (2) The Church is called to love not only those within the four walls of our buildings, but those outside them as well. (3) Are we driven forward with a passion to make Christ known? Will we push forward so that even more people might come to know him?

Everyone in church has a role to play.

Disney calls their employees cast members. Did you know that? Inconspicuous doors state “Only for cast members,” meaning all workers of Disney. From food vendors to sanitation workers to greeters to photographers, all are a part of a giant cast, THE cast of Disney.

The Church is called to create a similar environment. In several spots (1 Cor. 12, Rom. 12, and Eph. 4), the Bible calls each body part (person) to perform its role so that the entire body (church) can carry out its role. YOU have a role to play. And those of you who may feel like your role is lesser or lowly regarded are indispensable (1 Cor. 12:22).

Make it special for the church visitor.

We were welcomed on our first day at Magic Kingdom to a host, dancers, and many Disney characters. The host spoke with notable zeal. He said, “We’re so glad you’re here. We hope this is a most special and memorable day for you. We’re excited to have you here.” It worked. We felt welcomed and special.

Likewise, we must welcome those who enter our churches. We don’t need a host or dancers or characters or fanfare. A simple welcome works. “Hi. My name is Cor. What’s your name?” “How’d you hear about our church?” “Are you in school, work, or looking for work?”

There are many incomparable areas between the Church and Disney. These were just a few things that seemed possible to compare.

QUESTIONS: Have you been to Disney? What was your experience? What do you think of these three comparisons? Would you add others?