4 Thoughts on the Anniversary of the Dobbs Decision

This past weekend was the one-year anniversary of the Dobbs Decision when the Supreme Court overturned Roe v Wade. As a result the issue of abortion was returned to the states.

While abortions still occur, the number has decreased. Babies’ lives are being saved. So, from that standpoint we rejoice. And thank God.

While we could site statistics, surveys, and statement from leaders representing their point of view, our country continues, however, to be deeply divided over the abortion issue.

The question then comes…”What should be the Christian’s attitude as this controversy continues?”

#1 We may line up with our political party and express the talking points of the party line. Many reject abortion because our party is opposed to it. We may justify all abortions on the basis of exceptions and extreme situations. Or overlook the moral implications. Or simply say, “it’s a woman’s right to choose.” Of course, one may belong to a political group and not agree with all of their positions.

#2 We may look at this from a constitutional viewpoint. As Justice Samuel Alito, who wrote the Court’s majority decision, noted “we do not pretend to know how our political system or society will respond to today’s decision. We can only do our job.” Many believe Roe v Wade was unconstitutional. And the Dobbs decision was correct.

#3 We may look at abortion restrictions in the same way that Martin Luther King, Jr. viewed civil rights legislation. He famously said, “It may be true that the law cannot change the heart but it can restrain the heartless.” This reminds me of Paul’s observation. It was true in the first century. It’s true now.

“The law is not made for a righteous person, but for those who are lawless and rebellious, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers and immoral men and homosexuals and kidnappers and liars and perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound teaching, according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, with which I have been entrusted” (2 Tim. 1:9).

Yet the role of the church is not to enact laws or entangle itself in political action groups and or engage in legislative affairs. God has ordained governments to exercise that authority in the area of civil law (Rom. 13:1-7). Our responsibility as Christians is to obey the law as long as our submission doesn’t violate God’s law (Ac. 5:29).

#4 However, this is another way to consider this issue. Author, theologian, and counselor Darrell Bernard Harrison offered this insight.

“On the issue of social justice, it is important to remember that changing laws does not change hearts. Changing a law may get you compliance, but it will never get you repentance, which is–or should be–the goal (at least for those who profess to be followers of Christ). Unjust laws are the by-product of unjust hearts (Mk. 7:17-23). As Christians, we must not only desire that people do right, but that they be righteous (Rom. 12:2).”

Jim Denison recently wrote that the abortion fight is not one “that can be won in the political sphere.” He suggests “the solution is to worry less about making it harder for people to attain an abortion and instead focus more on reducing their perceived need to seek it out in the first place.”

This speaks not only to the issue of changing hearts to see abortion as a moral issue, but to see it as a spiritual issue that violates God’s will regarding the sanctify of life.

It also reminds us of our obligation to provide for “the fatherless” (Jas. 1:27). Either by adoption, or by supporting organizations that help people adopt children.

Finally, it’s important to remember that Christ didn’t die on the cross to alleviate all social ills, but to save people from their sins. That ought to be our primary focus.

When we help people submit to the authority of King Jesus, their hearts and lives will be changed. And society will be better for it.

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman