Which reminds me: This thread needs a Michael Douglas picture.
Posted on 03/13/2006 8:07:25 AM PST by presidio9
On Wednesday this week, a Judiciary Committee turned up the heat on Supreme Court nominee Judge Samuel Alito on the issue of abortion. Alito managed to sidestep the issue time and time again saying - what any Supreme Court justice should say:
"It would be wrong for me to say to anybody who might be bringing any case before my court ... 'Go away, I've made up my mind.' That's the antithesis of what courts are supposed to do."
It doesn't matter about Alito's personal belief on abortion - as a Supreme Court Justice his role is to interpret the U.S. Constitution.
But, it brings to the forefront, once again, the abortion issue.
There is something I've never quite understood about the conservative crowd that fights against abortion on the grounds of the sanctity of human life.
Don't get me wrong - I believe in the sanctity of human life - that God created life and no one has a right to take it.
But if you truly believe that, shouldn't that be a belief that you carry across the board?
Shouldn't we also believe in and fight for dignity for the elderly? For the infirmed? For those born into less fortunate circumstances?
What about the killer on death row? If we truly believe that God created all life and that it is only his role to take life, then how can we support the death penalty?
I know what you're thinking - there's a big difference in an innocent, unborn child and a vicious killer.
But, actually, according to my interpretation of the teachings of Jesus, there's not. Aren't we all the same in God's eyes? Doesn't God view all sin equally?
Again, don't get me wrong. I think someone who sexually assaults a child should be subject to medieval-type punishments - the drawn and quartered, entrails taken out - kind of stuff.
But, that's the human reaction that, as Christians, we are supposed to work to overcome.
It reminds me of a line in the film, "American President."
Michael Douglas's character (the president) makes a speech: "America isn't easy. America is advanced citizenship. You've got to want it bad, because it's gonna put up a fight. It's gonna say, 'You want free speech? Let's see you acknowledge a man whose words make your blood boil who is standing center stage and advocating at the top of his lungs that which you would spend a lifetime opposing at the top of yours.'"
That's kind of like Christianity. It's not easy. I don't think it's suppose to be.
Look at the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5). The meek will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who mourn.
Whoever is angry at his brother without cause is in danger of judgement.
Don't sue anyone - and if they sue you, give them what they want, plus more.
Love your enemies. Bless them that curse you.
Those are pretty tough standards to live by.
But, we pick subjects - like abortion and homosexuality - that are not really personal threats.
How many male ministers who stand in the pulpit are really going to be faced with the reality of having an abortion? Most won't be tempted to turn gay either. So, it's easy to stand up and shout about those "sins."
In fact, it's so easy to talk about the things we shouldn't do, we forget about the things we should do.
What about forgiveness? Love your neighbor? Can we find it in our hearts to love someone who would strap a bomb to their body and walk out into a school yard full of children?
What about wrapping your arms around someone whose lifestyle you find despicable and telling them you love them?
I'm not saying I can do it. But, I guess I am saying I should try.
People like this scare me as much as the terrorists do.
Can you interpret the 12JANUARY2006 keyword for me?
tammy should be made aware that satan can quote scripture even better than she can
huh?
Uh, yes.
Oh! I' don't know where that came from. wasn't me....not I..uh-uh
really, I don't have any idea
Also, it is not "Compassion" to try and rob one segment of society to set up and inefficient, bloated Govt Bureaucracy to trap people on a subsistent level life. If the Leftist wish to "Be Compassionate" THEY should care for the elderly, the infirm, the ill NOT demand others pay for it to be done for them. Truth is the average "Liberal" is the most self important, self absorbed person you will ever meet. They believe in NOTHING outside their OWN emotional whimsy. It makes them feel good about "how compassionate" they are being when they mouth talking points about "taking care". Pity they are so unwilling to actual DO it instead of just talk about it.
a few FReepers fit that description, too :)
Present company excepted
What nonsense!
Which reminds me: This thread needs a Michael Douglas picture.
What "sin" has an unborn child committed that we should "view equally" with the sin of murder?
This claptrp doesn't even make sense on its own terms . . .
claptrp = claptrap
Great picture!
As for "President" Michael Douglas, does the "advanced citizenship" also require folks to tolerate public expressions of religious faith, since that right has been ensured under the Constitution?
Not for leftists, I guess . . .
1,012 executions since 1976
Over 43,000,000 abortions from 1973-2003
Kinda puts the death penalty vs. abortion thing in perspective.
This guy hasn't been in the Methodist Church recently.
Well said!
What about the killer on death row? If we truly believe that God created all life and that it is only his role to take life, then how can we support the death penalty?
In the Old Testament, God lays out laws that incorporate the death penalty. In the New Testament, Jesus didn't argue the validity of that law, only that it be correctly applied and the Apostle Paul relates that governments have been given the God-ordained power of the 'sword'.
I know what you're thinking - there's a big difference in an innocent, unborn child and a vicious killer. But, actually, according to my interpretation of the teachings of Jesus, there's not. Aren't we all the same in God's eyes? Doesn't God view all sin equally?
Another lame strawman comparison. One is a murderer, the other is an innocent. If we are all equal in God's eyes, the aborted child should be given full recognition by the this liberal as a human being, entitled to full protection under the Constitution. Like that will ever happen.
What about forgiveness? Love your neighbor? Can we find it in our hearts to love someone who would strap a bomb to their body and walk out into a school yard full of children?
We can offer them love, but we must take all measures to prevent the untidily from entering the schoolyard and setting off the bomb. The Christian concept of love does not invalidate our God-given right to self defense and protection. Only in the liberal mind would it be OK to allow such. I you want to go out there and give them a hug, be my guest. I'd be searching for them to prevent them from killing mine and others children.
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