Obama On Abortion At Saddleback

September 2, 2008 Posted by David NcloseAuthor: David N Name:
Email: dvnilsen@gmail.com
Site: http://reasonfromscripture.blogspot.com
About: In 2003 I graduated from high school with no set direction for my life. I spent a year in Iowa before returning to California to attend Junior College. I changed majors 3 times; from Physics to Business to Film (as you can see, no direction). I was a Christian, attending church regularly, but furthering the cause of Christ in this fallen world was not a high priority. In 2005 I picked up an issue of TableTalk magazine, and I was re-introduced to the work of R. C. Sproul (whom I had read once in high school). Later that year, while taking a biology class with an ardent atheist professor, I picked up a copy of Lee Strobel's "The Case For A Creator." In the Fall of 2006 I came to Biola University and was introduced to the works of J. P. Moreland and John Mark Reynolds. My fate was sealed. Just a few years ago, I was passionless. Now I have two passions: Studying the Word of God and engaging in the task of Apologetics. 1 Peter 3:15 exhorts all Christians to be ready to give an answer for the hope that we have. My goal is to be able to give my answer articulately and powerfully, but even more importantly, in love. There are many purposes for apologetics, but by far the most important is the opening of minds and the softening of hearts for the work of the Holy Spirit. If we don't care about and pray for those with whom we engage in apologetics, we fail to fulfill this purpose. As a wise man once said, "Take a stand for the Truth, but do it in love fool!" Education Info: --Currently: M.A. in Historical Theology student, Westminster Seminary California --2008: B.A. in Philosophy, Biola University --2006: A.A. in Liberal Arts, Palomar CollegeSee Authors Posts (75)

During the recent civil forum at Rick Warren's Saddleback Church, Senator Obama was asked point blank when he believed an embryo became a human life worthy of the same rights as any other American citizen.  Obama responded that the answer to that question was “above his pay grade.” 

Fair enough.  We can't expect the President to be an expert on everything.  That's why he has expert advisers.  In this case, that's why he has an expert in bioethics. 

I'd be fine with Obama's response if it weren't for his promise to support the Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA).  According to Family Research Council, “FOCA would obliterate hundreds of state laws that
protect women, parents, children, and health care workers, while
forcing taxpayers to foot the bill for millions of abortions. It would
overturn
commonsense laws like parental notification, conscience protections,
abortion waiting periods, informed consent, and regulations for women's
health. In essence, FOCA would tilt the table for abortion.”

Now, it seems to me that if the answer to the question of when a baby's life is worth protecting is above Senator Obama's pay grade, then a decision such as whether or not to sign FOCA into law should be even further above it. 

This isn't even a simple question of whether or not I think one should vote for a pro-choice candidate.  Should one vote for a candidate who strongly supports a position that he admits to not fully understanding?  Should one vote for a candidate who does not think deeply about his decisions, and who will enact policies without truly understanding the important issues?

Can you imagine if one of the candidates had said that they could not answer the question of whether or not the current war in Iraq was a just war, and then went on to promise that he would stay committed to the war and increase the number of troops???  Obama's answer makes no more sense. 

Related posts:

1. Obama And McCain At Saddleback Civil Forum
2. What Would Obama Do?
3. Pray For Barack Obama
4. Our New President And Abortion
5. The Trauma of Abortion
6. Why It’s Wrong to Kill an Abortion Doctor

Posted in Culture, David's Posts, Ethics, Main Page, Politics