Third Time Around | George Grant
Third Time Around: A History of the Pro-Life Movement from the First Century to the Present
What role does the Church play when the value of human life and dignity are under fire?
The pro-life movement did not begin with Roe vs. Wade. Historically, laws have allowed for abandonment and killing of infants and euthanasia. And since the first century, the Church has been central in battling for the sanctity of human life. For many of our forefathers, profession of Christian faith was inseparable from opposing laws or practices that devalued life. Pro-life ministry was not and is not an optional cause churches may adopt. It is the heart of the gospel.
In Third Time Around, Grant gives numerous examples of Christians and the Church countering culture norms and ideals for the sake of the gospel. Common to all was a message rooted in scripture. Change came when truth was uncompromised. Throughout centuries, Christians paved the way for organized aid to women, children, families, the poor, anyone in need. Acts of grace and mercy towards ‘the least of these’ produced fruit. Laws changed, culture shifted and lives were transformed.
So how did we end up where we are today? Grant explains where the Church slipped in influencing culture. He recounts both the victories and the low points in Church history. He shows the common thread that made the Church strong in forming culture and valuing life.
While tempting to think abortion is just one of many issues, Grant challenges that mindset:
“An issue is, after all, something that we can reasonable and rationally discuss around a negotiating table. An issue is something that we can compromise on. It is something that involves give and take. It is something that we can ponder, argue and debate. Indeed, it is something that good men and women can legitimately disagree on. We can juggle its niggling little points back and forth. Or we can do nothing at all. We can take it or leave it.
As they became more and better informed, Christians realized that abortion is none of those things. Instead, it is a matter of life and death. It is a test of faith. It is perhaps the ultimate test of faith in these difficult and complex times. And thus, they discovered, it demands uncompromising, unwavering, and unhesitating faithful action.”