When I’m on social media I generally stay away from controversial topics. On a few rare occasions, I have had a friend whose views differ greatly from mine sincerely ask for opposing views in an attempt to understand. I have responded in the clearest and most polite way I could. I don’t want my silence to be misunderstood as agreement or not being able to back up my beliefs. Unfortunately, my responses often inspire someone I don’t know to bring up various troubling situations and challenge me to show compassion for the people involved. They are wrong that I lack compassion, but the circumstances are irrelevant to me. Killing a baby in the womb is intrinsically wrong.
I had a revelation recently as to why these kinds of conversations generally are unproductive. My view does not originate from me. It comes from God himself, and even if a person doesn’t believe in God, killing goes against the laws of nature. So the only way to change my view on abortion would require convincing me that God does not exist or that killing is not against His laws.
I don’t necessarily expect to change anyone’s views to mine. But I hope this helps explain why no one should expect to change mine either.
“For thou didst form my inward parts,
thou didst knit me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise thee, for thou art fearful and wonderful.
Wonderful are thy works!
Thou knowest me right well;
my frame was not hidden from thee,
when I was being made in secret,
intricately wrought in the depths of the earth.
Thy eyes beheld my unformed substance;
in thy book were written, every one of them,
the days that were formed for me
when as yet there was none of them.”
Psalm 139:13-16, RSV Catholic Edition
A Glimmer of Grace 