Written by: Robert Andrescik in on September 25, 2009

Public Square Participation, a summary by Dr. Joel C. Hunter

But someone may well say, "You have faith and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works” (James 2:18).

A part of belonging and becoming and being sent is putting our beliefs into action in the various realms of society, including our citizen responsibilities. Therefore, our goal is to lead Christians in becoming completely pro-life (John 10:10), protecting the vulnerable inside and outside the womb and sharing eternal life with them.

So, what are the completely pro-life issues that the Bible speaks to?

Abortion Reduction / Elimination (Psalm 139:13-14)

We must protect the vulnerable from harm, starting with the baby in the womb (Matthew 18:10). To do this, we must offer a full range of approaches: from personal to legal, from prevention of unintended pregnancies to medical, financial, personal and spiritual support, including options for adoptions in our support for pregnant women. Our ultimate goal encompasses both the eventual elimination of abortion and the demonstration of Christ’s love through our care for mothers and babies (Psalm 127:3).

Cooperation / Common Good (Jeremiah 29:4, 7)

We are to cooperate for the common good with those of other beliefs, and non-belief. Such cooperation is the very expression of God, who loved people just as they were (Matthew 11:19; Mark 5:1-13; John 4:7, 17; John 8:4-11). The religious people accused Jesus of consorting with non-believers and recruiting helpers from among the sinners (Matthew 9:9-13). Whether they come to a belief in Christ or not, we are blessed to form relationships with people of all sorts through our Christ-like service.

Creation Care (Genesis 2:15)

Our first order from God in the Garden of Eden was to “cultivate and protect” the creation. We honor the Creator by how we treat His gift of creation (Psalm 24:1), and we protect the most vulnerable (the poor and least insulated) by reducing the disease, displacement and death that comes from pollution (Psalm 72:13). Stewardship of the Earth makes for better stewardship of our financial resources and results in greater national security.

Healing / Health Care (Matthew 4:23; Luke 10:33-34, 37)

Jesus combined spiritual blessings with physical healing (Matthew 9:1-8; Mark 5:25-34; Luke 5:12-14; John 4:46-53; et al). Christians are, therefore, given the charge of caring for the sick and promoting the full range of healing in this world (John 14:12). From epidemics such as AIDS, to individual sicknesses, to physical, mental, emotional and spiritual disabilities, we are to be agents of His healing and love.

Human Rights (Genesis 1:26-27)

Our treatment of all people must take into consideration that they are made in the image of God. Therefore they are to be treated with respect and dignity. Jesus summarized this in what we now refer to as the “Golden Rule” (Matthew 7:12). We should not use or oppress anyone (Luke 4:18). All people are created equal and can choose their religion (Joshua 24:15), and the way they will live their lives. We must work for human rights and religious freedom for all people.

Immigration (Exodus 22:21)

Both law and compassion are important when considering how “outsiders” are treated. We understand that nations must have order and boundaries in order to continue their obligations of good government to their citizens. However, a nation is ennobled when it treats “outsiders” with the provisions to advance their lives and lawful belonging. All Christians are to obey the proper authorities (Romans 13:1-7) unless ordered to do something against God’s will (Acts 5:40-42). We are also to change unjust laws when possible (Esther 3:13; 8:8-12).

Justice (Isaiah 61:8)

Because God loves justice, and because we are commanded to live a simple lifestyle of doing justice (Micah 6:8), we stand against different forms of exploitation, systems of advantage for only particular groups, and discrimination based upon circumstances beyond one’s control. We believe that the advantaged are blessed in order to help the disadvantaged to advance to the place where they help others (Luke 12:48b).

Peace (Matthew 5:9)

The Prince of Peace has commanded us to be peacemakers in all realms of life. We can be aligned with His nature and command by creating a culture of peace that spans from being reconcilers in personal relationships (2 Corinthians 5:18) to the eventual elimination of nuclear weapons among nations in favor of more productive cooperation (Isaiah 2:4).

Poverty (Psalm 82:3-4)

In the Scriptures, poverty and the poor are mentioned more than 2,100 times. Poverty is a pro-life issue. According to international statistics, more that 5,000 children below the age of five die every day from conditions directly related to poverty. We are to give to those who cannot help themselves as a matter of immediate compassion and eternal reward (Luke 16:19-25). Even more, we are to empower the poor to produce resources for themselves and others. We need to build systems of wealth management that result in poverty prevention and correction (Genesis 41:25-36).