Posted by Teacher on July 12, 2003 at 22:41:16:
In Reply to: Re: "The Pill" (this is long...)-more comments from me posted by Amy K on July 12, 2003 at 21:24:12:
Thank you for your comments, Amy K. I can tell you are very passionate about this subject and I'm sorry that my comments offended you so. I’m happy that you’ve shared more of your perspective on this issue and I believe it will be very beneficial for many on this board who are looking for what God wants of them.
Just a little background: I believe in providing arguments on both sides and allowing people to make more informed decisions. Even though I feel SO strongly against abortion, I feel it's important to show people both sides--not just the one I believe in. I think that God is the one who makes impressions on the heart--I am just one to share informative information so that He can work. I can tell you that I have ALWAYS learned more from people who have continually shown me both sides to the story and who aren't vehemently trying to make a point. A whole education is more important to me than one person's opinion.
On "the pill" I've studied abortion and contraceptives for years and I still don't have a solid decision made on the pill as it is very controversial and I don't want to get caught up in the technical terms of percentages, etc. I also read the site you shared with me and, although I really enjoyed it and felt it provided much information, I also didn't approve of some of the comparisons that were made, such as: comparing children who play on a freeway vs. the pill, etc. However, I have to remember that he is making his own point, in his own way. Even when presenting the other side of the story, it was obviously leading the reader to think it was ridiculous. We all are allowed that opportunity when presenting a case so I have no ill feelings against the guy. A few years ago I would have been hooping and hollering while reading it, now I feel a little bit differently.
I, personally, took the pill for maybe the first 6 years of my marriage and found it to make me feel bad--I actually felt sickly when on it, but I didn't realize that until I stopped it completely. I suddenly felt alive inside once off of it. I'm not encouraging people to take it or not to. But I believe that God knows when we are searching and trying to find what HE wants for us. I have a difficult time discerning the different in someone using a condom and someone using the pill (when the pill does not allow the egg and sperm to "meet up"). Both times that couples "made love" could have been a potential baby. However, I also believe that conception begins when the two "meet up". So, in the case that they meet up and then are miscarried, I would feel wrong about it--even though that would have never been my intention. However, I will not condemn or judge someone who experiences that unless I feel God has put that on my heart. I feel that God does the judging and not me.
On your #1 I wasn't saying to "only" take 2 for 2--just indicating that people need to read more than just one or two articles and they need to actually talk with doctors they respect. I think you know that, but you sounded upset over it so I wanted to verify that. I'm sorry it was read that way.
Although you mention that those who believe in "anti-pill" have no vested interest. I completely disagree and see a different side. I come from, and grew up with, "Bible Bangers". We all had an argument to make on every issue and it was rather thrilling. I am one Christian person who used to take a BIG interest in arguing for the pure sake of winning. Many people enjoy a good debate (just hang out on this board for a few years to experience it). Back in my early years--even during my 20s--I might have posted 10 times regarding a disagreement and kept posting again and again to "prove my point" and to force people to see it my way. Now I don't argue in that manner. I may plant a seed or provide information, and God does the mind work.
I also don't think that the various Christians on the other side of the issue, the doctors or medical researchers ALL had motives to promote "the pill". My doctor makes money from any method I use--his prescription for anything doesn't affect his pocket book. I just feel that comment was rather harsh and exclusive. If I read 100 articles supporting "the pill" then yes, of course, some of them--maybe even half of them, might be to promote the drug and help their own pocketbook, but I could never make a blanket comment that all of those researchers are benefiting themselves.
I had several reasons for not appreciating those URLs that were posted earlier today--I believe that when pertinent information is not included OR when sources are documented that are not, in fact, what they are construed to me that it is deceiving, lying, and not how we were called to minister (even if we get the desired result of changing hearts). It's just one of my biggest pet peeves.
I also wanted to make sure that people realize the word "abort" and "abortion" are used as medical terms to refer to ANYTHING that causes an egg not to implant or to not survive. That's important when considering all food we eat or medicines we take into our bodies. If you re-read my post I never said that since foods and medicines cause the same reaction that it makes it right to abort a baby. I'm sorry that you read my post that way. I didn't mean to put anyone on the defensive. I'm just saying that if we are so careful to never take "the pill" then we should also make sure to never take any foods or medicines that might cause the same reaction to come about. If we're going to argue this belief, it must be consistent.
I totally agree that we must speak the truth, in love and I'm sorry that you read that "not judging" meant to not share the truth. That's not what I said and it's not what I believe. However, some comments on here are more condemning than speaking in love. There have been very hateful things said on this board to both Christians and non-Christians alike. Those comments were not gathered or spoken in love, but rather in condemnation. In addition, they will never change people's hearts like things spoken in love, will. I want people to see that I, first, am an honest person. I do my research and lay all truth out that I find. I do not normally quote a ton of scripture or demand that people are sinning, etc. (especially if I do not know if they are believers to begin with), but trust me, I can use my Bible that way, if I wish to. I did it for years, but I do not ever want to use it that way. I do not believe in taking many verses out of context, either. I see that each book is written for specific purposes. Understanding the Hebrew and Greek cultures helps a great deal in my readings. However, I used to look up one word, such as "worship" or "divorce" and read up every passage on it--I never got the intended message behind those verses, however, because I would only focus in on them and not the message of the entire chapter. It's made a great deal of difference over the years, for me.
On your last comment on Onan: maybe you and I believe that to be true (that the sperm is not "life"), but there are MANY, MANY believers who DO believe that is wrong and that all sperm have the right to potentially find an egg (mostly Judeo-Christians--who still follow the laws and instructions of the Old Testament or the Torah). So, although I respect your opinion (and, for the most part, agree with it), I also leave room for those who still feel they fall under those laws and who feel it is a sin. Many feel that the laws of the Old Testament/Torah are still binding—just as the two scriptures you quoted in your last post.
I know you're trying to make a point, but I'm afraid that you initially misunderstood mine. That's the only reason why I am responding to this post. I know that you're afraid--afraid that my post might potentially lead some to destruction. I understand those feelings because I've been in the same boat when reading other posts or listening to others argue over various beliefs. However, I know that God knows our hearts and knows when we are earnestly searching. Sometimes what he puts on my heart is not what he puts on another sister's heart. Once I got that it made my walk with the Lord so much more enjoyable.
My fear on posts like this is that it will turn away those who are not already practicing Christians as they see two sisters in Christ struggling to make sense of each other's words. I would invite you to e-mail me directly if you would enjoy discussing this further. I think we would really "hit it off". And, to be honest, I would enjoy discussing something like this not so publicly. I feel that we have a great deal to gain from one another's insight. I've always enjoyed your posts--as I've e-mailed you about before. I believe that we both, as Christians, have different roles on this board. God uses us in different ways depending on our experiences and age. I'm always glad to read what you have to say and encourage your continued use of scripture and heart-felt arguments. I just do not usually do my postings in the same manner for my own personal beliefs and reasons. I hope that does not discourage you.
Have a super evening and I'll try to post sometime tomorrow after Church or possibly on Monday. I would not want to post back, immediately, as I feel it requires prayer and time to consider your comments. If you take the time to respond, I would also like to take the time to pray and reflect and see what God is teaching me. You may always e-mailing me personally at srmiller@kellerisd.net I would invite you to!
Tight hugs,
~Teacher
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