tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2042413869472011551.post136915643458163648..comments2023-09-17T00:52:27.888+10:00Comments on Girl With a Satchel: Perspective: Fair play feminism (a Christian pacifist's peroration)Erica Bartle (nee Holburn)http://www.blogger.com/profile/03115131016810116605noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2042413869472011551.post-55908438931704761832012-02-03T17:46:07.011+11:002012-02-03T17:46:07.011+11:00Hi Kaitlyn,
I have never had an abortion nor been...Hi Kaitlyn,<br /><br />I have never had an abortion nor been forced to make a decision about a pregnancy; it is out of my range of experience. I have friends who have had them, and would never judge them for that decision. <br /><br />As it is a taboo subject, I don't know of the feelings – spiritual or otherwise – that they might have on reflection. As a friend, perhaps I should inquire, but it's not my place to push the subject, particularly given the sensitivity of the matter; it's my role to be a friend - understanding, accepting, loving. <br /><br />My position on most areas of people's personal lives is that we have a free will to make any decision we like, but there are always consequences to our actions. <br /><br />We all live with consequences; some bear a larger significance on our lives than others. Other decisions and choices we've made have been forced on us; they out of our control. That's a sad consequence of living in an imperfect world.<br /><br />We should assess each situation based on the best information we have to hand, and share information and experiences to help each other make good choices. <br /><br />If I have made a wrong turn, and felt that it had had a negative influence on my life, or the lives of others, I would want to help someone who I saw venturing down a similar path. The abortion path, like I said, is not one I've tread, which is why there are experts in the field. I have not read Melinda's book on this particular subject.<br /><br />Just as you say, there are forces outside religion (upbringing, relationships, experiences, society) that shape our opinions and beliefs. How could I judge a woman who had, for instance, had an abortion after she was raped? It would take a lot of courage, will and resolve – a great deal of forgiveness - to go ahead with the pregnancy. <br /><br />Of course, God views all life as precious. I worry that in some respects we have devalued the place of children, and childhood, in society. When I look at women with babies, I think, "What a blessing." I would love to have a child to nurture, to love, to hold. <br /><br />Abortion would be a daunting decision to make and a terrible burden to bear. I think we should help shoulder that burden for women who have made that decision, just as we should help those who choose to go through with their pregnancies with support. <br /><br />This may not be the finite response you're looking for.<br /><br />EricaErica Bartle (nee Holburn)https://www.blogger.com/profile/03115131016810116605noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2042413869472011551.post-18486236267279576602012-02-03T16:59:56.438+11:002012-02-03T16:59:56.438+11:00I agree that it is sad that this debate has become...I agree that it is sad that this debate has become about Christianity and feminism - I am a feminist and a Christian, as are many amazing women I know, so I don't think the two are mutually exclusive. The bigger question for me is if you can be pro-life and feminist. This is one I haven't quite figured out yet. I struggle to imagine the situation in which I would choose abortion, but that doesn't mean I think I have a right to inflict that belief (a belief which is a product of forces outside religion) on others. I also found the way that Melinda explained her pro-choice position a quite condescending. I am curious to know where you stand on this issue - are you pro-life? If you are, how do you reconcile that with feminism?Kaitlynnoreply@blogger.com