I know that most of us have seen the Abortion Crosses in the yards of our churches in Blount County. My church even puts them out for several weeks out of the year. I wonder though, what message does this send? "We are against abortions", "We are against murder". It does say those things I guess but that can't be why the Abortion Cross is displayed. If it is, we should put out Adultery Crosses and Lying Crosses because we are against adultery and lying. Is the intent of the Abortion Cross to stop little girls from getting an abortion because they saw the love of Jesus coming out of the cross? If that is the intention, we missed it badly. Maybe the intended message is political. Maybe the Abortion Cross is put up to try to sway voters.
Whatever the reason for the Abortion Cross, my opinion is that it does more harm than good. The Abortion Cross doesn't scream love or even hope. These crosses aren't symbols of resurrection of our Lord, in this case, they are symbols of graves. They are reminders of "Look what you did".
I wonder if one hurting, crying, alone little girl ever attended a church because of the church's Abortion Cross display. When talking to her boyfriend about what to do, did he say "why don't you go talk to someone at the church with the Abortion Crosses, I bet they will understand".
What about the little girl or woman that had an abortion. For the rest of her life, she is haunted by the decision she made. It will never, ever go away. Even when they have been forgiven, there will always be that hurt. And when they are hurting and looking for help, will they go to the Abortion Cross church? Absolutely not.
I drove by my church a couple of weeks ago on a non-church day and saw the Abortion Crosses. I then drove through the park and saw some teenagers. I was taken to tears when I began to dwell on the remote possibility of one of those girls having had an abortion and now they have been reminded once again of what they did. Many girls/women that have abortions never tell anyone. Churches should be a sanctuary for hurting people and the the church shouldn't do anything to keep them away.
The bible says "There is therefore no more condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit", Romans 8:1. If the church believes that, then why to we provide another tool for the devil to use all in the name of "standing up for what is right".
In marriage, we pick our battles wisely. I think it's time for churches to do the same.
I know most of you won't agree with me and that's OK. This is my opinion, it doesn't have to be yours. I just ask that if you are responsible for putting out Abortion Crosses, ask yourself "Does this really show the love of Jesus?".
I love you and God does too,
John Knight
