Abortion remains one of the most debated issues in American politics, especially within the Evangelical community. Many Christians identify as pro-life, yet the conversation is often more complex than this simple label allows. In a recent episode of the Good Faith Podcast, Curtis Chang and journalist Pete Wehner explored the nuances of this issue, examining the political, theological, and moral dimensions of abortion in a way that encourages deeper reflection.

Why Evangelicals Have Tied Themselves to Abortion Politics

For decades, many Evangelicals have seen abortion as the defining political issue. The rationale is simple: protecting unborn life is a moral priority. This has led many Christian voters to support political candidates solely based on their stance on abortion.

However, as Wehner points out, recent developments suggest a shift in priorities. The Republican Party, historically aligned with the pro-life cause, recently softened its stance by removing the pro-life plank from its platform. Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump—who many Evangelicals supported due to his promise to appoint pro-life judges—has begun distancing himself from strict anti-abortion policies.

“The Republican Party has been a pro-life party for decades, and now that’s no longer the case—because of Donald Trump.” – Pete Wehner

This raises a key question: If the political landscape is shifting, should Christians reconsider how they engage with the abortion issue?

The Personal Side of the Debate

Beyond politics, abortion is a deeply personal and often painful issue. Curtis Chang shared his own story:

“I was an unexpected and unwanted pregnancy. My mother seriously considered abortion, but ultimately chose to have me. That experience shapes my view of abortion—not just in identifying with the unborn, but also in understanding the difficult choices mothers face.”

Many people, even those who consider themselves pro-life, acknowledge that abortion decisions are often made under complex and difficult circumstances. Wehner notes that strict moral absolutism may not account for the real-world challenges women face.

“Neither side is comfortable living with the ramifications of their position.” – Pete Wehner

This is why many Christians are advocating for a broader pro-life ethic—one that supports policies and initiatives that reduce the need for abortion, such as affordable healthcare, family support, and pregnancy resources.

A Biblical Approach to Public Engagement

How should Christians engage with society on this issue? Chang suggests looking at three biblical roles that shaped ancient Israel:

• The King – Represents the role of government in enforcing laws.
• The Prophet – Calls people to a higher moral vision.
• The Priest – Provides compassionate care and wisdom for those struggling with difficult decisions.

The modern pro-life movement has largely focused on the kingly role—using political power to restrict abortion. But Chang argues that more emphasis should be placed on the prophetic (persuading culture) and priestly (caring for women and families) roles.

“The pro-life movement put everything in the ‘kingly’ bucket—political power—while neglecting prophetic persuasion and priestly care.” – Curtis Chang

This approach could help shift the conversation from political battles to holistic support for life at all stages.

A Broader Vision for Reducing Abortion

Instead of focusing solely on making abortion illegal, Christians could also prioritize making it unnecessary. Studies show that abortion rates have declined most under policies that support women and families, not just restrictions.

For example:

• The Global AIDS Initiative (PEPFAR), supported by both Republican and Democratic administrations, has saved 25 million lives.
• Under President Obama, abortion rates dropped 28%, largely due to increased access to contraception and healthcare.
• In contrast, under President Trump, the number of abortions increased by 8%, despite strong pro-life rhetoric.

This suggests that a multi-faceted approach—one that includes both legal protections for the unborn and robust support for mothers—may be the most effective way to reduce abortion rates.

The Way Forward: Unity Over Division

One of the biggest challenges in the abortion debate is how divisive it has become. Many Christians feel pressured to choose a side—either fully pro-life or fully pro-choice—without room for nuance. Wehner warns that this all-or-nothing thinking has led to a political and cultural “game of Twister,” where people feel forced into uncomfortable positions just to maintain their alliances.

But the Bible offers a different vision. Eugene Peterson wrote about the importance of both the Jesus truth and the Jesus way. It’s not enough to believe the right things—we must also engage with love, humility, and grace.

“Many of the most anxious, angry, and hate-filled people in America today are those who claim to be followers of Jesus—and that should concern us.” – Pete Wehner

This doesn’t mean Christians should abandon their convictions. Rather, it means advocating for life in a way that is persuasive, compassionate, and constructive.

Conclusion: Beyond the Culture War

The abortion debate is not going away, but perhaps the way Christians engage with it can change. Instead of framing the issue as a battle to be won, what if Christians focused on fostering a culture where abortion becomes unthinkable—not just because it’s illegal, but because communities are so supportive that no woman feels like it’s her only option?

The path forward will require wisdom, humility, and a willingness to engage beyond political partisanship. But if the church can embody both the truth and grace of Christ, it may offer a compelling vision for a truly pro-life future.

Key Takeaways for Readers

• The abortion debate is deeply personal, requiring compassion and understanding.
• A biblical approach includes not just laws, but also persuasion and care.
• Policies that support women and families may be more effective at reducing abortion than bans alone.
• Christians should engage with both conviction and grace, avoiding divisive rhetoric.

Instead of placing our trust in political power alone, what if we committed to being a prophetic people—speaking truth with love, persuading hearts rather than coercing behavior? Instead of making this a battle between enemies, what if we created a culture of support for women and families, making abortion not just rare, but truly unthinkable—not because of fear, but because of love?

Jesus never called us to secure a perfect nation through policy. He called us to love our neighbor, care for the vulnerable, and bear witness to a different way of being human. That doesn’t mean we abandon the fight for life—it means we fight differently. Not with fear, anger, or shame, but with the relentless hope of the Gospel.

A truly pro-life future won’t be won through legislation alone. It will be built through the faithful, everyday actions of Christians who refuse to be caught in the world’s game of Twister—who step outside the culture war and instead invite others into the redemptive, healing, and life-giving way of Jesus.

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