LCG: Teen Faith and Abortion Attitudes

Wat Abortion

Bas-relief at Angkor Wat depicting a demon performing an ancient abortion.

In its latest weekly update, LCG had the following two world news items:

Teenagers’ Faith on the Decline. In a recent study of U.S. teenagers, the Barna Group determined that over the last decade, faith among teens has been declining. Small group discussions, Sunday school attendance, prayer, Bible reading, church donations, and personal evangelism all seem to be on the decline. Researchers suggest that many teens have engaged in church-related activities primarily for social opportunities. With new technologies such as texting and computer-based social networking, researchers observed a sobering possibility: “Talking to God may be losing out to Facebook.” The research also indicates that societal pressure against asserting one’s faith may be the reason why fewer teens are willing to talk about their faith with unbelievers (www.barna.org, July 12, 2010). Parents are commanded by God to educate their children throughout the day and make the home an environment where God’s Way is continually practiced (Deuteronomy 6:7-9). As we approach the end of the age, fewer and fewer parents are educating their children about the Bible. At the same time, society is demonizing Bible study and labeling adherence to biblical principles as bigoted and prejudiced. However, other studies show that teens desire truthful and intelligent answers. God’s word is truth (John 17:17) and children need to be taught from it so that when they become teenagers, they have strong faith that will shield them from the fiery darts and lies of the wicked one (Ephesians 6:16).

Views on Abortion. Views on abortion differ widely and an increasing number of Americans are “unsure” how they feel about the issue. Those with the highest levels of income and education, and who are least religious are most likely to support abortion. In fact, the less religious, the more supportive—atheists and agnostics are most in favor of abortion. Interestingly, the baby boomer generation (age 45-63) is most likely to be uncertain of its views on abortion. There is also a relationship between one’s faith in the Bible and opposition to abortion in any circumstance—the more closely aligned with Scripture one’s faith is, the more likely one is to oppose abortion. Another interesting fact is that those in the younger generation (18-44) are far more likely to have a strong belief about abortion when compared to their “uncertain” parents. The younger generations of conservative Christians are just as likely to oppose abortion as the older generation (over age 64) (www.barna.org, June 14, 2010). Research speaks to the importance of Bible-based education. As we educate our children in God’s ways, they will grow up knowing the answers to hard questions and be willing to hold fast to truth. This research also supports the Proverb, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6). While critics might say that biblically-oriented children are “indoctrinated,” more objective persons will ask whether those “in favor” of abortion have even been exposed to the reasons against it.

Teens, yound children, and everyone else need to be taught what the Bible teaches. Evolution as the origin of life makes no scientific sense. And abortion is murder. Those who truly understand the scriptures should understand those and other matters.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Is God’s Existence Logical? Some say it is not logical to believe in God. Is that true?
Is Evolution Probable or Impossible or Is God’s Existence Logical? Part II This short article clearly answers what ‘pseudo-scientists’ refuse to acknowledge.
Where Did God Come From? Any ideas? And how has God been able to exist? Who is God?
How is God Omnipotent, Omnipresent, and Omniscient? Here is a biblical article by Wallace Smith which answers what many really wonder about it.
What is the Meaning of Life? Who does God say is happy? What is your ultimate destiny? Do you really know? Does God actually have a plan for YOU personally?
The Bible: Fact or Fiction? This is a booklet written by Douglas Winnail that answers if the Bible is just a collection of myths and legends or the inspired word of God.
Read the Bible Christians should read and study the Bible. This article gives some rationale for regular bible reading.
Abortion, the Bible, and a Woman’s Right to Choose Do you know what the Bible teaches on this?
The Ten Commandments Reflect Love, Breaking them is Evil Some feel that the ten commandments are a burden. Is that what Jesus, Paul, Peter, James, and John taught?
Successful Parenting: God’s Way This is an LCG booklet by Dr. J. Fall.