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South Dakota legislators recently made it a crime for doctors to perform abortions under any circumstances except when the mother’s life is in danger. The underlying motivation for this law thought by many to be to force a definitive decision from the U.S. Supreme Court concerning abortion rights for this or any other reason such as rape, incest or the preservation of a woman’s mental or physical well-being. (Which could mean just about anything.)

Much has been made of this decision and its guaranteed challenge by pro-choice forces, which amuses and perplexes many who live outside the U.S. Across most of Europe, protest and counter-protest over abortion is almost unheard of, the same being true in most other countries with left-leaning governments and liberal mind-sets. This issue is almost exclusively contested in countries still heavily influenced by a strong church heritage and Christian world-view.

I have some reservations concerning South Dakota’s strategy as I’m unconvinced in the ability of state or federal legislatures to mandate morality; while I recognize the frustration many feel over the lack of progress during the last 20 years in removing this blight from our midst. However, some inroads are being made by dedicated Christians to ending the attraction of abortion as a means of birth control, similar to other accomplishments often overlooked that the Christian church has had a hand in over the centuries; a recognition of which might help us stay firm in our convictions and desire to redeem God’s world and it’s people. For the church has had a liberating and stabilizing influence throughout the world for which it can take pride even as it expresses remorse for its mistakes. Yet that’s no more than we might expect since its business is to lead others to the Christ of the Gospels, encouraging them to then pattern their lives on his words and actions. We might very well expect an institution founded on such to be profound and all-encompassing.

W.E. H. Lecky writes, "The character of Jesus has not only been the highest pattern of virtue, but the strongest incentive to its practice, and has exerted so deep an influence that it may be truly said, that the simple record of three short years of active life has done more to regenerate and to soften mankind, than all the disquisitions of philosophers and than all the exhortations of moralists."1While James J. Drummey notes, "Jesus Christ,… has had a greater impact on human history than any person who ever lived. Though he died at the age of 33, the year in which we live is dated from his birth. Though he lived in an obscure corner of the former Roman Empire nearly 2,000 years ago, more than one billion people today call themselves followers of Christ. Though he never wrote a book, tens of thousands of books have been written about his life and teachings."2

As his designated representatives to the world, the church-made up of many "Ambassadors" for Christ throughout the world - was first to teach the unique value of each and every individual (Whosoever will may come - John 3:16), encompassing personal worth and purpose in this world as well as reward in the next. (Titus 2:14) It has steadfastly, however imperfectly at times, taught the intrinsic value of human life in whatever stage or form it might presently be in – as akin to God (Genesis 1:26,27), joined to him in design and purpose. (1 Corinthians 3:16)

Here are just a few ways the church of Jesus Christ has impacted the secular world for the betterment of mankind.

*Heightened regard for human life, stopping the common practice of exposing handicapped or unwanted infants to the elements and the abandonment of the elderly; setting up orphanages and hospices for those that were found.

*Elevated the status and enhanced the possibilities for "common" men, helping to create and promote the middle class which sustains nations while ministering to all.

*Improved the outlook for women by teaching the necessity of mutual submission of men and women to each other within the framework of the God-given abilities and inclinations of each. Once the church attained legal status under Emperor Constantine, laws were enacted recognizing women as having the right to own property and to sue for redress against unfaithful husbands.

*Exerted a profound civilizing effect on barbarians and primitive cultures; creating alphabets, writing histories, promoting civility and imposing rule of law.

*Promoted civil liberties, everyone being entitled to the same protection and benefits of society.

*Fostered representative government, particularly as it has developed in America; each person having certain "unalienable rights," thus deserving a voice in how they are governed.

*The ideas behind Capitalism and free enterprise, although having their own pitfalls to be guarded against, were based on the concept that no one person or group of individuals is inherently more deserving than anyone else to seek personal fulfillment and financial independence.

*Exploration was often driven by the desire to evangelize, many prostituting this endeavor by ruthlessly seeking riches, others legitimately seeking to introduce indigenous peoples to salvation through Christ.

*Literacy through education was promoted by a Sunday School, originally offering courses in basic educational skills to commoners until higher learning was taken out of the hands of the social elite and offered universally to all.

*Hospitals essentially began offering health care during the Middle Ages at the instigation of churches and church people.

*Universities were likewise begun during the Middle Ages, most started by Christians for Christian purposes, often with little distinction between religious and secular application as both were considered the realm of believers.

*Benevolence ministries and charity became a trademark of Christian character, the Good Samaritan ethic put into practice.

*The condemnation of adultery, incest, homosexuality and other perversions commonly practiced in many pagan cultures helped preserve the institution of marriage and families – and thus the human race – stabilizing civil society and sparing many heartache and disease.

*Became the inspiration for and commissioned the creation of some of the world’s greatest works of art, helping create an appreciation for beauty and the sublime.

*Countless souls were and are being transformed from liabilities to society to assets through the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ and the restorative efforts of his followers in the church.3

All this and more was accomplished only as the church and it’s adherents championed their primary function of leading the lost to Christ, impacting society on a broad scale when they made it a point to, "…fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider(ing) what great things he has done for you." 1 Samuel 12:24

1Mr Lecky, English Skeptic – from History of European Morals.

2From Mr Drummey’s – Review of the News

3From Dr. James Kennedy and Jerry Newcomb’s book, What If Jesus Had Never Been Born? – Nelson Publishing

"Word from Scotland" from Sandy Shaw

"Lord God, You Have a Funny Way of Working at Times"