Last night in a debate for Indiana’s U.S. Senate race Republican candidate Richard Mourdock was asked whether abortion should be allowed in cases of rape or incest. Mourdock answered, “”I struggled with it myself for a long time, but I came to realize that life is that gift from God. And, I think, even when life begins in that horrible situation of rape, that it is something that God intended to happen.”
Mourdock after the debate clarified in a statement, “God creates life, and that was my point. God does not want rape, and by no means was I suggesting that He does. Rape is a horrible thing, and for anyone to twist my words otherwise is absurd and sick.”
The Associated Press was quick to bring up another Republican candidate, Todd Akin, who has taken fire over his comments on rape and pregnancy. Tom LoBianco wrote:
Mourdock became the second GOP Senate candidate to find himself on the defensive over comments about rape and pregnancy. Missouri Senate candidate Rep. Todd Akin said in August that women’s bodies have ways of preventing pregnancy in cases of what he called “legitimate rape.” Since his comment, Akin has repeatedly apologized but has refused to leave his race despite calls to do so by leaders of his own party, including GOP presidential hopeful Mitt Romney.
He’s already being painted as a misogynist by the left. Akin’s comment made erroneous claims about when pregnancy could occur and made it sound like there was such a thing as legitimate rape. Mourdock’s comment goes no where near that territory.
As a Christian here is how I see that statement. I see it as a reflection of Romans 8:28 in that God has the ability to work out good – regardless of the situation. Life is a gift, it is precious. That baby is not at fault for what happened. The act of rape is horrible, but life is good. God can use even a horrible situation like rape to bring about good.
If liberals don’t believe that good can come out of horrible circumstances then not only are they in error, but hopeless as well. Mourdock did not defend rape. Rather He pointed out that God doesn’t make mistakes. I understand that a U.S. Senate debate is a poor place to have a theological discussion. Rape occurred because of our broken world. Not by God’s design. God however can bring out His purpose and plan even in horrible circumstances like that.
Mourdock should have said something like this… This is a horrible situation for the mother, but what does adding a second victim to the crime do? How does this bring about justice? Why is it we can’t talk about other alternatives with mothers in circumstances such as these and how can we provide support for them if they choose to keep their child or adopt. I understand that it is a hard situation, I believe that abortion will take a tragic situation and make it even worse.”
Regardless Richard Mourdock is no Todd Akin, and I’m disappointed in GOP candidates that have joined the bandwagon of criticism without thinking this through. He didn’t make a misogynistic statement. He held forth the truth that life is precious and should be protected.