What is Abolitionism?
Abolitionism is a Christian doctrine and practice of removing societal evils. (It is not merely a method or strategy.) It was formulated in the nineteenth century in response to legalized chattel slavery. In 2010-2012, the historical doctrine was resurrected in America in the wake of the decades-old practice of child sacrifice.
Abolitionism has been defined by five tenets that differentiate it from the characteristics of the Pro-life Movement at large.
Biblical: The Word of God is the only standard in our work. We do not look to other ideologies, methods, sources, or standards on issues to which the Bible has already spoken. (2 Timothy 3:16-17, Isaiah 8:20, Psalm 1:1-2)
Providential: We rest on the providence of God to abolish abortion, not the pragmatism of man. When human strategy and eyes of sight say a path leads to success while the Word of God and His promises seem to lead to failure, we have faith and obey, knowing that God orders history and only obedience brings victory. (Psalm 20:6-8, Isaiah 7:9, Hebrews 11:1)
Gospel Centered: Abolitionists preach the Gospel as the only answer to child sacrifice. We do not believe our culture’s problem is ultimately a scientific, intellectual, or political one that can be solved with good rhetoric. The Church’s calling is to preach the Gospel to the world. (Romans 1:16-32, 1 Corinthians 2:14, Matthew 28:18-20)
Body Driven: It is the duty of the Church (as a whole) to abolish abortion, not an optional ministry. Nor is abolition the domain primarily of political organizations. The Church is commanded to drive out injustice, and its existence is her responsibility. (Mathew 16:18, Isaiah 1:12-17, Micah 6:8)
Immediate and Uncompromising: We fight to establish justice without compromise. Abolitionists oppose incremental, regulatory pro-life legislation as wicked decrees. We are not “overnightists”; abolition will take time, but we must call for complete justice the entire time. (Deuteronomy 16:19-20, Exodus 10:24-26, Isaiah 30:1-5)