Is Child Sacrifice Alive and Well?

We've heard horrific stories of ancient civilizations involved in child sacrifice.

So much so, in fact, we'd rather not think about them.

We can't help to wonder why any civilization, no matter how ancient or uneducated, would consider doing such things.

The reasoning behind such practices vary to some degree, but there seems to be an underlying theme.

At its core, those involved in such practices believed they'd benefit from doing so.

The Aztec people, for example, believed that doing so would bring favor upon them from their god, both individually and as a society.

Being pleased with their offerings, he would bring them health and wealth.

Looking back, most of us would agree that believing these things is not only shortsighted and ignorant, but would be considered evil.

Who believes sacrificing children would lead to positive results?

My friends, we're not far removed from these beliefs.

According to the W.H.O.,  there are approximately 73 million abortions worldwide every year.

73 million...annually.

While the reasons behind these abortions can vary, the overwhelming majority would fall under a "health and wealth" umbrella, as vague as that definition may be.

Sound familiar?

We've heard the arguments:

 - I can't afford to have a child right now

 - The financial burden of doing so would be overwhelming

 - Having a child would negatively impact my career

 - I don't want to experience the physical toll this would take on my body

 - I'm not ready for this emotionally

Of course, I'm not speaking about those cases where rape, incest, or a very real threat to the life of the expectant mother is involved.

But again, those cases are extremely rare in comparison to the reasons listed above.

For those who would argue it's not really a baby - its just a fetus - I would refer to what God, the giver of life, has to say about this.

"For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, where as yet there was none of them."

                                                                                      King David - Psalm 139:13-16

We have the choice to either believe these words.

We can chose to believe that, since King David lived from 1035 - 970 B.C., he clearly didn't have the scientific knowledge we now have.

But he sought whatever knowledge he had from the Creator of all things.

Not believing it to be true doesn't make it any less true.

In conclusion, I would like to make two important points.

 - The expectant fathers of these children are every bit as responsible for the child as the mother.

 - Those who firmly believe that abortion is wrong should do whatever they can to help those who might struggle with the expense and responsibilities of raising a child.

We don't live in a moral vacuum that allows us to suggest that others do what we believe to be right without coming alongside them with help and encouragement.

We are called to love others, not condemn them.