PRO LIFE'S DEADLY SIN: INCREMENTALISM

George Offerman

Incrementalism is not a bad word when properly used and when discussing things of a static nature, such as construction and phasing in new projects in which there needs to be a learning curve by those adjusting to the new ways and methods of change. We even note incremental changes in some processes in the mental health field, but I really want to emphasize the word ‘some’. For instance, if I am dealing with a marriage where adultery took place, I do not hear the offended party ever say, “Well, honey, if you can keep the affairs to twice a year or less, I can live with that”.

There are certain areas in life, which are represented by the dynamic nature, such as matters of faith and morals, in which there are absolute mandates that must be obeyed, or severe consequences will follow. It is in this light that we as Christians must make decisions that will guide our actions that are Biblically based, and not watered down or compromised. Incrementalism in Christianity is implementing God’s laws and mandates in ‘phases’ like some construction project, but in effect, making decisions for God based upon our own feelings, or sense of how reality works.

Too many Christians have a horizontal view of reality, in which all emphasis is put into what man can do, and what can be seen versus a vertical view of reality, in which God dictates the terms of life, and we faithfully implement them. There is way more fear of man’s rejection by Christians than of God’s rejection. So, the mainstream Christian is too busy looking at the problem from his own wisdom, and rejecting the clear mandates of the Living God. For many in the pro life movement, going for total victory is overwhelming, and seemingly impossible.

I have heard many well intentioned Christians, including clergy, state that overturning Roe and Doe is not going to happen in one fell swoop, and as such, the real strategy must focus on small victories as a viable alternative. Somehow, I have difficulty believing the Living God is watching this, and giving his stamp of approval. After all, real babies continue to be slaughtered in the most despicable fashion, and is it really God’s view that this is acceptable? Does God create, only to have us destroy? If this is the case, then what number of dead babies is acceptable? Is this really any different than throwing virgins into a volcano to appease the gods? It seems that it is our 21st century version of human sacrifice to appease the gods of tolerance, political correctness, comfort and convenience.

Incrementalism, when applied to legalized child killing, is an abomination to God. There is absolutely no foundation anywhere in the Bible that would mandate such a position, and it comes straight from the gates of hell. This philosophy from the pro life side is an apologetics for wimpism and cowardice. Legalized child killing will never end as long as the pro life side embraces exceptions, and is constantly apologizing for Biblically sound beliefs that go against the modern day social norms, and ‘anything goes’ mentality of most people living in the modern world.

It comes down to the question of what one really believes. Scripture is clear on this matter, and the following verse covers it well. Matthew 7:21-23 “Not everyone who says to Me, Lord, Lord, will enter the kingdom of heaven; BUT HE WHO DOES THE WILL OF My Father who is in heaven. Many will say to Me on that day, Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name case out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles? And then I will declare to them, I never knew you; Depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness”. Again, if we believe that the Bible contains the inerrant word of God, and God is abundantly clear that the shedding of ALL innocent blood cries from the ground, and must be accounted for, then it is imperative the pro life movement embrace to word of God and go forth by Faith.

We do not have the right to bargain away life, and cut deals with the devil for our own convenience and comfort. If this belief and behavior continues by our side, we will then reap the seeds and crop we have cultivated, and our convenience and comfort will be long gone, and we are likely to see suffering on a scale unimaginable. The law of sowing and reaping is alive and well, and we are subject to it whether we believe it or not, know it or not, like it or not. The laws of God are not subject to negotiation or debate, and we very well may have this lesson revisit us in the near future.