Three cheers for the Australian government. After years of campaigning and millions of tax payers’ dollars, it was reported today (April 1) that the international court of justice has upheld Australia’s bid to have Japanese whaling banned in Antarctica. We should all deplore cruelty to animals including inhumane methods of butchering for food (Jonah 4:11; Acts 15:29). We should also deplore the destruction of endangered species (Rev 11:18) – although Minke whales are not endangered. There is more however to this issue than cruelty and conservation. The undercurrent of objection is that to eat sea creatures as majestic and intelligent as whales and dolphins is immoral.
Why is it then that the Australian government facilitates the wholesale slaughter of unborn children in the womb? It is estimated that 80,000 – 90,000 surgical abortions take place in this country every year; that works out approximately to 250 every day, or an abortion for every 2.8 live births. When does life begin? According to the God who makes us it begins in the womb; at the point of conception. Psalm 139:13-15, “For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. 14 I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvellous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well. 15 My frame was not hidden from You, when I was made in secret, and skilfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.”
Whales are intelligent & express emotion which could be said of many creatures, but human beings are made in the image of God. Does a woman have the right to do with her body as she wishes if it involves taking another person’s life? According to Australian law, murder has taken place when a thing committed or omitted, with reckless indifference to human life results in death. Does this describe unnecessary abortions?
Today’s news was met with a flurry of excitement as Peter Garret, Bob Brown, and Anthony Albanese were quick to tweet their approval. Three cheers for a people who object to the killing of whales for food, yet endorse the killing of human beings for convenience. The devotional for the church bulletin of April isn’t pretty, but then we don’t live in a pretty world.
Our government and our nation need our prayers.