Scripture warns that in the last days, men will deem "evil" as "good," and "good" as "evil." In the case of Dr. Willie Parker, who is among the most highly regarded abortionists of our time, this is the certainly the case. While calling himself a Christian, Parker insists that abortion is a moral good, and that the Bible's silence on the subject specifically refutes its ethical relevance. Indeed, he doesn't simply refute the idea of abortion as a neutral matter, but extends his argument as to call his work divinely-commissioned:
“I believe that as an abortion provider, I am doing God’s work.”
Dr. Parker continues his train of thought by adding to his vocational justification. Within his perspective, only a brief overview of the Bible would seem slanted to the pro-life cause, thereby insinuating that a pro-life view based upon Scripture is both careless and misinterpreted:
“If you take anti-abortion rhetoric at face value, without knowing much about the Bible, you might assume that the antis have Scripture on their side. That’s how dominant and pervasive their righteous rhetoric has become. But they do not. The Bible does not contain the word ‘abortion’ anywhere in it.”
Parker's above argument is not intended to prove Scripture, but an attempt to invalidate it; indeed, as to why he even claims Christianity or directs to It at all can only be explained by the fact that he intends not only to discredit Scripture, but to also discredit the "self-righteousness" of the those who claim Its authority in their judgment. In his recent book Life’s Work: A Moral Argument for Choice, Parker blatantly objects to "...a rigid reading of Scripture that invites no questioning or interpretive consideration.”
Moreover, the Bible is not a divinely-inspired book at all, but instead a literary piece of literary and sage advise:
"As an inspired document, the Bible is full of guidance for me about justice and love. But as a historical document, the Bible is a ruthless, unsparing record of the historic misogyny of the early Jewish and Christian people.”
Sadly, Parker is recognized by media notables as the "southern Christian doctor" who mercifully aids women who had no hope before. Willie was born and raised in Birmingham Alabama, preached in Baptist churches as a teenager, and began his studies on the pro-life "side" before experiencing a conversion which enabled him to begin his ministry; as one source described it, "his contribution to the uplift of downtrodden women." Therein, he could officially serve abused girls sexually abused by relatives, or alleviate the disheartening cases of those with no means of personal care or safety.
Without a doubt, Parker is himself a peculiar, heart-breaking case of self-deception and delusion. Or is he simply more loud than most in his thinking?
While many places in the deep South still lay claim to the "Bible-Belt" sanctuary, and though some positive changes have been made in the form of legislative restrictions, it would appear that many are just as delusional as Parker. Indeed, it was only until a few years ago that Knoxville, Tennessee, my current city, represented the largest abortion haven in the area for the easy, almost unlimited access provided in the region. Moreover, are we as a collected, self-attesting "Christian" nation above reproach? With the knowledge that 70 percent of all women who obtain abortions also identify as Christians, I'm afraid that the answer is obvious. We, just like Dr. Parker, need a true heart-change, by the hand of Jesus.
