Abortion Debate Dynamics

Host Curtis Chang and guest Pete Wehner (columnist at The Atlantic and former speechwriter for George W. Bush) share their personal journeys to their pro-life convictions, while also explaining how their views depart from much of the politics and practices of the current pro-life movement. They examine how this issue has distorted evangelicals, Trump, and the Republican Party. Curtis also reframes the politics of abortion through the Old Testament offices of “prophet, priest, and king,” offering a way to understand how Christians can most helpfully integrate their religious beliefs with their social engagement. 

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Join Curtis Chang in person:

• See Curtis Chang and David French at Redeemer Presbyterian Church in NYC

• See Curtis Chang and Tim Alberta at Wheaton College

For a window into the hermeneutical debate over Exodus 21:22-25:

• Read this pro-life analysis of the text from an article in Christianity Today (written in 1973 but still relevant)

• Read this balanced take (also from a pro-life writer) of the problems with “proof-texting” practiced by both sides

• For an even more detailed overview about the interpretive challenges in play with Exodus 21 and other passages, read Mako Nagasawa’s book, Abortion Policy and Christian Social Ethics in the United States.

Referenced in this episode:

• Read Charles Krauthammer’s Washington Post opinion piece from February 15, 1985 "Abortion Debate: Just Words"

• Watch the trailer for Juno, Diablo Cody’s 2007 film about teenage pregnancy

• Pew Research Center What the data says about abortion in the U.S.

• Crisis pregnancy care through Avail NYC and Claris Health

Explore Peter Wehner’s work:

• Read Peter Wehner’s The Atlantic article from August 27, 2024: Trump’s Evangelical Supporters Just Lost Their Best Excuse

• Read more of Peter Wehner’s opinion pieces in The Atlantic