When Linking Abortion with Other Violence Comes Naturally to Pro-lifers
Part 2: Consistency Strengthens the Case Part 1: Connections focuses on how opposing abortion using a broad right-to-life principle strengthens the case against other kinds of violence. Here, we do the reverse, and focus on how opposing other kinds of violence strengthens the case against abortion. Kathryn Jean Lopez Editor-at-Large, National Review Symposium: Whole…
When Linking Abortion with Other Violence Comes Naturally to Pro-lifers
(compiled by Rachel MacNair) Part 1: Connections Show Importance One common criticism of the consistent life ethic is the idea that, when opposing abortion, adding other issues is intended to be a way of watering down abortion, and giving politicians (especially Catholic politicians) a pass by letting them proclaim themselves good on other issues even…
Recognizing Humanity: Orwell and the Consistent Life Ethic
by John Whitehead We’re 70 years from the publication of one of the 20th century’s most influential books: 1984. George Orwell’s 1949 novel about future life under an extremely repressive regime has shaped political debate and popular culture for decades. The novel’s anniversary will doubtless prompt further reflections. I reflect on Orwell’s concern for defending…
Explaining Belligerency
by Rachel MacNair Why did U.S. slaveholders insist on expanding slavery into new territories, despite existing political wisdom that keeping the practice out of places where it might encounter stronger opposition would be more practical? Why are there advocates for war, or for abortion and euthanasia, who can’t stand the idea of conscientious objection, even…
Nuclear Disarmament as a Social Justice Issue
by John Whitehead Activists seeking to end or radically reduce nuclear weapons’ threat may find it difficult to get public attention. Despite the high stakes involved—the lives of millions and even humanity’s survival—the nuclear threat frequently seems distant and abstract. The danger is future and hypothetical, in contrast to current, actual situations of people dying…
Does Socially-Approved Killing Increase Criminal Homicide?
by Rachel MacNair When killing is socially approved, does this provide a model for killing that isn’t? We offer evidence. The Homicide Rate and Executions Do executions deter murder? Since societies with executions still have murders, we know it’s not a complete deterrent. But are there fewer murders than there would be otherwise? There’s another…
Remembering Rep. Walter B. Jones, Jr.
by Patrick O’Neill It may be have been unprecedented on the U.S. political landscape — a Catholic U.S. Congressman who was invited to be the keynote speaker at both an anti-abortion rally and an anti-war rally — in the South. Yet, that’s what happened when Republican Rep. Walter B. Jones Jr., an Eastern North Carolina…
How Black Panther Promotes a Consistent Life Ethic
by Andrew Hocking Andrew Hocking writes about spirituality in movies, TV, and books and frequently discusses politics from a consistent life perspective. Since its release last February, the movie Black Panther has made a tremendous impact, becoming a commercial and critical success—currently a Best Picture Oscar nominee—and also generating commentary about its social…