For 35 years, I have traveled throughout North America, giving presentations and Bible Classes. Invariably, attendees try to pin me down on politicians and political issues, especially during election cycles. I always respond the same way, “None of the political parties understand original sin.” Their strategies are inherently flawed.

It is particularly at work regarding the latest headline about abortions having risen since the Dobbs ruling (June 2022). The jubilation in the streets from the pro-life community on the day Dobbs was overturned reflected the natural relief that comes from accomplishing a 49-year goal. Unfortunately, many people forgot the Dobbs decision addressed a symptom of a deeper problem.

Historically, human beings have had a lot of trouble taking direction. A rebellious streak in all of us (Genesis 8:21; Romans 8:7) surfaces each time we are told what we should or should not do. “Don’t eat of the tree” was God’s command in Eden. And they ate of the tree. “Jonah, go to Ninevah,” was the command. And he went in the opposite direction.

I think some of this is at work regarding abortion.

Advocates of abortion rights were taught not to argue “for abortion” but for “reproductive freedom” and “choice” because they are popular and compelling topics. Abortion rights advocates don’t want to talk about fetal heartbeats, fetal pain, detectable brain waves, unique fingerprints, and chromosomal makeup. They do not want “humanity” or “personhood” to be part of the conversation. Instead, they have successfully made abortion a “reproductive rights” issue, regardless of what happens in an abortion.

Original sin is that persistent desire, even within God’s people, to challenge God. It is what the Apostle Paul talked about when he said, “For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing.” (Romans 7:19)

There are ideologues on both sides of the issue. Those who favor abortion don’t care that a life is lost. Bowing to no other authority but their own, they argue that some life is expendable. That is a position rooted in original sin.

Pro-life ideologues quickly forget legalistic measures do not solve the problem.

A changed heart is the goal. A heart equipped with faith, driven by the Holy Spirit, fights our sinful inclination to do wrong and focuses on honoring God with words and actions.

We need pro-life laws, and we need alternative-to-abortion options to provide bridges and buy time for us to share the Gospel of salvation in Christ. We cannot settle for a favorable court ruling, a strong piece of legislation, or a life-favoring politician. Knowing original sin as we do, human beings bent on challenging God find a way to do it. Changed hearts provide the alternative of eternal hope when despair and desperation tempt us to do bad things.