Good Questions: Abortion, Bible Verses for Turmoil, Biblical Myths, and Rev. Tom’s Ministerial Journey

A Spiritual View on Abortion

DEAR DR. TOM: The United States Supreme Court has given a controversial ruling on abortion rights. Considering how deeply divided Christians are about this topic, what is the Unity nonpolitical, spiritual position on the pro-life/pro-choice controversy?

—Troubled in Topeka

DEAR TROUBLED: You’re absolutely right—the subject is fraught with profoundly spiritual implications. As usual, I am not comfortable writing as the official voice of Unity. So instead, here’s one theologian’s nonpolitical take on this raging controversy.

The deeply divisive issue of abortion flows from deeper questions about when human life begins. For that query we have neither clear “Christian” answers from biblical sources nor definitive views from medical science. This lack of clarity is probably why the controversy has lingered.

Some religions offer firm guidance to believers. The Roman Catholic Church, for example, has been consistent on its pro-life stance—no abortion, no birth control, no death penalty, anti-war (pro-peace?). Our Catholic friends have multiple sources of authority other than ambiguous Bible texts, including church dogma, canon law, and papal decrees.

Conversely, Islam generally allows abortion during the first trimester. Buddhists seem to have a typically flexible approach. In a November 1993 article in The New York Times Magazine, the Dalai Lama said, “I think abortion should be approved or disapproved according to each circumstance.” Protestants are widely divided on the subject.

The actual question of Roe v. Wade is: Who gets to decide? Most Unity theologians have said individuals should base ethical decisions on guidance from God-within. This theological-personal issue will not resolve in our lifetimes. Many of us know women who have faced this difficult choice. If the socioreligious turmoil over pro-life/pro-choice troubles you, my suggestion is do the Unity thing. Go within and find your center of divine love, which embraces all of life and sets everyone free.

Bible Verses for Times of Turmoil

DEAR DR. TOM: Wars, pandemics, social turmoil—do you have a favorite biblical passage for times like these?

—Rock of Ages, Panama City, Florida

DEAR ROCK: Plenty. Start with the Letter to the Philippians, especially the fourth chapter, verses 4-9, which includes: “Whatever is true … honorable … just … pure … pleasing … commendable; if there is any excellence … anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” Also, try 2 Corinthians 3:17: “Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” We live in time. The biblical texts, like other great writings of antiquity, time travel with humanity. Our great-greats will find inspiration among their pages.

Biblical Myths

DEAR DR. TOM: I cannot believe the earth was actually created in six days, Eve came forth from Adam’s rib, and Noah’s Ark saved all the “good” people while God drowned everybody else.

—S.B., San Jose, California

DEAR S.B.: Then don’t. They’re myths, not history. The meaning lies in the mindset of ancient Hebrew thinkers. God is all powerful. Man and woman are One. Sin (mistakes, willful or incidental) have consequences, but God never fails us. If you want to play with symbolic meanings, try Charles Fillmore’s Mysteries of Genesis (Unity Books, 1936). Not to be taken literally, Fillmore was giving his take on what he believed the “hidden” meanings of the text contained. It can be a fun read.

Ministerial Journey

DEAR DR. TOM: Did you feel a “call” to ministry? When did it happen?

—Prospective Clergy, online submission

DEAR PROSPECTIVE: I will probably get defrocked for saying this in public, but here goes. I wanted to be a minister since I was a kid. When I decided to move back to my Protestant roots during college in Idaho, I realized my old dream was still possible. I took a walk one snowy winter night in 1973 and found a park with tall trees. One of the conifer trees … uh … spoke to me? Not with words but with its deep roots and towering branches. That was my “call” to ministry. I still don’t understand, but here I am, half a century later. But you can make the decision without a “call” from God. Listen for your guidance. Trust your gifts.

This article appeared in Unity Magazine®.