Ask a Pro-Life Agnostic: R.A
Once a month or so, the Secular Pro-Life blog features a short interview with a pro-life atheist or agnostic. (See the full series of interviews.) Although Secular Pro-Life is not exclusively for atheists and agnostics, historically, they have played a key role in the organization. As non-religious pro-lifers become more prominent in the pro-life movement, we’re excited for the opportunity to share their stories.
This month, we welcome pro-life agnostic R.A.
How did you arrive at the anti-abortion position?
My positions on many—if not most—issues have changed over time, but I’ve never been pro-choice. From the moment I heard about abortion, my knee-jerk reaction was shock and horror, and that opposition has only solidified as I’ve discussed the issue with others and researched it.
How did you arrive at the agnostic position?
I was raised as a Christian, but I gradually just lost interest in religion because it seemed too arbitrary. I think it’s fair to claim that not everything can be explained with science, but why must the Bible or any other holy text be the correct answer? I have nothing against theists, I just struggle to put my faith in something with no clear evidence to back it up.
How do you contribute to the cause of saving lives in the womb?
I’ve tried (with mixed results) to discuss the issue with some of my friends, and I generally intend to support pro-life activists and candidates. There’s only so much I can do, but I actually feel lucky to live in a generally pro-choice part of the country because I am surrounded by people to discuss the issue with, understand their perspective on it, and hopefully get them to understand mine.
What words of wisdom do you have to share?
Do not be afraid to speak your mind. If someone reacts to you with hostility, they probably aren’t someone worth having any serious discussion with anyway. The pro-life cause may be an uphill battle, but have real hope now that Roe v. Wade is overturned. We can do this.
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