What does the youth have to say?
Submitted by anne on Fri, 02/18/2011 - 10:16.
This is the first time that I heard a real stand against abortion from a world famous pop star. I would like to look more on the positive side of his statements, rather than dissect, probe and focus on what is negative. I mean, the fact that he made his stand, it is already an encouragement that our youth of today is heading towards the direction the Church wants them to take. Imagine the millions, even billions of youth looking up to him and listening to what he has to say...
Justin Bieber, born 1 March 1994, London, Ontario, Canada
Bieber and Abortion 2.0: A Catholic’s Response
Justin Bieber is undoubtedly one of the world’s biggest pop stars. In a recent interview with Rolling Stone, Bieber was asked two tough and controversial questions about life.
Abortion: “I really don’t believe in abortion… It’s like killing a baby?”
Rape: “Um. Well, I think that’s really sad, but everything happens for a reason. I don’t know how that (rape) would be a reason (for abortion). I guess I haven’t been in that position, so I wouldn’t be able to judge that.”
In an industry where most grown adults would not dare to answer such questions, Justin Bieber takes a clear stand for life. You might think the anti-abortion comment would have polarized him, but it was his response to rape that has caused more controversy. The media and Pro-Life Christian groups have spun Bieber’s comment, accusing him of believing that it’s a part of God’s plan for women to be raped.
That’s not what Justin Bieber believes.
Of course God does not will for a woman to be raped. This goes against who God is. As a result of rape, a woman might become pregnant, but God still moves in these terrible situations and His will can still be known. Our security in God is not based on a situation (rape), it’s based on reconciliation (restoration).
Looking at our Church’s history, we have many individuals who have faced this very situation. Saint Agnes, Saint Lucy, Saint Maria Goretti, Blessed Antonia Mesina, and Blessed Teresa Bracco are all holy women who have faced attempted rape or suffered actual rape. Each one of these women could have blamed God for the terrible injustice they faced, but rather, they sought the security of God’s restoration during their time of trial.
Being in the world but not of the world is hard. Justin Bieber’s admirable stance has been widely misunderstood but if viewed through the lens of a mature, faithful Catholic Christian, Bieber’s belief is clear: we must defend life in all cases even in the most terrible situations. Justin Bieber is a great example of a young person taking a stand for the culture of life.
Rape and abortion
I had never heard of Justin Bieber until yesterday when I came across the item that Anne has posted.
My reading of his comment on rape is that he does not see that as a reason to justify the abortion of the child that may be a result of rape. So many who are opposed to abortion in general think that an exception should be made in this case. The child is totally innocent and has the right to live. The mother is 'invaded' once again by those aborting her child. Many mothers in this dreadful situation have been helped through their ordeal.
Justin, just short of 17, has been raised by a single mother, Pattie Mallette, who was 18 when she became pregnant. Many politicians who claim to be Catholic are 'personally opposed to abortion but . . .' These are supposedly mature. Justin is still a teenager. God bless him!
Support for Justin Bieber
Pro-life leaders urge support for Justin Bieber after pro-life comments
February 17, 2011 (LifeSiteNews.com) – In the wake of
Justin Bieber’s pro-life remarks in an interview with Rolling Stone magazine,
pro-life leaders are urging widespread support for the young pop superstar,
saying its only a matter of time before he comes under attack for his defense of
the unborn.
“The attacks are going to come fast and furious,” said Bryan
Kemper of Stand True Ministries and Rock for Life. “I would not be surprised if
he has already received hate mail or even death threats.”
A number of pro-life groups, including Stand True Ministries,
Live Action, LifeNews.com and LifeSiteNews.com have joined forces to promote a
Facebook
page in support of Bieber. The page provides information on how pro-life
individuals can contact Bieber to express their support.
To join the Facebook page in support of Bieber click here.
In the interview with Rolling Stone, Bieber had
said “I really don’t believe in abortion. It’s like killing a baby?”
When pressed as to whether he opposes abortion in the case of
rape, the young singer replied, “Um. Well, I think that’s really sad, but
everything happens for a reason. I don’t know how that would be a reason. I
guess I haven’t been in that position, so I wouldn’t be able to judge that.”
Originally Rolling Stone had excluded the remark “I don’t know
how that would be a reason,” but later issued a correction.
“We are so proud of Justin for saying it like it is,” said Lila
Rose of Live Action. “Abortion is killing a baby, plain and simple and is the
greatest human rights abuse in our nation today.
“We encourage all of his fans to spread the pro-life Bieber
Fever.”
Pro-abortion forces have already taken note of Bieber’s
remarks: “Justin Bieber’s unfortunate comments reflect entrenched anti-abortion
rights messaging that presents one view of morality, hereby declaring anyone
with another view immoral,” said NOW Action Vice President Erin Matson, in
comments quoted by Politico.
However, Abby Johnson, the former director of a Planned
Parenthood clinic turned pro-life activist, praised Bieber. “‘Out of the mouths
of babes’ goes the verse,” she said. “And young Justin Bieber could not be more
right in his reaction to the topic of abortion. “
“It was encouraging to see Justin Bieber boldly declare his
pro-life position, not only because of his influence as a teen idol, but because
it shows how deeply the pro-life message — that every abortion kills an unborn
child — has sunk into our culture,” said Eric Scheidler, executive director of
the Pro-Life Action League. “I hope his statement will influence any of his fans
who might ever face an untimely pregnancy to choose life for their babies.”