Abortion is bad.

But the rhetoric of calling abortionists “murderers” leads to hatred, lawlessness, terrorism and murder — as shown by the recent assassination of Dr. George R. Tiller (in a church worship service) by a “pro-life” anti-abortionist.

It also plays into the worldview of those who believe that religion (particularly one-Godism) is inherently intolerant and naturally leads to violence.

The pro-life movement needs to take a long, hard look at itself and its rhetoric. It often claims to be working within the biblical worldview. But when abortion is equated with murder, as has not been uncommon in the pro-life movement, it creates a climate in which abortionists are dehumanized and demonized. Indirecly, it is incitement to terrorism.

Language is powerful. Rhetoric has consequences. Recognizing this truth must be part of responsibly working out the implications of a biblical worldview.