When I was about 12 years old, I saw raw footage on television of the Holocaust. I was haunted by the gruesome images of the endless piles of mangled bodies to be disposed of like rubbish. Their lifeless, emaciated faces brought sadness in my heart of what their life was like, and what could have been. Their humanity was stricken by an evil regime determined to exterminate, rob and erase their heritage.
At the same time, I was curious how the entire western civilization allowed such atrocities to go on as long as it did. I remember in Jr. High writing an essay about the Holocaust and the indescribable horrors. Even though I got an “A” on my assignment, my question was never answered from my research. How could seemingly decent normal people, who love their families, enjoy museums, music, go to church, etc., and vote Hitler in, knowing full well of his anti-Semitic views? Where was the outrage from the neighbors, co-workers, and teachers as to why there were empty homes, classroom seats and company desks? There must have been a great amount of fear, but still, why didn’t the masses revolt over something so disgustingly inhumane? In retrospect, it is easy to judge.
A couple of years ago, I ran across a testimonial video of Gianna Jessen, an abortion survivor. I didn’t know there was such a thing as an abortion survivor, but here she was speaking so eloquently about her life and purpose. The one thing she said that grabbed my heart was, “...the silent Holocaust didn’t get me!” Right then I knew my answer to my question about the Third Reich. As a culture and our depraved nature, we compartmentalize abortion to an issue which brings indifference, which in turn can be self seeking. Most people who call themselves a pro-lifer would deny they are indifferent, but their voting record would indicate the issue of abortion is not a priority.
I recently watched a documentary of the rise and fall of The Third Reich. Hitler rose to power coming out of the depression and the people were desperate for relief. His systematic way of taking over European countries, robbing businesses, lives and the press, was bringing revenue to Germany like never before. Many German voters didn’t like Hitler’s personality and world view, but were willing to put all those issues aside for wealth and patriotism. After Hitler came to power, many of the German people, for the first time, were eating fine delicacies, taking lavish vacations, and living in comfort afforded to them by their socialistic dictator.
How much do we compartmentalize the life that is inside the womb to an issue? Do you vote for the lesser of two evils? Are wealth, freedom, your party and patriotism more important than the millions of human lives being snuffed out every year in our country? As a culture, we have dehumanized a beautiful and natural life stage, and it has infiltrated thinking more than we realize.
If over half of the population says they are pro-life in our country, then why is it still legal? The apathy for innocent lives, just like most of the Germans of WW2, is worse than a staunch pro-choice feminist; especially if you call yourself a Christian, because it is the majority who rules. We need to take a stand in the polls, unlike those who silently voted Hitler in, and stop voting for the lesser of two evils! If only half of the population who declares itself to be pro-life would vow to never vote for the pro-choice candidate regardless of their party, and put pressure on the politicians, I believe we will see this silent Holocaust come to an end. This may seem ideal to some, but it was just as daunting with the abolitionists of the Civil War.
As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. 1 Timothy 6:17
Defend the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and needy. Psalm 82:3
