To The Editor,

What has happened to us as people?

How is it possible that we can rejoice at the signing of a bill that permits the killing of a human life? A bill such as that which New York State put into law on January 22, 2019.

Our laws may define “tissue mass” as not being a human until it is born, but that doesn’t change the truth that it is.

And then when you think that we have hit the bottom, the state of Virginia is suggesting a law that would allow the killing of a human being even after birth.

For me, it is not a matter of “rights” or “choice.” It certainly is not a political issue. It is a matter of morality; a matter of right or wrong. It is matter of whose authority is the right authority to follow.

Merriam-Webster defines authority as “power to influence or command thought, opinion, or behavior.”

Dictionary.com defines authority as “the power to determine, adjudicate, or otherwise settle issues or disputes.”

Wikipedia states that “authority is the right to exercise power.”

So, whose authority do I follow? How do I decide who has the final authority? I can’t just decide that I will do whatever I want, just because I disagree with it, can I?

Of course not.

Why? Because we live in a nation that was designed to allow those who have been elected to govern the nation. And generally those who are elected will represent the majority of the people, and one would assume that the voice of the majority would be listened to, to help to guide those elected.

Right now, at least for me, I appear to be in a minority voice. The voice of the majority has made a law that allows for the killing of a human life. But, that’s not my voice, so what that means, I think, is that I can speak out because of the freedom of speech and use my voice to speak up and try to bring about change.

And why would I want change?

For me, my final authority, especially when I am in a conflict, is to default to God. It’s His authority I will look to. That may not be your choice. But your choice doesn’t override my choice. Your choice doesn’t mean that I don’t have a right to speak up.

One of the basic commandments, or as many call them, The Ten Commandments, says “You shall not murder.”

The passing of New York state’s law or the suggestions of the state of Virginia is unconscionable.

My goodness, if the baby is at the point of birth or has already been born, then why not deliver and put the baby up for adoption?

So, my voice is for change and to speak up for that unborn human so as to be more in line with the authority of God.

Jack Tanner

13 Dodgingtown Road, Newtown        February 6, 2019

Editor’s note: Reverend Tanner is pastor of the Newtown Christian Church.