Evil Men?

Scarcely a day goes by without more news on the Fritzl cellar case. It is shocking, and the media have good reason to cover it. But I've had to ask myself a few questions as the controversy rumbles on. How much do I really need to know? I know the basic facts, so does my curiosity need to be further satisfied? I've found myself reading almost every new article on the BBC website and watching some of the interviews too. So how much compassion is there in my curiosity? Not enough. It has been hyped up, but there is so much bad news, we must avoid the danger of becoming detached. So I've determined every time I see a new article on this subject to pray for those involved rather than read it.

As the media have portrayed him, Mr. Fritzl is a monster. His lawyer says he is human. I think we must agree. It must truly grieve the heart of God that someone could do such a thing. But one story the media haven't given any space to is that of a certain Lord Steel. He was an architect of Britain's abortion law that was passed in 1967. Sadly this man, whose father was a Church of Scotland minister and who claims to be a practising Christian, does not practise Christianity in politics. He has said, "I think it's best to keep religion as a private matter, not a public thing."

Last week, Lord Steel said he wants to remove the 'two doctors' rule for abortions during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy leaving a wide open door for abortion on request. This completely contradicts his comments in the lead up to the passing of the act in 1967. This man has a horrific legacy. Since he introduced the Abortion Act, nearly 7 million lives have been terminated. He never comes across as a monster but only as a respectable policitian.

However, when we read the Bible, it seems that we are not divided into the respectable or monster categories. Rather, we have 'all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God'. 'There is none righteous, no, not one; There is none who understands; There is none who seeks after God. They have all turned aside; They have together become unprofitable; There is none who does good, no, not one... Destruction and misery are in their ways; and the way of peace they have not known. There is no fear of God before their eyes.'

These verses from the book of Romans were not only said about Mr. Fritzl and Lord Steel; they were said about each one of us. It is only in Jesus - in His death and resurrection - that we have hope. None of us can ever make ourselves acceptable to God, no matter how 'respectable' we are. But the awesome truth is that if we repent of our sin and have no faith in ourselves but all faith in Jesus, we are made righteous and acceptable in God's sight!