Jun 19, 2009
Mar 23, 2009
Abortion Paper
This is the first draft (completely unedited) of my ethics paper on abortion. I'm actually kind of interested to see if anyone cares to read it... I know it's not a popular opinion but I'm pretty passionate about it.
Ethics Essay Assignment: Abortion
Introduction
Few ethical issues in modernity incite the kind of enthusiastic support or rebuttal as abortion. To many, it is a hinge-pin issue that largely defines one’s political and religious affiliations. Unfortunately, in evangelical circles, it has often been a bandwagon that is thoughtlessly joined and created catastrophic results for the Christian witness in society. The grotesque and cruel displays and commentaries offered by many Christians - both leaders and laymen - have generated hostility and are more akin to a mob mentality that is anything but helpful. This issue deserves more thoughtful scrutiny, prayerful consideration, and social sensitivity.
Thesis
A pure, unbiased ethic that is based on Scripture necessitates the conclusion that abortion is a personal, subjective issue that should not be regulated or prohibited by either church or state. I will prove this in a number of ways: first, by distinguishing philosophical and theological ethical approaches as they generate guidelines for right and wrong thinking and decision-making; second, by glancing at the historical background of this practice in culture; third, through scriptural evidence regarding Christian liberty as well as scripture’s silence for a specific guideline or command regulating this practice; fourth, by a practical assessment of the motivations that drive radical anti-abortion groups and whether or not their arguments are legitimate; fifth, through cultural evidence that support of this practice is the preferable alternative. Abortion is an issue necessarily attached to many others: women’s reproductive self-determination, freewill, a definition of life, sexuality, rights, law, and many others. I will address these only as they are relevant in support of my thesis.
Approaches to ethics
While evangelical Christian theology has evolved into a helpful and informative discipline, its proponents have often blurred the line between it and other academic disciplines. Because theology deals with the most important issues in human life, it is often mistakenly set up as an authority for all subjects, as though from theology one can discover all truth on all topics. This is incorrect because scripture itself – the primary source of evangelical theology - does not claim to be a universal authority in subjects such as science or world history. While scripture generally prescribes right human behavior, the structure and terminology for ethical discussions lie in the field of philosophy.
Philosophy is a much broader field which certainly generates theological discussions but is not limited to the topic of God. Classically, historical persons such as Plato, Aristotle, and Socrates forged a new way of considering and communicating the many dynamics of both physical and spiritual realities. Their initial statements spawned philosophical considerations in wide variety, not the least of which was the study of ethics. Arguably, ethics was one of the first and most popularly debated facets of philosophy. The Greeks engaged in moral philosophy, the main ethical category being virtue or right living. The sophists continued the traditions of philosophical thought and began to resemble professional teachers, not the least of their topics being virtue and ethics.
The basis of philosophical practice is dialogue. Most early philosophical writing was a transcript of a debate or discussion between two or more persons. This dynamism and exchange seems to be the most biblical method for establishing corporate and personal ethics. The Christian approaches ethics as a structure to be assimilated through biblically correct thinking into right living. This is done in the context of community. It would stand to reason, then, that the entire community – rather than just an isolated body of expert theologians – is involved in establishing the boundaries of Christian ethics. As such, a philosophical approach to ethics is the one that ought to be pursued by Christian communities. While scripture is the primary source informing this ethic, it is not the only source nor are areas outside of direct biblical command to be disregarded; rather, these areas of biblical silence are to be prayerfully considered by the community of ethical Christians.
Historicity of Abortion
From a basic knowledge of history, we know that fertility and childbearing have been feared, revered, worshiped, prized, used for political gain or manipulation, and necessary for the perpetuation of the species. Playing such an important role in the development of the species, it is easy to understand why humans (and especially women) early on realized their need for self-determination in reproduction. The first reference to induced abortion comes from an Egyptian papyrus.[1] The practice of abortion dates as early as the 5th century. There is record that the Stoics, considering the fetus to be plant-like and not an animal until it breathed air, performed even late-term abortions.[2] Chinese folklore claims that the Emperor Shennong prescribed the use of mercury for abortions.[3] The Hippocratic Oath forbids vaginal suppositories (because they caused ulcers) and does not [4]prohibit abortion. Many crude methods were used to induce abortion, most of which were dangerous and even life-threatening for the woman. These included strenuous labor, fasting, heat or excessive pressure to the abdomen (“massage abortion”), insertion of sharp objects into the body, and various herbs. It is clear that the motivation that precipitates the decision to abort is not modern, nor is the act of abortion itself.
As mankind evolved in their thinking and began to consider the metaphysical components to humanity, the morality of controlling reproduction became relevant. As the church played the dominant role in education, it is natural that the church leaders became the primary voices of ethics and morality in society. The ancient church debated abortion on the grounds of the timing of ensoulment, or when a fetus received its soul. Augustine, for example, opposed abortion after the fetus had received a soul: 40 days for males and 90 days for females.[5] Other esteemed theologians of this and previous ages, including Tertullian and Origen, also opposed abortion on the basis of ensoulment. Unfortunately, these theologians also considered women, menstruation, and even the act of giving birth to be inherently evil. Tertullian even referred to women as the “gateway of the devil.”[6] While ensoulment or the timing of a fetus’s life and rights still remain central in the discussion of abortion, the obvious differences in the understanding of women both in the church and society require a cautious approach to these opinions of antiquity.
That being said, the larger body of church leaders have digressed very little from this opinion of the morality of abortion. The important distinction is that because of their understanding of women, the writers of antiquity aforementioned are not a good source for this discussion. The basis from which church leaders discuss the issue of abortion in the current era has shifted, and rightly so.
Fast forwarding to this century in this country, our most relevant vantage point, abortion has never ceased to be practiced regularly. In the late 19th century, abortion began to be increasingly criminalized, driving its practice underground. Into the early 20th century, abortion was a dangerous practice. For every 150,000 abortions performed annually in the US in the early 1990’s, one in six resulted in the woman’s death.[7] In 1973, Roe v. Wade thankfully put abortion back into the public sphere where women could choose this procedure in safe and hygienic environments.
Scripture’s Input and Silence
There are important qualifications to preface this discussion of scripture’s stance on abortion: the God of scripture is both loving and just and does not appear to prize individual human life the same way that modern society does (example: Joshua 7 and the punishment of Achan and his family); “an argument from silence” is not conclusive but it is a starting point for knowing whether an issue is morally mandated or neutral (example: there are no scripture verses on dating and yet Christians have formulated theories and methods for dating biblically); there is a hierarchy of virtues in scripture and where apparent inconsistencies exist, theologians are never shy to allow one precept to override another (example: Paul’s grace versus James’ faith). The most important qualification is that scripture neither encourages nor prohibits abortion.
Remote references to abortion in scripture are scant at best. One that is often referenced is Numbers 5:12-28. The scenario is an unfaithful wife who may become impregnated with another man’s child. The woman is brought by her husband before the priest, who pours on her “the water of bitterness.” This is meant to reveal whether or not the woman has become pregnant. If she has, the result will be that her “abdomen will swell and… thigh will waste away” (v. 22). The translation and apparent implication is that the child will not be born. This abortion would apparently be caused by the priest’s water and, ultimately, by God. There are some hermeneutical challenges with this interpretation but it may be an abortion reference in the Old Testament.
Scripture discusses birth, death, life, creation, pregnancy and pre-natal formation of the body; while abortion was apparently practiced in biblical times, scripture makes no statement concerning its ethicality for the church. This is perhaps the most convincing argument for the legality and practice of abortion. Every other sin and specific guideline for life was given to us in scripture, either ratified or reiterated by Jesus in the New Testament. We ought not add to nor subtract from the Word of God (Prov. 30:6; Rev. 22:18). Neither should we listen to those who provide stricter prohibitions for life than scripture itself (Col. 2:21).
All of that said, it must be remembered that God loves people and has created each one in his image. No Christian who aborts a fetus or allows that women deserve that right thinks otherwise. Scripture, while being pro-choice, does not encourage murder and that distinction is one that anti-abortion radicals don’t recognize – God prohibits murder (Hosea 13:16; Num. 31). Those anti-abortionists who destroy love and even life (through criminal acts against abortion doctors, etc.) are themselves the ones unraveling the reputation of godly persons seeking to build the kingdom.
The Life Debate
Those who morally or politically oppose the legalization and practice of abortion have labeled themselves “pro-life.” They consider themselves to be the defenders of unborn babies. This argument is based on the idea that there is a moment when a fetus becomes human in the fullest sense, both with spiritual dimensions and political rights. Those who oppose abortion run a spectrum of opinions within this basic framework, debating amongst themselves when life begins. The most extreme view pinpoints life at conception, the moment when the only physical reality indicating a foreign object in the uterus is a sperm. Other views, such as the historical ones previously reviewed, define life at a certain gestational term – usually four months. After this, they claim, the fetus is sensitive and formed enough (which seems to simply mean that, to the ultrasonically enhanced eye, it looks like a baby). There is also a continuum amongst those who allow for abortion. Some only allow for it during the first trimester and some espouse the allowance of partial-birth abortion, when the birthing process is already underway.
My broad objection to this debate is its internal dissent as well as its obsession with the physical minutiae of the process of procreation. Most Christians and self-proclaimed pro-lifers would allow for the use of contraception in a variety of forms. At what point does the prevention of impregnation differ from the termination of impregnation? It seems arbitrary at best.
Life, according to scriptural definition, is the pneuma, the spirit, or the breath. The first human is described as coming to life in Genesis 2:7: “Then the LORD God formed man of dust from the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being.”[8] Admittedly, Adam was uniquely formed, apart from sexual union, by God. The first man born from man and woman was Cain: “Now the man had relations with his wife Eve, and she conceived and gave birth to Cain, and she said, ‘I have gotten a manchild with the help of the LORD.[9]’” There is no definitive statement here regarding the breath of life. However, it would seem that the precedent has been set that to be human one must somehow be animated or set into living motion, in Adam’s case by God and subsequently through the breath of life upon birth. One of the oldest books in the Old Testament is Job. Job describes his status of being alive (as opposed to being dead), “as long as I have life within me, the breath of God in my nostrils….” Job was alive, in his self-description, because of the breath of God. A New Testament reference to this “breath” being something necessary to be truly alive is found in James 2:26, “For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.”[10] To live is to breathe; to die is to breathe your last breath.
Cultural Dynamics
Unfortunately, this debate has escalated beyond a pursuit of truth and become twisted into something manipulative and often cruel. While the motivation is unclear, those who deem themselves “pro-life” employ emotionally-charged verbiage, grotesque descriptions, and weepy personal testimonies to provide a social shame for anyone who would think otherwise. This is a very politically-toned argument from both sides. “Pro-life” movements have been riddled with arson, bombings, vandalism, harassment, torture, threats, and even murder. This is not an exaggeration. In her book, Targets of Hatred, Patricia Baird-Windle highlights many of these acts. It is truly horrific to consider the atrocities that have been suffered by reproductive health-care professionals at the hands of those who claim to be evangelicals or pro-life.
Public Health – medical and social considerations
The medical risks of abortion are few. Abortion can either be done surgically or with a pill (RU-486 FDA approved in 2000) with the same amount of risk for either procedure.[11] There are occasions when a woman or fetus cannot both survive the gestational period. When a fetus will not survive, it is the only humane choice to abort. If a choice has to be made where either the woman or the fetus will survive the process, obviously the woman has rights as a human to make that decision.
There are some psychological elements to this procedure that must be addressed. Many of the psychological stressors originate from radical anti-abortion groups and their virile language regarding abortion. It causes women unnecessary guilt for making what is often a wise life-decision. This must be fought. To prey on the emotions of women in a fragile state of decision-making is truly sinister. To combat this, all abortion clinics and gynecologists, etc., who perform abortions provide counseling both before and after the procedure. As stewards of the earth and our bodies, God has given us means and reason to make good decisions and sometimes abortion is the decision of good stewardship.
The positive effect of the pro-choice movement
The aforementioned counseling offered by clinics which offer abortions is only a fraction of the influence that these clinics have in their respective communities across the world. One of the best-known organizations that promote sexual health is Planned Parenthood, which has been active in the US for 90 years. Other than just abortions, most Planned Parenthood locations offer sexual health counseling on STD’s, birth control, emergency contraception, health care reform, sexual education, HIV & AIDS support, family planning, and pregnancy. Socially, they have been one of the first and only refuges for women in crisis pregnancy who want to pragmatically consider all of their options.
What many evangelicals forget, in their quest for church structures and male headship, is that the feminist movement was widely beneficial to American society. Without it, women would have few rights at all and would be severely limited. Jesus himself extended a great deal of acceptance and dignity to women, as did his followers. It would be remiss to not acknowledge the good that the feminists have contributed to our society and churches. Women should always feel empowered to make responsible decisions regarding our sexual health.
Summary
Theologically, philosophically, ethically, socially, and biblically the legitimacy of abortion as a woman’s rightful choice for her own reproduction is inescapable. Both historically and in modernity this has been an issue both in the church and society. With our current access to historical documentation, theological reflection, and scientific studies, we can be certain that we are without error when we allow that abortion is a legitimate option for women. There is no biblical mandate that is being usurped and so we cannot say that this option renders any woman guilty. Before the throne of grace women are allowed this self-determining, reproductive freedom.
Conclusion
A pure, unbiased ethic that is based on Scripture necessitates the conclusion that abortion is a personal, subjective issue that should not be regulated or prohibited by either church or state. The key passage that comes to mind regarding every opposition to this conclusion is Matthew 7:15 and 16, “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits.” The self-righteous, judgmental, violent tendencies of anti-abortionists speak volumes concerning their hearts. Every woman has not only the right but the responsibility to be a steward of her body and reproductive health. And with respect to my body and my God-given freedom, I will not allow a field of white crosses to make me feel differently.
[1] “Gynecology and Obstetrics” Potts and Campbell
[2] Oxford Classical Dictionary
[3] “Abortion” in Scientific American
[4] John Riddle
[5] Augustine, “The Case of Abortive Contraceptives” in Philip Schaff
[6] Tertullian, “De Cultu Feminarum” section 1.1, part 2, trans. C.W. Marx
[7]Streitmatter, “Voices of Revolution”
[8] NAS
[9] Genesis 4:1
[10] ESV
[11] Robert W. Rebar, MD
Ethics Essay Assignment: Abortion
Introduction
Few ethical issues in modernity incite the kind of enthusiastic support or rebuttal as abortion. To many, it is a hinge-pin issue that largely defines one’s political and religious affiliations. Unfortunately, in evangelical circles, it has often been a bandwagon that is thoughtlessly joined and created catastrophic results for the Christian witness in society. The grotesque and cruel displays and commentaries offered by many Christians - both leaders and laymen - have generated hostility and are more akin to a mob mentality that is anything but helpful. This issue deserves more thoughtful scrutiny, prayerful consideration, and social sensitivity.
Thesis
A pure, unbiased ethic that is based on Scripture necessitates the conclusion that abortion is a personal, subjective issue that should not be regulated or prohibited by either church or state. I will prove this in a number of ways: first, by distinguishing philosophical and theological ethical approaches as they generate guidelines for right and wrong thinking and decision-making; second, by glancing at the historical background of this practice in culture; third, through scriptural evidence regarding Christian liberty as well as scripture’s silence for a specific guideline or command regulating this practice; fourth, by a practical assessment of the motivations that drive radical anti-abortion groups and whether or not their arguments are legitimate; fifth, through cultural evidence that support of this practice is the preferable alternative. Abortion is an issue necessarily attached to many others: women’s reproductive self-determination, freewill, a definition of life, sexuality, rights, law, and many others. I will address these only as they are relevant in support of my thesis.
Approaches to ethics
While evangelical Christian theology has evolved into a helpful and informative discipline, its proponents have often blurred the line between it and other academic disciplines. Because theology deals with the most important issues in human life, it is often mistakenly set up as an authority for all subjects, as though from theology one can discover all truth on all topics. This is incorrect because scripture itself – the primary source of evangelical theology - does not claim to be a universal authority in subjects such as science or world history. While scripture generally prescribes right human behavior, the structure and terminology for ethical discussions lie in the field of philosophy.
Philosophy is a much broader field which certainly generates theological discussions but is not limited to the topic of God. Classically, historical persons such as Plato, Aristotle, and Socrates forged a new way of considering and communicating the many dynamics of both physical and spiritual realities. Their initial statements spawned philosophical considerations in wide variety, not the least of which was the study of ethics. Arguably, ethics was one of the first and most popularly debated facets of philosophy. The Greeks engaged in moral philosophy, the main ethical category being virtue or right living. The sophists continued the traditions of philosophical thought and began to resemble professional teachers, not the least of their topics being virtue and ethics.
The basis of philosophical practice is dialogue. Most early philosophical writing was a transcript of a debate or discussion between two or more persons. This dynamism and exchange seems to be the most biblical method for establishing corporate and personal ethics. The Christian approaches ethics as a structure to be assimilated through biblically correct thinking into right living. This is done in the context of community. It would stand to reason, then, that the entire community – rather than just an isolated body of expert theologians – is involved in establishing the boundaries of Christian ethics. As such, a philosophical approach to ethics is the one that ought to be pursued by Christian communities. While scripture is the primary source informing this ethic, it is not the only source nor are areas outside of direct biblical command to be disregarded; rather, these areas of biblical silence are to be prayerfully considered by the community of ethical Christians.
Historicity of Abortion
From a basic knowledge of history, we know that fertility and childbearing have been feared, revered, worshiped, prized, used for political gain or manipulation, and necessary for the perpetuation of the species. Playing such an important role in the development of the species, it is easy to understand why humans (and especially women) early on realized their need for self-determination in reproduction. The first reference to induced abortion comes from an Egyptian papyrus.[1] The practice of abortion dates as early as the 5th century. There is record that the Stoics, considering the fetus to be plant-like and not an animal until it breathed air, performed even late-term abortions.[2] Chinese folklore claims that the Emperor Shennong prescribed the use of mercury for abortions.[3] The Hippocratic Oath forbids vaginal suppositories (because they caused ulcers) and does not [4]prohibit abortion. Many crude methods were used to induce abortion, most of which were dangerous and even life-threatening for the woman. These included strenuous labor, fasting, heat or excessive pressure to the abdomen (“massage abortion”), insertion of sharp objects into the body, and various herbs. It is clear that the motivation that precipitates the decision to abort is not modern, nor is the act of abortion itself.
As mankind evolved in their thinking and began to consider the metaphysical components to humanity, the morality of controlling reproduction became relevant. As the church played the dominant role in education, it is natural that the church leaders became the primary voices of ethics and morality in society. The ancient church debated abortion on the grounds of the timing of ensoulment, or when a fetus received its soul. Augustine, for example, opposed abortion after the fetus had received a soul: 40 days for males and 90 days for females.[5] Other esteemed theologians of this and previous ages, including Tertullian and Origen, also opposed abortion on the basis of ensoulment. Unfortunately, these theologians also considered women, menstruation, and even the act of giving birth to be inherently evil. Tertullian even referred to women as the “gateway of the devil.”[6] While ensoulment or the timing of a fetus’s life and rights still remain central in the discussion of abortion, the obvious differences in the understanding of women both in the church and society require a cautious approach to these opinions of antiquity.
That being said, the larger body of church leaders have digressed very little from this opinion of the morality of abortion. The important distinction is that because of their understanding of women, the writers of antiquity aforementioned are not a good source for this discussion. The basis from which church leaders discuss the issue of abortion in the current era has shifted, and rightly so.
Fast forwarding to this century in this country, our most relevant vantage point, abortion has never ceased to be practiced regularly. In the late 19th century, abortion began to be increasingly criminalized, driving its practice underground. Into the early 20th century, abortion was a dangerous practice. For every 150,000 abortions performed annually in the US in the early 1990’s, one in six resulted in the woman’s death.[7] In 1973, Roe v. Wade thankfully put abortion back into the public sphere where women could choose this procedure in safe and hygienic environments.
Scripture’s Input and Silence
There are important qualifications to preface this discussion of scripture’s stance on abortion: the God of scripture is both loving and just and does not appear to prize individual human life the same way that modern society does (example: Joshua 7 and the punishment of Achan and his family); “an argument from silence” is not conclusive but it is a starting point for knowing whether an issue is morally mandated or neutral (example: there are no scripture verses on dating and yet Christians have formulated theories and methods for dating biblically); there is a hierarchy of virtues in scripture and where apparent inconsistencies exist, theologians are never shy to allow one precept to override another (example: Paul’s grace versus James’ faith). The most important qualification is that scripture neither encourages nor prohibits abortion.
Remote references to abortion in scripture are scant at best. One that is often referenced is Numbers 5:12-28. The scenario is an unfaithful wife who may become impregnated with another man’s child. The woman is brought by her husband before the priest, who pours on her “the water of bitterness.” This is meant to reveal whether or not the woman has become pregnant. If she has, the result will be that her “abdomen will swell and… thigh will waste away” (v. 22). The translation and apparent implication is that the child will not be born. This abortion would apparently be caused by the priest’s water and, ultimately, by God. There are some hermeneutical challenges with this interpretation but it may be an abortion reference in the Old Testament.
Scripture discusses birth, death, life, creation, pregnancy and pre-natal formation of the body; while abortion was apparently practiced in biblical times, scripture makes no statement concerning its ethicality for the church. This is perhaps the most convincing argument for the legality and practice of abortion. Every other sin and specific guideline for life was given to us in scripture, either ratified or reiterated by Jesus in the New Testament. We ought not add to nor subtract from the Word of God (Prov. 30:6; Rev. 22:18). Neither should we listen to those who provide stricter prohibitions for life than scripture itself (Col. 2:21).
All of that said, it must be remembered that God loves people and has created each one in his image. No Christian who aborts a fetus or allows that women deserve that right thinks otherwise. Scripture, while being pro-choice, does not encourage murder and that distinction is one that anti-abortion radicals don’t recognize – God prohibits murder (Hosea 13:16; Num. 31). Those anti-abortionists who destroy love and even life (through criminal acts against abortion doctors, etc.) are themselves the ones unraveling the reputation of godly persons seeking to build the kingdom.
The Life Debate
Those who morally or politically oppose the legalization and practice of abortion have labeled themselves “pro-life.” They consider themselves to be the defenders of unborn babies. This argument is based on the idea that there is a moment when a fetus becomes human in the fullest sense, both with spiritual dimensions and political rights. Those who oppose abortion run a spectrum of opinions within this basic framework, debating amongst themselves when life begins. The most extreme view pinpoints life at conception, the moment when the only physical reality indicating a foreign object in the uterus is a sperm. Other views, such as the historical ones previously reviewed, define life at a certain gestational term – usually four months. After this, they claim, the fetus is sensitive and formed enough (which seems to simply mean that, to the ultrasonically enhanced eye, it looks like a baby). There is also a continuum amongst those who allow for abortion. Some only allow for it during the first trimester and some espouse the allowance of partial-birth abortion, when the birthing process is already underway.
My broad objection to this debate is its internal dissent as well as its obsession with the physical minutiae of the process of procreation. Most Christians and self-proclaimed pro-lifers would allow for the use of contraception in a variety of forms. At what point does the prevention of impregnation differ from the termination of impregnation? It seems arbitrary at best.
Life, according to scriptural definition, is the pneuma, the spirit, or the breath. The first human is described as coming to life in Genesis 2:7: “Then the LORD God formed man of dust from the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being.”[8] Admittedly, Adam was uniquely formed, apart from sexual union, by God. The first man born from man and woman was Cain: “Now the man had relations with his wife Eve, and she conceived and gave birth to Cain, and she said, ‘I have gotten a manchild with the help of the LORD.[9]’” There is no definitive statement here regarding the breath of life. However, it would seem that the precedent has been set that to be human one must somehow be animated or set into living motion, in Adam’s case by God and subsequently through the breath of life upon birth. One of the oldest books in the Old Testament is Job. Job describes his status of being alive (as opposed to being dead), “as long as I have life within me, the breath of God in my nostrils….” Job was alive, in his self-description, because of the breath of God. A New Testament reference to this “breath” being something necessary to be truly alive is found in James 2:26, “For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.”[10] To live is to breathe; to die is to breathe your last breath.
Cultural Dynamics
Unfortunately, this debate has escalated beyond a pursuit of truth and become twisted into something manipulative and often cruel. While the motivation is unclear, those who deem themselves “pro-life” employ emotionally-charged verbiage, grotesque descriptions, and weepy personal testimonies to provide a social shame for anyone who would think otherwise. This is a very politically-toned argument from both sides. “Pro-life” movements have been riddled with arson, bombings, vandalism, harassment, torture, threats, and even murder. This is not an exaggeration. In her book, Targets of Hatred, Patricia Baird-Windle highlights many of these acts. It is truly horrific to consider the atrocities that have been suffered by reproductive health-care professionals at the hands of those who claim to be evangelicals or pro-life.
Public Health – medical and social considerations
The medical risks of abortion are few. Abortion can either be done surgically or with a pill (RU-486 FDA approved in 2000) with the same amount of risk for either procedure.[11] There are occasions when a woman or fetus cannot both survive the gestational period. When a fetus will not survive, it is the only humane choice to abort. If a choice has to be made where either the woman or the fetus will survive the process, obviously the woman has rights as a human to make that decision.
There are some psychological elements to this procedure that must be addressed. Many of the psychological stressors originate from radical anti-abortion groups and their virile language regarding abortion. It causes women unnecessary guilt for making what is often a wise life-decision. This must be fought. To prey on the emotions of women in a fragile state of decision-making is truly sinister. To combat this, all abortion clinics and gynecologists, etc., who perform abortions provide counseling both before and after the procedure. As stewards of the earth and our bodies, God has given us means and reason to make good decisions and sometimes abortion is the decision of good stewardship.
The positive effect of the pro-choice movement
The aforementioned counseling offered by clinics which offer abortions is only a fraction of the influence that these clinics have in their respective communities across the world. One of the best-known organizations that promote sexual health is Planned Parenthood, which has been active in the US for 90 years. Other than just abortions, most Planned Parenthood locations offer sexual health counseling on STD’s, birth control, emergency contraception, health care reform, sexual education, HIV & AIDS support, family planning, and pregnancy. Socially, they have been one of the first and only refuges for women in crisis pregnancy who want to pragmatically consider all of their options.
What many evangelicals forget, in their quest for church structures and male headship, is that the feminist movement was widely beneficial to American society. Without it, women would have few rights at all and would be severely limited. Jesus himself extended a great deal of acceptance and dignity to women, as did his followers. It would be remiss to not acknowledge the good that the feminists have contributed to our society and churches. Women should always feel empowered to make responsible decisions regarding our sexual health.
Summary
Theologically, philosophically, ethically, socially, and biblically the legitimacy of abortion as a woman’s rightful choice for her own reproduction is inescapable. Both historically and in modernity this has been an issue both in the church and society. With our current access to historical documentation, theological reflection, and scientific studies, we can be certain that we are without error when we allow that abortion is a legitimate option for women. There is no biblical mandate that is being usurped and so we cannot say that this option renders any woman guilty. Before the throne of grace women are allowed this self-determining, reproductive freedom.
Conclusion
A pure, unbiased ethic that is based on Scripture necessitates the conclusion that abortion is a personal, subjective issue that should not be regulated or prohibited by either church or state. The key passage that comes to mind regarding every opposition to this conclusion is Matthew 7:15 and 16, “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits.” The self-righteous, judgmental, violent tendencies of anti-abortionists speak volumes concerning their hearts. Every woman has not only the right but the responsibility to be a steward of her body and reproductive health. And with respect to my body and my God-given freedom, I will not allow a field of white crosses to make me feel differently.
[1] “Gynecology and Obstetrics” Potts and Campbell
[2] Oxford Classical Dictionary
[3] “Abortion” in Scientific American
[4] John Riddle
[5] Augustine, “The Case of Abortive Contraceptives” in Philip Schaff
[6] Tertullian, “De Cultu Feminarum” section 1.1, part 2, trans. C.W. Marx
[7]Streitmatter, “Voices of Revolution”
[8] NAS
[9] Genesis 4:1
[10] ESV
[11] Robert W. Rebar, MD
Feb 16, 2009
Soy cansada
I’m tired of being cynical. It takes so much energy to hate this place, to pick out (however legitimately) the wildly unethical or inappropriate goings-on of Southern. I’m tired of taking it personally… people’s issues and sins. I’m tired of the hubris that drives me to see the sexism here directed at me rather than a general sin driven by issues like fear and insecurity. I’m tired of feeling bored or annoyed by my classes. I feel like I’ve fought for years now for truth and a pure pursuit of truth, attempting to convince others and even myself that the nature of Christianity is constant flux (growth, change and revelation). The reality is, I have no one’s ear. I just long to be passive: I long to be an impartial, unemotional observer.
I obviously have very strong objections to both the style and content of Christianity here at the seminary.
So, for hopefully the last time for a long time, I will complain… and then I will shut up.
What I’m sick of externally (outside myself)
-The tired things I keep hearing: marriage as a metaphor; dispensationalism – the word, the concept, etc; complimentarianism – “; unreasoned/oversimplified absolutism; insensitive or disparaging jokes about charismatics or catholics; irrational loyalty to Israelis; the unnecessary and random insertion of Greek words into everyday conversation; the long and unpronounceable names of German or Dutch theologians; southern accents; the “us v. them” of “lost v. saved”; villainizing fallen Christian; hierarchical structure: the popularity (hero-worship) of Dr. Moeller; racist comments (both overt and covert); abortion as the primary ethical dilemma in our culture (it’s not); the assumption that “we’re all on the same page” (we all know what assuming does)
-The tired questions I keep asking: if you have taught the same class for years, why would you ever stumble over your words/not know what to say or how to illustrate a point?; is extreme complimentarianism just about job security for men?; how can we live in this culture and know nothing about it?; where are all of these awesome churches with tight-knit communities that people go to? (as an aside, I love my church); how can you honestly think that any overweight man in a suit doing or saying anything at all is “cutting edge ministry”?; What happened to self-awareness?;
-The things I hate to keep seeing: men in suits; “poor” seminary students with iPhones; men who are proud (prideful) of their knowledge; men who argue to win.
There is a guy next to me in class trading stock, another on facebook… is this the training ground for ministry? Will we be launched from here into prosperous, meaningful ministry, well-equipped for the trials of lifelong mission?
My tone clearly uncovers my personal opinion. But I genuinely do wonder if people really buy-in to this place or if we merely stop our ears, shut out eyes and get through it. Is this a necessary evil to these people? Or is it just a place to show off our shared knowledge? Or is it a remaining safe place – a place to study in a vacuum, escape from the difficult things like relationships and hurting people?
The truth is – and I do know this – I will not be happy with this place. I will never find a place like this to be happy with. This is no longer my world or my desire. This is a means to an end. And so I will probably be here for another 3 years. And I have to stop hating it and just deal.
My one remaining question is: will I leave this place unscathed?
Chris and I have decided so steal the “Jesus fishes” off of everyone’s car, melt them down and make a statue of Dr. Moeller. Not that the seminary needs more sacred cows.
I’m done. I will zip my lips and extract every bit of God I can find from this place, treasure Him in my heart, and remember Africa.
I obviously have very strong objections to both the style and content of Christianity here at the seminary.
So, for hopefully the last time for a long time, I will complain… and then I will shut up.
What I’m sick of externally (outside myself)
-The tired things I keep hearing: marriage as a metaphor; dispensationalism – the word, the concept, etc; complimentarianism – “; unreasoned/oversimplified absolutism; insensitive or disparaging jokes about charismatics or catholics; irrational loyalty to Israelis; the unnecessary and random insertion of Greek words into everyday conversation; the long and unpronounceable names of German or Dutch theologians; southern accents; the “us v. them” of “lost v. saved”; villainizing fallen Christian; hierarchical structure: the popularity (hero-worship) of Dr. Moeller; racist comments (both overt and covert); abortion as the primary ethical dilemma in our culture (it’s not); the assumption that “we’re all on the same page” (we all know what assuming does)
-The tired questions I keep asking: if you have taught the same class for years, why would you ever stumble over your words/not know what to say or how to illustrate a point?; is extreme complimentarianism just about job security for men?; how can we live in this culture and know nothing about it?; where are all of these awesome churches with tight-knit communities that people go to? (as an aside, I love my church); how can you honestly think that any overweight man in a suit doing or saying anything at all is “cutting edge ministry”?; What happened to self-awareness?;
-The things I hate to keep seeing: men in suits; “poor” seminary students with iPhones; men who are proud (prideful) of their knowledge; men who argue to win.
There is a guy next to me in class trading stock, another on facebook… is this the training ground for ministry? Will we be launched from here into prosperous, meaningful ministry, well-equipped for the trials of lifelong mission?
My tone clearly uncovers my personal opinion. But I genuinely do wonder if people really buy-in to this place or if we merely stop our ears, shut out eyes and get through it. Is this a necessary evil to these people? Or is it just a place to show off our shared knowledge? Or is it a remaining safe place – a place to study in a vacuum, escape from the difficult things like relationships and hurting people?
The truth is – and I do know this – I will not be happy with this place. I will never find a place like this to be happy with. This is no longer my world or my desire. This is a means to an end. And so I will probably be here for another 3 years. And I have to stop hating it and just deal.
My one remaining question is: will I leave this place unscathed?
Chris and I have decided so steal the “Jesus fishes” off of everyone’s car, melt them down and make a statue of Dr. Moeller. Not that the seminary needs more sacred cows.
I’m done. I will zip my lips and extract every bit of God I can find from this place, treasure Him in my heart, and remember Africa.
Jan 2, 2009
A JOYful Youell CHRIStmas!
Happy Youell C-mas!
Game night!
I can't believe that Dad picked the scent that I've been wanting! 
My box from the fam! :_)
Thanks "Nathan"! My new Vera Wang purse!!!
Christmas pic
5:15 am - Santa came!
Some of Chris's presents from his stocking
Some of the loot - my Marilyn Monroe movies and my Guess bag
Our yummy, traditional Christmas dinner.
Our first turkey together
My beautiful Christmas flowers.
Game night!
I can't believe that Dad picked the scent that I've been wanting! 
My box from the fam! :_)
Thanks "Nathan"! My new Vera Wang purse!!!
Christmas pic
5:15 am - Santa came!
Some of Chris's presents from his stocking
Some of the loot - my Marilyn Monroe movies and my Guess bag
Our yummy, traditional Christmas dinner.
Our first turkey together
My beautiful Christmas flowers.
My new necklace from Dad!
Thanks for all of the lovely presents!
Dec 15, 2008
Thanksgiving Pics
Some pics of our Thanksgiving celebration with the MacPhales and Youells in West Virginia. Fun times!
Joy and Chris with Granny
The younger Youells
With Jeff and Rita
Joy and Chris outside by the fire with Papaw
Mamaw
Papaw - the self-proclaimed lord of the manor
Dec 14, 2008
Recipes.6 Crab Chowder
This is to die for and much less fattening than traditional chowder (although it still should be eaten in moderation)
Crab Chowder
3 cloves of garlic
1 med. size yellow onion
1 tsp. chives
1 tsp. capers
2 tsp. salt
2 tsp. black pepper
1 T. of white vinegar
1 can of chicken broth
2 strips of bacon
2 cups of crab meat (or imitation crab meat)
1/4 cup of buttermilk
2 cups of half and half
Putting it together:
Start out with the first set of ingredients in a med-heat pot, until the onions are soft (the key to this step is the vinegar, to make it briny and the chicken broth, to cut the fat).
Once this is compiled, i usually put in my cornbread.
(Cornbread: 1 beaten egg, 1/4 cup butter or crisco, 1 & 3/4 cup buttermilk, 2 cups of cornmeal in greased breadpan on 450 for 25 min.)
Then, fry up minced bacon... roughly chop crabmeat, slowly add dairy to the soup mixture.
The most important key to the cooking process: do not scald the milk... heat at low-med. heat for 30-40 min. until heated through.
Serve up with cornbread.
Crab Chowder
3 cloves of garlic
1 med. size yellow onion
1 tsp. chives
1 tsp. capers
2 tsp. salt
2 tsp. black pepper
1 T. of white vinegar
1 can of chicken broth
2 strips of bacon
2 cups of crab meat (or imitation crab meat)
1/4 cup of buttermilk
2 cups of half and half
Putting it together:
Start out with the first set of ingredients in a med-heat pot, until the onions are soft (the key to this step is the vinegar, to make it briny and the chicken broth, to cut the fat).
Once this is compiled, i usually put in my cornbread.
(Cornbread: 1 beaten egg, 1/4 cup butter or crisco, 1 & 3/4 cup buttermilk, 2 cups of cornmeal in greased breadpan on 450 for 25 min.)
Then, fry up minced bacon... roughly chop crabmeat, slowly add dairy to the soup mixture.
The most important key to the cooking process: do not scald the milk... heat at low-med. heat for 30-40 min. until heated through.
Serve up with cornbread.
It must work because I got a great date night out of it!
Nov 30, 2008
Making Cookies! + Recipes.5
COOKIES!
After a wonderful day of errands and time together, we put Horton Hears a Who! and then Speed Racer on and did some serious cookie-making. :)
All of the cookies were made after mixing the initial dough =
Basic cookie dough:
2 1/2 cups self-rising white flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
(mix dry ingredients)
3/4 cup white sugar
3/4 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
1 1/2 sticks of butter
1/2 cup Crisco
1 tsp. vanilla
1/4 cup Condensed milk
(I know, it's not healthy... but it's Christmas!) :)
The two super-basic recipes (the sugar cookies for decorating) are regular and chocolate. The regular just gets a tsp. of cinnamon and nutmeg with the dry ingredients. The chocolate gets 1/2 cup of cocoa in the wet ingredients. Yum. We cut the regular as Christmas trees and the chocolate as stars and decorated them!
(I made my own icing out of confectioner's sugar, melted butter, and food coloring)
#2: Peppermint Cookies
Basic sugar cookie recipe but with 2 1/2 tsp. of Peppermint extract in the wet ingredients and 2 cups of crushed Starlite mints (the red and white, round hard candies) in the dry ingredients. The melt beautifully and become a gooey, peppermint cookie. Sooooooo delish
#3: Reese's Pieces PB Cookies
Basic recipe gets 1 cup of peanut butter in the wet ingredients and 2 1/2 cups of Reese's pieces in the dry! Chris can't have chocolate so these are a good M&M cookie or even chocolate chip cookie alternative.
Nov 20, 2008
Recipes.4
A little za. It's Chris's favorite food in the world so I try to give him a treat every so often. ;)
Spicy Thai Pizza
The absolute best sauce in the world is: Kikkoman's Thai Style Chili Sauce. You may not have to go to an Asian grocer to get it... it's in our Asian section of the regular grocery store. They key is not skimping out on the dough prep. As long as you're in and out of the house enough to keep an eye on your rising, it shouldn't be too big a deal.
1st: dough. Here's my tip for dough: if you're gonna make it, make a lot. You can fridge it or freeze it or make breadsticks... it's so affordable and you may not always be in the mood to make it, so have it ready.
5 cups of flour
2 packets of quick yeast
2 teaspoons of salt
2 T of oil
2 cups of warm water
Melt the salt and yeast in the warm water for a couple of min.s
Knead it all up.
Let it to go through 2 rising cycles (35-45 min. each)
Knead it out and pull it.
2nd step: Sauce and cheese
Mince 4 garlic cloves and put them in oil, whisking with salt and pepper (you can use egg-white also, it's just more fattening)
1 cup of ricotta cheese
2 cups of mozerella cheese
Thai chili sauce
3rd step: Assemble and bake
Brush the whole round with the oil/garlic mix
Spread the ricotta with a spatula
Spread the chili sauce evenly
Top it with the mozerella, evenly
Cook on 400 for about 20 min.
Yum! Plums would probably be a good accompaniment.
Spicy Thai Pizza
The absolute best sauce in the world is: Kikkoman's Thai Style Chili Sauce. You may not have to go to an Asian grocer to get it... it's in our Asian section of the regular grocery store. They key is not skimping out on the dough prep. As long as you're in and out of the house enough to keep an eye on your rising, it shouldn't be too big a deal.
1st: dough. Here's my tip for dough: if you're gonna make it, make a lot. You can fridge it or freeze it or make breadsticks... it's so affordable and you may not always be in the mood to make it, so have it ready.
5 cups of flour
2 packets of quick yeast
2 teaspoons of salt
2 T of oil
2 cups of warm water
Melt the salt and yeast in the warm water for a couple of min.s
Knead it all up.
Let it to go through 2 rising cycles (35-45 min. each)
Knead it out and pull it.
2nd step: Sauce and cheese
Mince 4 garlic cloves and put them in oil, whisking with salt and pepper (you can use egg-white also, it's just more fattening)
1 cup of ricotta cheese
2 cups of mozerella cheese
Thai chili sauce
3rd step: Assemble and bake
Brush the whole round with the oil/garlic mix
Spread the ricotta with a spatula
Spread the chili sauce evenly
Top it with the mozerella, evenly
Cook on 400 for about 20 min.
Yum! Plums would probably be a good accompaniment.
Recipes.3
I'm behind! I've made a few good dishes in the last little bit. This one was for when we had Kendall and Luke over! Fun times! :)
Fried Chinese Dumplings and Asian-Style Stuffing
Those are the two main components to this dish, so I'll detail them one at a time. Both recipes are a little bit labor-intensive but can be done over the course of a couple of days. - you can freeze the dough, refrigerate the filling, puree the beets, etc. in advance. Simplifies it.
Fried Chinese Dumplings
1st: the dough - just a basic flat-bread dough.
2 1/2 cups of white flour
1 stick of cold butter
1/2 cup of cold water
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cloves
You probably already know how to do this... just roll it out and punch out rounds with a cup - about 3". Now you can refrigerate this for a while. Just bring it back to room temp before you fry them up.
2nd: the filling - chicken-based
2 chicken breasts
2 cups chk stock
1 small white onion
2 stalks of celery
2 small potatoes
1 stalk of leek
3 cloves garlic, minced
About an inch of ginger, broken off, skin and minced
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. white pepper
Chop everything into similar sizes (so it cooks at the same rate)
Combine everything in a pot and boil softly until everything is tender. Put everything into a food processer and blend it until it's a rough puree. You can also refrigerate this for as long as you need to.
3rd: Assemble.
Take the round circle, scoop a small spoonful of filling into the center, fold over until the edges match. With a fork, mash the dough closed so you have a pretty half-moon with ripples on the edges.
You can also refrigerate and save these.
4th: Fry it up!
Heat about a quart of oil until it jumps when you toss a drop of water into it.
With a wire-netted spoon, lower the dumplings down and fry through. When they're light-brown, put them onto a paper towel to cool. When the rounds are done and your dumplings are cooked, they can be kept warm in an oven for quite a while.
Asian Style Stuffing
Buy a package of regular stuffing (the kind where you just add water and boom, you're set)
1 can of beets
1 frozen package of broccoli, thawed
1/2 can of coconut milk
1/2 cup of brown sugar
2 T of maple syrup
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. black pepper
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. clove
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1st step: prepare the stuffing normally. Steam the beets, roughly chopped, and broccoli in 1 cup of water with the brown sugar and seasonings. After the veggis are cooked through, blend them up in a food processer.
2nd: in a glass casserole dish, empty a first layer of stuffing with a spatula. Then, spread the pureed veggies on top. Finish with the coconut milk and syrup and put it into a 350 degree oven for 30 minutes.
This stuffing becomes a beautiful purple color and is super flavorful.
Last but not least: have dinner!
To plate: put 4 dumplings on a plate and spoon a T of Thai chili sauce on top; spoon the stuffing on the side.
I served this with a bowl of easy soup: chicken broth, green onions (the whole thing), garlic, salt and pepper.
Fried Chinese Dumplings and Asian-Style Stuffing
Those are the two main components to this dish, so I'll detail them one at a time. Both recipes are a little bit labor-intensive but can be done over the course of a couple of days. - you can freeze the dough, refrigerate the filling, puree the beets, etc. in advance. Simplifies it.
Fried Chinese Dumplings
1st: the dough - just a basic flat-bread dough.
2 1/2 cups of white flour
1 stick of cold butter
1/2 cup of cold water
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cloves
You probably already know how to do this... just roll it out and punch out rounds with a cup - about 3". Now you can refrigerate this for a while. Just bring it back to room temp before you fry them up.
2nd: the filling - chicken-based
2 chicken breasts
2 cups chk stock
1 small white onion
2 stalks of celery
2 small potatoes
1 stalk of leek
3 cloves garlic, minced
About an inch of ginger, broken off, skin and minced
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. white pepper
Chop everything into similar sizes (so it cooks at the same rate)
Combine everything in a pot and boil softly until everything is tender. Put everything into a food processer and blend it until it's a rough puree. You can also refrigerate this for as long as you need to.
3rd: Assemble.
Take the round circle, scoop a small spoonful of filling into the center, fold over until the edges match. With a fork, mash the dough closed so you have a pretty half-moon with ripples on the edges.
You can also refrigerate and save these.
4th: Fry it up!
Heat about a quart of oil until it jumps when you toss a drop of water into it.
With a wire-netted spoon, lower the dumplings down and fry through. When they're light-brown, put them onto a paper towel to cool. When the rounds are done and your dumplings are cooked, they can be kept warm in an oven for quite a while.
Asian Style Stuffing
Buy a package of regular stuffing (the kind where you just add water and boom, you're set)
1 can of beets
1 frozen package of broccoli, thawed
1/2 can of coconut milk
1/2 cup of brown sugar
2 T of maple syrup
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. black pepper
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. clove
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1st step: prepare the stuffing normally. Steam the beets, roughly chopped, and broccoli in 1 cup of water with the brown sugar and seasonings. After the veggis are cooked through, blend them up in a food processer.
2nd: in a glass casserole dish, empty a first layer of stuffing with a spatula. Then, spread the pureed veggies on top. Finish with the coconut milk and syrup and put it into a 350 degree oven for 30 minutes.
This stuffing becomes a beautiful purple color and is super flavorful.
Last but not least: have dinner!
To plate: put 4 dumplings on a plate and spoon a T of Thai chili sauce on top; spoon the stuffing on the side.
I served this with a bowl of easy soup: chicken broth, green onions (the whole thing), garlic, salt and pepper.
Nov 10, 2008
Recipes.2
Shepherd's Pie and Soup for Dinner
We had this the other night and it is one of the cheapest meals! It's pretty easy to make and I add a good twist to it (ricotta cheese). The soup is NOT labor intensive so don't be scared about the blending portion - it literally only takes a second.
Also, I make these kinds of meals (the pie) in glass casserole dishes and save them for the week to heat up as leftovers. It's cheaper per portion to make more at one go.
Enjoy!
(For dinner at 7)
Shepherd's Pie
1 lb. ground beef (don't sub. turkey - it changes the whole flavor)
6 brown potatoes
1 clove of garlic
8 oz. ricotta cheese
2 egg whites
3 T butter or margarine
1 t each of oregano, basil, and thyme (or an Italian Mix)
1 t each of salt and white pepper (you don't want the black flecks)
5:00pm - fill a pot with water, roughly chop your potatoes, leaving the skins on, and drop them in. Keep at a low boil until they're soft.
5:30 - drain the potatoes and immediately mash in a bowl, with butter, salt, pepper, minced garlic, egg whites, and ricotta cheese. Set aside (the more they cool the firmer they'll be when you assemble the dish for baking)
5:45 - brown the ground beef in a frying pan (with a little oil) and season halfway through with the oregano, basil, and thyme (don't add this too early or it will burn).
6:00 - assemble the pie: spread an even layer of beef and top it with an even layer of the potatoes. Put it in the oven at 425 for about 45 min.
Onion and Leek Soup
4 cloves of garlic
6 stalks of leek
1 big yellow onion (the white ones are too spicy)
16 oz. chicken stock
1 t. each of salt and white pepper
This is the most flavorful soup ever! And there aren't a ton of ingredients. In case you don't know, leeks are in the onion family... they look like celery with white stalks and dark green leaves up top.
6:00 - after you put the pie in, start the soup. Put the chicken stock on medium heat. Chop the stalks of the leek, putting the tops aside (you can use them for another dish - but be careful because they're bitter). Chop the onion. Chop the garlic. Dump it all in the pot and let it boil until everything is soft.
6:30 - All of the ingredients should have cooked through. Next, dump the whole mixture into a blender and blend it through until it's a puree. Put it back into the pot and let it simmer until it's time to serve.
(If you want to, you can ladle a spoonful of the soup onto the top of the pie in the oven - it will crust nicely)
7:00 - Eat! When we had this meal, I served it with broccoli and bread for the soup.
We had this the other night and it is one of the cheapest meals! It's pretty easy to make and I add a good twist to it (ricotta cheese). The soup is NOT labor intensive so don't be scared about the blending portion - it literally only takes a second.
Also, I make these kinds of meals (the pie) in glass casserole dishes and save them for the week to heat up as leftovers. It's cheaper per portion to make more at one go.
Enjoy!
(For dinner at 7)
Shepherd's Pie
1 lb. ground beef (don't sub. turkey - it changes the whole flavor)
6 brown potatoes
1 clove of garlic
8 oz. ricotta cheese
2 egg whites
3 T butter or margarine
1 t each of oregano, basil, and thyme (or an Italian Mix)
1 t each of salt and white pepper (you don't want the black flecks)
5:00pm - fill a pot with water, roughly chop your potatoes, leaving the skins on, and drop them in. Keep at a low boil until they're soft.
5:30 - drain the potatoes and immediately mash in a bowl, with butter, salt, pepper, minced garlic, egg whites, and ricotta cheese. Set aside (the more they cool the firmer they'll be when you assemble the dish for baking)
5:45 - brown the ground beef in a frying pan (with a little oil) and season halfway through with the oregano, basil, and thyme (don't add this too early or it will burn).
6:00 - assemble the pie: spread an even layer of beef and top it with an even layer of the potatoes. Put it in the oven at 425 for about 45 min.
Onion and Leek Soup
4 cloves of garlic
6 stalks of leek
1 big yellow onion (the white ones are too spicy)
16 oz. chicken stock
1 t. each of salt and white pepper
This is the most flavorful soup ever! And there aren't a ton of ingredients. In case you don't know, leeks are in the onion family... they look like celery with white stalks and dark green leaves up top.
6:00 - after you put the pie in, start the soup. Put the chicken stock on medium heat. Chop the stalks of the leek, putting the tops aside (you can use them for another dish - but be careful because they're bitter). Chop the onion. Chop the garlic. Dump it all in the pot and let it boil until everything is soft.
6:30 - All of the ingredients should have cooked through. Next, dump the whole mixture into a blender and blend it through until it's a puree. Put it back into the pot and let it simmer until it's time to serve.
(If you want to, you can ladle a spoonful of the soup onto the top of the pie in the oven - it will crust nicely)
7:00 - Eat! When we had this meal, I served it with broccoli and bread for the soup.
Nov 9, 2008
Recipes.1
I've wanted to post recipes for a while. I don't follow recipes but I do make them up and it may be my husband's graciousness, but I think that they are at least edible. Cooking is something very personable and every woman - however feminist - should at least have a few dishes under her belt... so...
If you want to eat dinner by 7pm, follow these simple instructions:
Salmon for Dinner
1 lb. of fresh salmon
4 T of olive oil
1 & 1/2 T minced fresh garlic
1 T minced fresh ginger
1 t sot sauce
2 t salt
1 t fresh ground pepper
2 baked potatos
1 package french cut frozen green beans
1st step:
5:30pm: put potatoes, wrapped in foil and perforated by forks, in 350 degree oven.
2nd step:
6:15pm: heat frying pan searing hot (high) with olive oil
-Add minced T of garlic and ginger for approx. 2 min.'s
6:17pm: Add salmon for 5 min.; flip halfway through and re-season other side
6:22pm: Put salmon in pan with oil and dash with soy sauce - put in oven at 350 degrees
3rd step:
6:30pm: heat 1/2 T of garlic in 1 cup of water - once warm add small package of french-cut green beans; heat till warm through
4th step:
7:00pm: remove baked potatoes and season with pat of butter and salt; plate green beans with dash of salt; add 1/d lb. salmon, baked through, to plate with skin (instruct your husband to not eat the skin part).
;)
If you want to eat dinner by 7pm, follow these simple instructions:
Salmon for Dinner
1 lb. of fresh salmon
4 T of olive oil
1 & 1/2 T minced fresh garlic
1 T minced fresh ginger
1 t sot sauce
2 t salt
1 t fresh ground pepper
2 baked potatos
1 package french cut frozen green beans
1st step:
5:30pm: put potatoes, wrapped in foil and perforated by forks, in 350 degree oven.
2nd step:
6:15pm: heat frying pan searing hot (high) with olive oil
-Add minced T of garlic and ginger for approx. 2 min.'s
6:17pm: Add salmon for 5 min.; flip halfway through and re-season other side
6:22pm: Put salmon in pan with oil and dash with soy sauce - put in oven at 350 degrees
3rd step:
6:30pm: heat 1/2 T of garlic in 1 cup of water - once warm add small package of french-cut green beans; heat till warm through
4th step:
7:00pm: remove baked potatoes and season with pat of butter and salt; plate green beans with dash of salt; add 1/d lb. salmon, baked through, to plate with skin (instruct your husband to not eat the skin part).
;)
Nov 1, 2008
Halloween
(Chris and I were tweedledee and tweedledum)We had our first party in our new home! :) Happy Halloween!
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