Correcting others on online sites?

[FCS]

Hi,

I accidentally joined Quora…Anyways whenever I see a post that is about someone considering an abortion, I feel obliged to respond. The thing is, there are so many posts about this.

Do I have a duty to respond to them all?

Thanks!

 

[DisorientingSneeze]

The thing is, there are so many posts about this.

Do I have a duty to respond to them all?

Thanks!

I hate to use a cheesy story, but I can’t help that the starfish story comes to mind.

One day, an old man was walking along a beach that was littered with thousands of starfish that had been washed ashore by the high tide. As he walked he came upon a young boy who was eagerly throwing the starfish back into the ocean, one by one.

Puzzled, the man looked at the boy and asked what he was doing. Without looking up from his task, the boy simply replied, “I’m saving these starfish, Sir”.

The old man chuckled aloud, “Son, there are thousands of starfish and only one of you. What difference can you make?”

The boy picked up a starfish, gently tossed it into the water and turning to the man, said, “I made a difference to that one!”

 

[po18guy]

Your call, but if you can formulate a reply with level-headed reasoning in it, it will give them something to ponder. Something like “You yourself were clearly not aborted, and I’ll bet you are grateful for that. Taking everything into consideration, wouldn’t you like to see that your child has that same benefit?”

Then leave. You have planted the seed and need not stick around just to get flamed.

 

[Kiliann]

Unfortunately, if someone does not believe a child in the womb is truly alive, or if they don’t value life under certain circumstances, there’s no talking to some people—if they don’t share those core values of a fetus being alive and of all life being sacred, there’s not much you can say to them online that will change their mind.

That’s not to say that saying something online would never work; but know that it is not ever your “duty” to try to change someone’s mind on an online platform where your words are not likely to be read with a kind tone. If it were our duty, Christ would expect us all to be online all the time responding to questions like that! Instead, I like to take a moment to pray for people when I see them in hard situations like that and ask that God would show them the truth.

 

[Irishmom2]

If you accidentally joined, unsubscribe if possible, or just don’t go to the site if you would rather not see or respond due to the quantity of posts.

I agree with Kiliann, I don’t think it will truly be helpful. You most likely will not change anyone’s mind. What you can do is offer a prayer for them.

 

[EZweber]

I agree with Kiliann, I don’t think it will truly be helpful. You most likely will not change anyone’s mind. What you can do is offer a prayer for them.

While I totally agree that you should pray for them, I think that most of the people who are considering abortions (especially those who are unsure enough to ask for advice online) are not diehard abortionists. Often, they are frightened and worried by an unexpected pregnancy and all they need is to know that they have other options. Be sure not to condemn them as they probably have enough emotional problems to deal with. If you decide you want to keep at it of course.

 

[FCS]

Thank you everyone!

 

[Joe_5859]

Trying to change someone’s mind on such a hot-button, personal issue is very difficult to do through anonymous online interaction. If you want to assist those considering abortion, your time would probably be better spent volunteering at a local crisis pregnancy center where you can either meet women who are considering abortion, or offer support to those who do meet with them.

Not that it’s impossible to plant a seed that will make someone think twice. But it’s more difficult without the personal connection.

 

[jrgmercado]

I disagree…sometimes being able to ask a question anonymously and getting advise from a stranger can be very helpful. Sometimes that small seed (grain) can be enough to tip the scale.