Radio shows

by Jen Green

Sometimes, exposing the absurdity of your opponent’s argument is the best way to make your own.

On Wednesday this past week, we were joined on the Steve Deace Show by “Hugh.” Hugh called himself a “pro-marriage advocate” who believes firmly in marriage as God intended it. Hugh’s argument was simple: to have an exceptional marriage and to save as many marriages as possible, we must allow for “exceptions” to marriage fidelity.

Hugh’s exceptions to marriage fidelity are in these rare, but life-altering situations: 1) a spouse has Alzheimers 2) a spouse is paralyzed from the waist down and 3) the extremely rare (if not statistically negligible) case that a spouse has the opportunity to engage in a “fantasy” with a Hollywood celebrity. Hugh was amazed that Steve and I would resist his logic, stating, “Hey, I’m trying to do the most good here and save as many marriages as possible! You two are being purists–and you’re hurting your own cause.”

The reaction we received from the show was remarkable–so much so, that the show will be airing again today (Saturday) on many of our affiliates. Many listeners rightly came to the conclusion that “Hugh” was making a very important point and was using satire to do it.

Hugh’s position points out the absurdity of the “pro-life with exceptions” argument.

Life, just like marriage, is given and sanctified by God. What God has put together, whether it be a baby in a womb or a man and wife in a holy union, NO MAN can tear asunder. Yet, for the last 38 years, pro-life advocates, leaders, and legislators have tried to make the argument that in order to save as many babies as we can, we must make exceptions and allow for the killing of those babies who represent extreme cases of “quality of life” or suffering.

Hugh’s argument also points out the absurdity of the case for “civil unions.” Either it is a marriage given and sanctified by God or it’s not. The same with a life–either it is a life created in the image of a loving, Holy God or it’s not. There is no compromise, there is no re-definition.

In the last two weeks, we’ve seen these “exceptions” arguments play out on a national stage. When Pat Robertson said “extreme” Alzheimer’s was an acceptable reason for infidelity, Christians around the country gasped in horror (and for the record, CBN has continued to stand by Mr. Robertson’s sinful statements). However, when it came out on Thursday that Texas Governor Rick Perry’s “pro-life” position was that of “pro-life with exceptions for rape, incest, and life of the mother” nary a national pro-life leader decried the absurdity and sinfulness of his position.

Apparently, our “Hugh” is not alone.