Would we be more ethical ...?

Among the many novels I've read recently, John Grisham's The Street Lawyer was for me more than a fictional story. The novel challenges your priorities and moral sensibilities. After concluding the novel I read the following on a blog at presbyweb.com:

"If an infant is born to poor parents, would we be more ethical to give medicine to that child so he or she does not die prematurely of preventable diseases, or would we be more ethical if we let the child die screaming in his or her parent’s arms so we can keep more of our money? It’s amazing to hear Christians who talk about the right to life as though it ends at birth. They believe every egg has a right to hatch, but as soon as you’re born, it’s dog eat dog."
I don't think most believers I know rationalize like the above quote. However, I also don't think most believers I know, including me, share as much of our resources, time and energies as we are able (to keep from sounding prescriptive, I won't say 'should'.) I've worshiped in many different churches this past year and observed the ministries offered. I've read a significant number of local church newsletters online and noticed the appeals of various kinds. I've also listened to pastors speak from their pulpits of the need for more volunteers and more financial support. In many affluent congregations with the ability to give of self and means, there is always a huge gap between what is needed and what is provided.

I was privileged, during 45 years as a pastor, to assist in raising millions of dollars for ministries, institutions and social causes. I learned from the best how to manipulate people to give. After doing so for decades I decided I was no longer going to beg members for money. So, in my last pastorate we didn't beg or try to manipulate. We stressed responsible discipleship, believing faithful disciples give generously. Interestingly enough, we concluded every year in the black, had one of the highest per capita giving in our district and gave generously to benevolence causes. All without begging or manipulating. However, as I told the congregation, if we all gave a minimum of 10%, we'd have to burn some of the money to get rid of it. So, in spite of the high per capita giving, 'we' still fell short of our capacity to give sacrificially. And that's true in most every congregation I know.

Back to the quote, in part: "It’s amazing to hear Christians who talk about the right to life as though it ends at birth. They believe every egg has a right to hatch, but as soon as you’re born, it’s dog eat dog."
I'm pro-life. For me it's a God thing. But why can't we conservative pro-lifers be as passionate about the hungry, the homeless, and disadvantaged as we are about the right to life (birth)?

I have a friend (former college classmate, fraternity brother and seminary classmate) who has personalized the Grisham-novel lead characters in his personal life and ministry. Though I don't agree with some of Ed's radical leanings, I appreciate how often he and The Open Door in Atlanta have quickened my social conscience.

Again, "If an infant is born to poor parents, would we be more ethical to give medicine to that child so he or she does not die prematurely of preventable diseases, or would we be more ethical if we let the child die screaming in his or her parent’s arms so we can keep more of our money?"

If you want to have your conscience pricked, read Grisham's novel.