Promoting life at all stages has always been a cornerstone of the Christian movement. While the rise of Christian music has offered surprisingly limited songs dealing with Pro-Life themes given the things we face in our world and in our country, there have been some that have dived in and explored these often complex and difficult issues. Here is a look at a few of them.
Skillet - "Lucy"
Initially appearing to be a general song about regret over the death of a loved one, Skillet's lead vocalist John Cooper eventually revealed the true story behind this song. It's about a couple agonizing over an abortion and learning ways to cope with the guilt. The story itself is tragic and moving, and the song's emotional and longing tone reaffirms the value of all life. At the same time, it's a rare song that looks past the act itself and more toward finding forgiveness and healing, as well as offering hope.
John Elefante - "This Time"
Telling the story of his adopted daughter, Christian artist John Elefante weaves an engrossing story of a young mother pressured into an abortion who ultimately chooses life at the last minute. Given all the more powerful by being a true story, it's hard not to get swept up in the dramatic presentation of how a baby is given a chance at life and a family, saved from the grips of death.
Manafest - "Plan For Me"
A heavier song dealing with abortion, the song tackles both the pain of the parents who chose abortion and the regret of the baby whose life was taken. Through it all, the song points toward a hopeful outcome. Even though their life was taken, the baby can still offer forgiveness, as can Christ. So while the guilt and regret surrounding abortion can be strong, there's still healing to be found in Jesus.
Truth - "Living Life Upside Down"
One of the oldest songs on this list, the song's biting political commentary remains as strong in today's climate as when it was written. Touching on several themes from how disposable marriage has become, the song devotes a verse to comparing how strong our laws are concerning environmental regulations but how children's lives are left up to the whims of whether or not they are wanted. The song dares us to ask whether all of the "progress" that has come to define our American status quo could potentially be precisely backward from how we're supposed to be living as Christians. (With Russ Lee of Newsong fame on vocals, the song also has a nostalgia factor that hits hard, even for those unfamiliar with the band itself.)
dc Talk - "Children Can Live (Without It)"
This song is an early dc Talk cut from their sophomore album, Nu Thang. While coming before the iconic band's breakout success with Jesus Freak, their hallmark vocals are still present. TobyMac's rapped verses contrast nicely with Michael Tait's deep crooning in the chorus paired with Kevin Max's iconic highs. The song tackles abortion from a more straightforward political point of view, tying the existence of abortion to the lack of morals in America.
We Are Messengers - "Image of God"
While not explicitly about abortion, lead vocalist Darren Mulligan revealed that his Pro-LIfe ministry was a large inspiration behind writing this song. Standing outside clinics offering both emotional and financial support to women considering abortion, Mulligan's ministry is one of many living out the fullness of being Pro-Life by offering women alternatives to abortion. Mulligan sings in this song about how it's not what we've done that gives us our worth, but Christ. Each and every life is precious to Him because each and every human life bears the image of God.
Phil King - "Not Forgotten"
You might not be familiar with artist Phil King, but his song "Not Forgotten" is definitely worth a listen. A reflective ballad written in response to permissive abortion laws passed in New York in recent years, the song is a prayerful tribute to the lives taken through abortion. In the chorus, Phil sings about how these souls aren't forgotten and that their lives still are worth celebrating.
Matthew West - "Unplanned"
Written in conjunction with the 2019 film of the same name, contemporary artist Matthew West proved a fitting writer to pen a Pro-Life song. Given the story focus of many of his songs, Matthew had already penned the similarly themed piece, "Untold." "Unplanned" went all-in on Matthew's anthemic sound, telling a story from the perspective of a parent. The song reaffirms the dignity of all human life, and that the God who created all of us doesn't create any humans by mistake. The song made a perfect pairing with the biopic Unplanned, a film based on the story of anti-abortion activist Abby Johnson. Together, the song and film weave a strong story of recognizing the dignity of every human life.
J.J. Francesco is a long-time contributor to the NRT Staff. He's published the novel 'Because of Austin' and regularly seeks new ways to engage faith, life, and community. He is currently working on releasing a brand new novel.
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