Gabriel Mizrahi

Wrestling rather than reconciling.

I am pro-life, but I also acknowledge that there is no one specific verse about abortion in the Bible.

Yes, my belief that it's wrong is based on scripture, but I also recognize that the nuances of modern life don't always lead us to black and white understandings.

The woman who originally wrote in needs counseling.

She knows what her faith says about her decision to end the pregnancy, and she needs to unpack that with a true counselor.

A good therapist meets you where you are, respects your beliefs, and then works from that basis.

A good therapist isn't going to try and convert her.

So it's simple.

See a counselor.

In fact, I was taught in seminary that all pastors should have counselors.

I have a counselor.

She's a great resource to me to talk about what I'm going through and to help me process.

So it's healthy that this woman from the first letter is struggling.

That was a major life event.

She shouldn't look for simple answers or an easy way out.

No, also too black and white.

Or even right, for that matter.

So he goes on, it's healthy to sit in discomfort, struggle with convictions and ask questions.

I tell people in my congregation that I want them to always ask questions.

I believe so strongly in my faith that I know it can withstand questioning and emerge stronger.