Abortion Arguments Fall Apart on Campus
On the first day of classes, a new batch of TFP Student Action volunteers went to Gettysburg College to defend the right to life and sharpen their debating skills.
They raised the TFP’s marvelous red standard in front of the cafeteria, a highly trafficked route, and unfurled their banner: “Pray and act to end the sin of abortion.”
The Case Against Abortion
TFP volunteers usually excel in challenging conditions because they have deep convictions firmly rooted in the truth of the Catholic Faith. Several leftist students accepted the challenge and repeated textbook arguments to justify the killing of the innocent: choice, bodily autonomy, and difficult medical cases.
For several hours, TFP volunteers parried each blow with a counter-argument based on the truth, natural law, science, and the Ten Commandments, until the polemical battlefield was clear and calm, and no more intellectual foes dared come forward. In other words, the young Catholics with TFP dismantled every false pro-abortion narrative.
John from Texas debated four pro-abortion advocates simultaneously. Dominic from South Africa had three. And a larger group of leftist students lined up to debate TFP member Rafael. As soon as one left, another would take his place.
Leftist arguments were frequently illogical or not well thought out. One feminist was so flustered that she resorted to screaming about subjects completely unrelated to the campaign. Another student began to cry when she noticed that her arguments for abortion fell flat.
Contrast of Style and Spirit
During the campaign, something beyond the rudiments of the debate itself stood out. Two distinct states of spirit were reflected in other ways. One side, advocating for abortion, frequently revealed similar attitudes. This state of spirit was reflected by a propensity for the use of crude language, vulgar behavior, and an aversion to God and morality.
In contrast, those fighting for the God-given right to life displayed a respectful and chivalrous attitude towards everyone—friend and not-so-friendly—never engaging in vulgar language or falling into the swamp of insults. They began their pro-life crusade with a prayer to the Virgin of Virgins and ended with the holy Name of Jesus on their lips.
“I had seen the videos before and knew the left could be ridiculous,” said Juan, a new TFP volunteer. “But this has exceeded what I thought. I am glad to be on the side defending what is right and true.”
Most TFP campaigns conclude with the familiar battle cry repeated thrice, “Tradition, Family, Property!” followed by “America!” Today was no different.
The TFP motto rang out clearly across the grassy campus and captured the attention of a leftist who struggled to find a response to counter the strength of those three sacrosanct values that underpin Christian Civilization.
Finally, the pro-abortion activist found his counter-motto, blurting, “Hail Satan!” The dark cry unmasked the true spirit behind the abortion movement.
For the TFP volunteers witnessing the scene, a proper reply came easily: “Hail Mary!” Indeed, as Scripture teaches, the foot of the pure and humble Virgin Mary decisively crushes the head of the proud and wicked serpent (Gen. 3:15).