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Reaction to Bristol Palin’s pregnancy

Christianity Today September 1, 2008

Here are a few comments from the conservative evangelicals on Sarah Palin’s daughter Bristol Palin’s out-of-wedlock pregnancy. These evangelicals were thrilled when Palin was chosen as vice president.

Dr. James Dobson statement:

“In the 32-year history of Focus on the Family, we have offered prayer, counseling and resource assistance to tens of thousands of parents and children in the same situation the Palins are now facing. We have always encouraged the parents to love and support their children and always advised the girls to see their pregnancies through, even though there will of course be challenges along the way. That is what the Palins are doing, and they should be commended once again for not just talking about their pro-life and pro-family values, but living them out even in the midst of trying circumstances.

“Being a Christian does not mean you’re perfect. Nor does it mean your children are perfect. But it does mean there is forgiveness and restoration when we confess our imperfections to the Lord. I’ve been the beneficiary of that forgiveness and restoration in my own life countless times, as I’m sure the Palins have.

“The media are already trying to spin this as evidence Gov. Palin is a ‘hypocrite,’ but all it really means is that she and her family are human. They are in my prayers and those of millions of Americans.”

“I think it’s a very private matter,” said Roberta Combs, president of the Christian Coalition of America told the Associated Press. “It’s a matter that should stay in the family and they have to work through it together. My prayers go out to them.”

Mathew Staver, dean of Liberty University School of Law, told Liz Sidoti of the AP: “We’re all sinners. We all make mistakes. Certainly, the ideal is not to get pregnant out of wedlock. But she made the right decision after her mistake. It’s absolutely shameful to put her child in the spotlight. She’s not running for office. When someone can’t face issues, they try to tear down a family.”

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