Recent Threads

[Volokh, Eugene]

	I realize this is getting a little tangential, but I thought I'd
very briefly note that a Google search for "we are anti-abortion" comes
up with quite a few hits, many quite sympathetic.  

	For instance, consider this from Elder Dallin Oaks ("a member of
the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints," former BYU President, former Utah Supreme Court
Justice, and former Chicago law professor), from an address given at
BYU:  "If we say we are anti-abortion in our personal life but
pro-choice in public policy, we are saying that we will not use our
influence to establish public policies that encourage righteous choices
on matters God's servants have defined as serious sins."  

	Likewise, from the Human Life Review:  "We thought it would be a
nice reminder of that part of our program, and an essential reminder of
what we mean when we say we are anti-abortion-for you to see the faces
of some babies rescued at some of the centers."
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3798/is_200701/ai_n19430376

	Or from father Michael Burke, spokesman for a Catholic diacese
in Wales:  "The Catholic faith holds all life as sacred. We are
anti-abortion."  http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/south_west/4323689.stm

	Eugene


________________________________

	From: religionlaw-bounces at lists.ucla.edu
[mailto:religionlaw-bounces at lists.ucla.edu] On Behalf Of Richard
Dougherty
	Sent: Friday, September 07, 2007 2:28 PM
	To: law & religion issues for law academics; Law & Religion
issues for Law Academics
	Subject: Re: Recent Threads
	
	
	I agree with Michael and Steven that "proselytizing" is an
accurate word to employ.  I think what Will Linden was pointing out is
that it is often used as a pejorative, except perhaps when used in a
non-religious way ("he was proselytizing for the adoption of textbook A
over B").  We had a discussion some time ago about using the term
"anti-abortion," which is also accurate but also used quite often as a
pejorative term (does anyone in the pro-life camp call their position
"anti-abortion"?).  My three year old recently described a stranger as
"fat," which was largely accurate but not conducive to productive
conversation.  The term doesn't have to be dropped, but used with the
right spirit ("fat wallet," "Fat Tire" beer, "Fat Albert" are probably
safe?).
	

	Richard J. Dougherty
	University of Dallas
	


	-----Original Message-----
	From: "Newsom Michael" <mnewsom at law.howard.edu>
	Sent 9/7/2007 3:48:59 PM
	To: "Law & Religion issues for Law Academics"
<religionlaw at lists.ucla.edu>
	Subject: RE: Recent Threads
	
	

	I have an article coming out soon that has the word
"proselytizing" in its title.  Like Steve, I thought that I was being
accurate.

		________________________________

		From: religionlaw-bounces at lists.ucla.edu
[mailto:religionlaw-bounces at lists.ucla.edu] On Behalf Of Steven Jamar
	Sent: Thursday, September 06, 2007 12:16 PM
	To: Law & Religion issues for Law Academics
	Subject: Re: Recent Threads

		Curious.  I've had many a christian tell me it is their
obligation to proselytize -- using that very word.
	
	I don't see anything pejorative in it at all.  It is quite
accurate.  

	On 9/6/07, Will Linden <wlinden at panix.com> wrote:

	On Thu, 6 Sep 2007, Douglas Laycock wrote:
	
	> Some Christians proselytize; some don't.  Same with atheists.
	
	"Proseleytize" is one of those funny words, like "cult" and
	"superstition", which can only be applied to Somebody Else BY
DEFINITION. 
	We share, you preach, They proseleytize.  Consequently, I have
dropped it
	from my vocabulary.