Josh Brahm Articles

Josh Brahm Interviews Ray Kaczmark, Director of "To Be Born"

Josh@rtlcc.org (Josh Brahm) — Thu, 5 Apr 2012 10:46:19 -0700

A Catholic film studio called Spirit Juice Studios released a short pro-life film called To Be Born last June. If you haven’t seen it yet, you can watch it for free at ToBeBorn.com, or click the embedded video below. I had the opportunity to interview Rob Kaczmark, the director of To Be Born, to ask him some questions about the movie.

Refuting Those "After-Birth Abortion" Philosophers

Josh@rtlcc.org (Josh Brahm) — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 11:53:03 -0700

Bioethicists Alberto Giubilini and Francesca Minerva have caused a firestorm by publishing an article in the Journal of Medical Ethics stating that fetuses and newborns "do not have the same moral status as actual persons." I want to briefly explain why Giubilini and Minerva believe what they do, and then I’ll offer brief refutations to their arguments.

Responding to a Thoughtful Critique of My Relay for Life Show

Josh@rtlcc.org (Josh Brahm) — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 12:05:22 -0700

Last month I published an episode of Life Report on a complicated moral question that is very practical for pro-life advocates: should we boycott companies that support human embryonic stem cell research? Later that week, I received an email from Jonathan, a fan of Life Report, who disagreed with my position on this topic, and sent me a link to a very thoughtful blog post he wrote about it. In this article I’ll talk about some of the things Jonathan and I agree about, as well as clarify where we disagree and why. Jonathan and I both have an attitude of wanting to think carefully about these issues, and to demonstrate how two people can debate the ideas in a way that promotes unity, as opposed to causing disunity. Even if you disagree with some of Jonathan’s conclusions, (as I do,) he certainly provides a wonderful example of how to write a critique of somebody’s position in a very diplomatic way, and I respect that.

Response to Pro-Choice Blogger: You’re Begging the Question

Josh@rtlcc.org (Josh Brahm) — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 12:04:48 -0700

Somebody emailed me this blog post by someone who goes by the name "uncloseyourmind." I want to offer a brief response to get him or her thinking more about the issue.

Pro-Lifers Need to Defend Their Views Too

Josh@rtlcc.org (Josh Brahm) — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 12:04:15 -0700

Don’t you hate it when pro-choice advocates refuse to defend their views past one or two levels of argument? This has happened to me many times, and it’s aggravating because the topic of abortion is so serious. Lives are literally on the line, yet some people are too intellectually lazy to spend more than two minutes attempting to ground their views in something deeper than bumper sticker slogans. Yet for some reason, I’m more annoyed when pro-lifers do the same thing.

INTERVIEW: The Archdiocese of St. Paul & Minneapolis

Josh@rtlcc.org (Josh Brahm) — Fri, 6 Jan 2012 10:25:02 -0800

Josh Brahm is a pro-life speaker who will be presenting a talk entitled "Making Abortion Unthinkable" at Nativity of Our Lord in St. Paul at 7 p.m. Jan. 12. Catholic Spirit staff writer Dave Hrbacek recently interviewed Brahm. Topics include how Protestant and Catholic youth workers could learn from each other; one of the most important factors in effectively discussing abortion with someone, that few are talking about; how to refute the toughest pro-abortion-choice argument, and whether abortion is going to end in America.

Modern Warfare 3 Unashamedly Preaches Moral Relativism to Impressionable Teens

Josh@rtlcc.org (Josh Brahm) — Thu, 8 Dec 2011 15:11:09 -0800

Some of you may be surprised that I’m a pretty big Call of Duty fan. I wouldn’t recommend it for everyone, but it’s certainly one of the best first-person shooter games out there, and I enjoy playing with my friends. (Who are almost all a lot better than I am.) Call of Duty is not without its controversies though, most infamously an optional level in Modern Warfare 2 where you play an undercover agent whose gained the trust of a terrorist group, and is forced to take part in a terrorist attack in an airport. While that bothered me, I’m actually more concerned about the message being preached in the Modern Warfare 3 single-player campaign, which is hardcore moral relativism.

Pro-Life Activists: Make This Video Go Viral!

Josh@rtlcc.org (Josh Brahm) — Thu, 8 Dec 2011 15:11:10 -0800

I just watched an abortion-related video that is unlike anything I’ve ever seen on YouTube. It’s very professionally done, and it’s from a channel called "Fact Not Opinion." It shows a scene of an abortionist in a counseling session with a young woman who wants RU-486. But this counseling session is very unlike the dishonest marketing and misinformation that was shown during Live Action’s Rosa Acuna sting. This is what would happen if an honest abortionist told a woman the truth about her embryo and what RU-486 would do to both her and her child. I’m sure pro-choice people will cry "propaganda" when they see this video, but there’s a documented medical citation for every single sentence the abortionist utters!

An Interview with Ray Comfort about "180"

Josh@rtlcc.org (Josh Brahm) — Thu, 8 Dec 2011 15:10:09 -0800

The pro-life community has been buzzing for a week now about the "180" documentary. If you haven’t seen it yet, you can watch it for free at 180Movie.com. I had the opportunity to interview Ray Comfort, the author and filmmaker behind "180," to ask him some questions about the movie. You can listen to the full audio interview (12 minutes) by clicking here, or you can read the transcript below.

The Most Unusual Pro-Choice Argument I’ve Ever Heard

Josh@rtlcc.org (Josh Brahm) — Mon, 8 Aug 2011 15:38:10 -0700

I recently engaged someone in a dialogue on abortion that turned into the most bizarre abortion debate I’ve ever been a part of. I’m going to share some excerpts from our exchange with you for two reasons. First, some of the ways I responded may be useful for you in most abortion dialogues. (For example, shifting the burden of proof.) Secondly, reading the counters I offered to this particularly unusual argument will be helpful to you in case you are ever confronted with it.

In Defense of Rush Limbaugh: A Concession

Josh@rtlcc.org (Josh Brahm) — Mon, 8 Aug 2011 15:38:09 -0700

Live Action blogger Paul Pauker wrote a very reasonable and well-argued piece, critiquing my view that Rush Limbaugh begged the question during a recent rant about Casey Anthony and the liberal media. I think Paul is right.

Why Rush Limbaugh is Wrong about Abortion & the Casey Anthony Case

Josh@rtlcc.org (Josh Brahm) — Mon, 8 Aug 2011 15:34:55 -0700

I’ve listened to this audio from Rush Limbaugh several times now, and every time I hear it, I’m bothered a little more. Why? Because Rush is assuming something about pro-abortion-choice people that is very rarely true.

Josh Brahm Statement on the "Texas in July" Debate

Josh@rtlcc.org (Josh Brahm) — Mon, 16 May 2011 17:29:23 -0700

I’d like to clarify my views on the issue of "Texas in July," a Christian hardcore metal band, playing at a fundraiser tour for Sex, Etc., who’s website includes information for pregnant teens, including locations of abortion facilities. Most of the debate has been between Bryan Kemper and Erik Whittington, two excellent pro-life advocates who are doing good work. I consider both of them friends as well as brothers in Christ. This is a complicated debate. I think there are valid points being made by both sides. I’d like to outline four principles that are important for Christians on both sides of this debate to keep in mind.

Responding to Criticism Over Pro-Life Concerns on American Cancer Society

Josh@rtlcc.org (Josh Brahm) — Mon, 16 May 2011 17:28:14 -0700

I was recently asked by a pro-choice friend, "What is the worst thing you’ve been called by someone on the other side of the abortion issue?" I was able to respond that I really haven’t had too many people scream at me or write angry emails or comments. I ruffle some pro-life feathers every once in a while by talking about faulty pro-life arguments on my netcast, but I’m happy to say that I get along with most pro-choice people, and we’re able to have some great dialogues. I now have some new words I can tell my pro-choice friend I’ve been called. A few weeks ago I wrote an article, published by LifeNews.com, explaining why I don’t think pro-lifers should support the American Cancer Society. "Rmuse" is an opinion columnist at PoliticusUSA. According to his bio, he’s a married audio engineer, previously a former minister, and a fellow musician. In an article entitled "Christian Conservatives Declare War On The American Cancer Society," Rmuse manages to call me a "religious fundamentalist," a "hateful provocateur of death," says I have a "pro-death agenda" and I’m a "killer."

Pro-Lifers: Don’t Support American Cancer Society Relay for Life

Josh@rtlcc.org (Josh Brahm) — Fri, 1 Apr 2011 12:48:42 -0700

A friend of mine and strong pro-life advocate, Clinton, found himself in an awkward situation last week. His Christian band had agreed to play at a Relay For Life not knowing that some of the money goes to HESCR. While meeting with Clinton, this question came up: "which is worse, giving up a ministry opportunity where Christian music could be heard by non-believers, or supporting something contrary to one’s beliefs?"

YouTube Commenter: "God can change hearts despite our lame arguments"

Josh@rtlcc.org (Josh Brahm) — Wed, 9 Mar 2011 15:52:14 -0800

Read the comment a religious pro-lifer left on our channel, and my response to her.

Should Non-Christians Serve on a Church Worship Team?

Josh@rtlcc.org (Josh Brahm) — Wed, 9 Mar 2011 11:17:47 -0800

I recently joined an online discussion amongst several worship leaders about the merits of using non-Christians on a church worship team. I wanted to share my thoughts on the subject with you, because it offers a window into several of the worship-related priorities I have implemented at Free Grace Church. What follows is what I shared with the other worship leaders.

My Debate with a YouTube Commenter

Josh@rtlcc.org (Josh Brahm) — Wed, 9 Mar 2011 15:34:41 -0800

I don’t often respond to YouTube commenters anymore, because it rarely results in anything fruitful. (I do often engage in private email exchanges with pro-choice people, which tend to be much more valuable.) But I made an exception this week when a pro-choice person from the United Kingdom commented under our Life Report show about a British woman who had four abortions in three years. We went back and forth a few times, and I’m posting the dialogue here, in the hope that it gives you something you can use the next time a pro-choice person says the same thing to you. Comment below to add what YOU would have said!

Our Response to Howard Stern’s Comment on our YouTube Channel

Josh@rtlcc.org (Josh Brahm) — Wed, 9 Mar 2011 11:16:20 -0800

This weekend, Howard Stern, or more likely one of the people administrating his youtube channel, commented on the Life Report YouTube Channel. Read his comment and my response.

A Message to Pro-Life Advocates in Light of Gosnell's Shop of Horrors

Josh@rtlcc.org (Josh Brahm) — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 11:20:31 -0800

The shocking nature of the stories about Gosnell are precisely the reason that pro-life advocates must be especially careful in the next few months to consider what they will say if their friend asks, "so, why are you pro-life?" The lazy way out would be to reply with something like, "have you heard about the freaky abortionists in those places? They keep fetal body parts in jars! How could I not be pro-life?" This strategy is dangerous even though it may sometimes work.

Responding to..."Pro-lifers: are you willing to adopt all the babies?"

Josh@rtlcc.org (Josh Brahm) — Fri, 21 May 2010 17:05:19 -0700

In response to Jackie DeFreitas 5/20 letter challenging pro-lifers to adopt unwanted babies, she misses the point. Let’s assume, for the sake of argument, that pro-lifers are not already adopting unwanted children. How would this in any way justify the act of dismembering a defenseless child?

Abortion Will Reduce Tax Dollars? My Response

Josh@rtlcc.org (Josh Brahm) — Wed, 19 May 2010 17:23:45 -0700

In response to Jack Keefer’s 4/27 letter making the argument that abortions will save taxpayer dollars from going to welfare, there’s a major logical flaw here.

Upcoming Changes to the Life Report Podcast

Josh@rtlcc.org (Josh Brahm) — Wed, 19 May 2010 17:23:45 -0700

Greetings! The last few months have been very busy with both our new college outreach program, as well as some major changes we’re implementing to the podcast.

Effectively Responding to Moral Relativism

Josh@rtlcc.org (Josh Brahm) — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 09:47:29 -0700

While working last week with the Justice For All exhibit at Kennesaw State University, I got into a conversation with two students, Justin and Teesha, about moral relativism. There are few topics more difficult to discuss than moral relativism. This is partially because it’s a complicated topic already, but also because few people are open to changing their views on relativism. Even if a person is typically open-minded, the whole concept of relativism is that we can have differing views on a subject, yet we can both be right.

A Thought Experiment for Those in the "Personhood" Crowd

Josh@rtlcc.org (Josh Brahm) — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 11:32:01 -0800

According to Jill Stanek's blog, National Right to Life is attempting to pass a fetal pain law that would effectively ban all abortions after 20-weeks. I have an interesting thought experiment for those in the personhood crowd: (whom I respect, but just disagree with strategically.) If given the chance to vote yay or nay for this bill, what would your vote be?

Excerpts from an Email Exchange with an Abortion Advocate - Part 9: Do Pro-Lifers Really Believe Embryos Are Equal to Toddlers?

Josh@rtlcc.org (Josh Brahm) — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 15:09:45 -0800

One of the most important parts of pro-life ministry is reaching out to those on the "other side" of the abortion issue. Over the last several weeks, I've been having a wonderful dialogue with a fair-minded pro-choice person named Mary. I've been able to have a polite and respectful conversation with her, that I'm going to publish in hopes that it might benefit you. Mary has given me permission to reprint these excerpts in a mutual desire to help people on both sides of this debate have more effective dialogues. Many of my arguments are not original thoughts and it's not just the "apologetics" aspect that I want you to remember. It's more the attitude I'm attempting to have in my interactions with Mary: gracious, open-minded and willing to concede valid points she makes.

Controversial YouTube Video Brings the Worst from Both Sides of the Abortion Debate

Josh@rtlcc.org (Josh Brahm) — Wed, 9 Dec 2009 16:13:46 -0800

A Hispanic pro-life volunteer was assaulted last month by a pro-abortion-choice woman during a peaceful prayer vigil outside of Planned Parenthood. The assault was captured on video and uploaded to YouTube, and it’s been interesting to watch how pro-life and pro-abortion-choice people respond after watching the video.

Excerpts from an Email Exchange with an Abortion Advocate - Part 8: Do Pro-Lifers and Pro-Choicers Have Irreconcilable Worldviews?

Josh@rtlcc.org (Josh Brahm) — Wed, 9 Dec 2009 15:47:21 -0800

Pro-Life Math, or How To Shut Down Dialogue REALLY Fast

Josh@rtlcc.org (Josh Brahm) — Thu, 8 Oct 2009 11:41:38 -0700

How effective is it when we use pointed questions mixed with some combative attitude in our conversations with pro-abortion-choice people? Read this article to find out...

Busting Myths About Abortion & Health Care Reform: Part 3 & 4

Josh@rtlcc.org (Josh Brahm) — Thu, 1 Oct 2009 15:00:12 -0700

Myths: "The Capps Amendment forbids abortion" & "It won’t be taxpayer dollars paying for abortions, it would be the premiums paying for abortions."

Busting Myths About Abortion & Health Care Reform: Part 2

Josh@rtlcc.org (Josh Brahm) — Thu, 1 Oct 2009 14:56:56 -0700

Myth: "President Obama backed off of his position on including abortion in the health care reform in his 7/21/09 interview with Katie Couric."

Excerpts from an Email Exchange with an Abortion Advocate - Part 7: Prove the Zygote is Sacred

Josh@rtlcc.org (Josh Brahm) — Wed, 9 Sep 2009 16:14:43 -0700

Excerpts from an Email Exchange with an Abortion Advocate - Part 6: Faulty Pro-Life Arguments

Josh@rtlcc.org (Josh Brahm) — Fri, 4 Sep 2009 15:02:57 -0700

Busting Myths About Abortion & Health Care Reform: Part 1

Josh@rtlcc.org (Josh Brahm) — Fri, 4 Sep 2009 15:06:15 -0700

Myth: "Abortion won’t be included in the health care reform program since the word "abortion" isn’t in the bill."

Excerpts from an Email Exchange with an Abortion Advocate - Part 5: Regulating Pregnancy Continued

Josh@rtlcc.org (Josh Brahm) — Fri, 4 Sep 2009 15:02:56 -0700

Excerpts from an Email Exchange with an Abortion Advocate - Part 4: Regulating Pregnancy

Josh@rtlcc.org (Josh Brahm) — Fri, 4 Sep 2009 15:02:55 -0700

Excerpts from an Email Exchange with an Abortion Advocate - Part 3: Addressing Violence Against Abortionists

Josh@rtlcc.org (Josh Brahm) — Fri, 4 Sep 2009 15:02:54 -0700

Excerpts from an Email Exchange with an Abortion Advocate - Part 2: Graphic Pictures Continued

Josh@rtlcc.org (Josh Brahm) — Fri, 4 Sep 2009 15:00:49 -0700

Excerpts from an Email Exchange with an Abortion Advocate - Part 1: Graphic Pictures

Josh@rtlcc.org (Josh Brahm) — Fri, 4 Sep 2009 15:00:48 -0700

Reflections on the Term 'Pro-Choice'

Josh@rtlcc.org (Josh Brahm) — Fri, 4 Sep 2009 15:02:58 -0700

Many pro-life people are instantly annoyed when they hear the term "pro-choice" used to describe those on the other side of this debate. So why do I use this term? Here are a few thoughts.

The 6 Worst Abortion Arguments Jon Stewart Made to Mike Huckabee

Josh@rtlcc.org (Josh Brahm) — Fri, 4 Sep 2009 15:00:47 -0700

n case you missed it, Jon Stewart recently hosted former presidential candidate Mike Huckabee on his popular Comedy Central program "The Daily Show." Huckabee had previously been a guest, and Stewart invited him to return to discuss and issue of his choice.Mike chose the abortion issue.

9 Things the Media Messed Up About the Obama Stem Cell Story

Josh@rtlcc.org (Josh Brahm) — Fri, 4 Sep 2009 14:57:26 -0700

The longer I live the less I’m surprised by poor journalism in major media outlets. However, I think the reports about President Obama's recent decision (3/9/09) to force taxpayers to pay for Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research (HESCR) takes the cake. After reviewing the articles and videos by major media sources, as well as the local media here in Fresno, I offer this analysis of what you likely either missed or were misinformed about if those were your only sources for information.

We can dialogue with pro-choicers through Twitter. Here's how:

Josh@rtlcc.org (Josh Brahm) — Fri, 4 Sep 2009 14:57:25 -0700

Alternative title: "Right to Life of Central California: Being nice and finding common ground... in 140 characters or less."

8 Bad Arguments for Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research

Josh@rtlcc.org (Josh Brahm) — Fri, 4 Sep 2009 14:57:24 -0700

Several years ago I had the opportunity to attend a lecture (7/17/06) by Dr. George Daley, a Harvard researcher who has researched embryonic stem cells in mice for the past ten years. As part of his lecture, he spent 15 minutes talking about the morality of Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research. I appreciated that Dr. Daley was open to discussing his ethical justifications for HESCR. Dr. Daley offered 8 arguments from the pro-HESCR side. A few of them were thoughtful, however most were shallow and were not backed up to my satisfaction.

The 3 Biggest Hurdles for the Pro-Life Movement Under a "Pro-Choice" President

Josh@rtlcc.org (Josh Brahm) — Fri, 4 Sep 2009 14:56:47 -0700

Wherever you stand politically, we can all agree that the sanctity of life is a crucial issue in America. With over 3,000 babies dying every single day, we can’t forget about legal-baby-killing just because the economy is down. While there are some qualities about President-elect Obama that should be admired, the pro-life movement as a whole has many things to be concerned about during the next four to eight years. Here are the three most important things:

Stem Cell Research - What You Need to Know

Josh@rtlcc.org (Josh Brahm) — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 10:46:22 -0700

So what’s the big deal about stem cell research? What are the facts that the liberal media is NOT telling us?