In 1988 thousands of Christians went to jail for blocking the doors of the nation's abortion clinics. This action sharply divided the evangelical community. Some insisted that Christians owe unqualified obedience to the civil authorities, that disobedience brings anarchy. Others claimed that fifteen years of legal action have failed to stop the killing-that abortion is murder and that we as Christians are called by God to rescue the innocent (Proverbs 24:11). Evangelicals want respect for life and respect for authority. At the door of the abortion clinic, these two values collide, and it is this collision of values that this book addresses.

What causes a Christian to step over the line and break the law? Belz looks at this process in the lives of four well-known activists, analyzing the motives involved. He points out the civil disobedience of people in the Bible-Moses' parents, Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego, Jesus, the Disciples. Drawing on sheer logic and on historical precedent, the author continues to build his case for cıvıl disobedience. To Belz, the abortion issue is a testing ground for the church today. It reveals whether Christians are truly willing to suffer persecution for the sake of Christ.

Mark Belz heads a St. Louis law firm and is active in the pro-life movement. Although he has been arrested and jailed briefly, his main effort is representing activists in court.