How Could They?

[404 words] One of the sins of the dark world of the Gentiles in the first century was being “without natural affection” (Rom. 1:31). This is the natural love we have for our kin, especially for our parents and our children. It is not just being “unloving” as the New King James translates this verse. That is too general. Paul is specifically talking about the feelings God instilled within us to nurture and protect our own flesh and blood. Some in Paul’s day were so twisted that they had no such feelings for their own children. Abortion was common. Exposure–leaving a newborn baby outside to die or be taken by others–was widespread. Justin Martyr (110-165 AD) said that most of these children were found and raised to be prostitutes. He even added that “there are some who prostitute even their own children and wives, and some are openly mutilated for…