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I like this better: What about this title instead: Why Christians should disciple, rather than stigmatize, unwed mothers and their children.

The blank check to do whatever the hell you want to do, sometime over and over again, is both financially and spiritually draining our nation. There is an idea in the Bible known as repentance - going and sinning no more. The local church is not a social service program - it is a place where people can assemble together and give honor and glory to God. The rest (swing sets, basketball courts, backpacks for poor children) is extra.

The local church is not a social service program - it is a place where people can assemble together and give honor and glory to God.

All due respect, but loving the Lord God with all your heart and soul and might is more than showing up at the local box and putting in your hour's worth. While I agree that we don't do enough to encourage abstinence, how does telling an unwed mother to sin no more further this - she is going to have the baby and we should act to discourage her desire to terminate the pregnancy. Embracing her (and the father) without condoning the sin and helping them be responsible for the consequences seems to be a better reflection of the kingdom of God.

Rather than ostracism, which I used to believe in, I now prefer the example of the first to recognize the teachings of the Messiah:

32All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had. 33With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all.

Acts 4

The local church is not a social service program - it is a place where people can assemble together and give honor and glory to God. The rest (swing sets, basketball courts, backpacks for poor children) is extra.

Absolutely you're right. But the concept is lost in most of today's churches.

"The blank check to do whatever the hell you want to do, sometime over and over again, is both financially and spiritually draining our nation. There is an idea in the Bible known as repentance - going and sinning no more. The local church is not a social service program - it is a place where people can assemble together and give honor and glory to God. The rest (swing sets, basketball courts, backpacks for poor children) is extra."

The above statement is so true. I would add that living in our "free society" doesn't mean having the "freedom" to do or act in any way you want. Freedom in our society should have limits and expectations of behavior. God places obstacles in our path against engaging in behaviors which injure ourselves, others, or society. Engaging in behavior which results in pregnancy just because you can is poor reason for doing so. If a person is not ready to accept the consequences of such behavior then they should not engage in that behavior. If they decide to engage in that behavior, then they and the significant other should be prepared for the inevitable outcome. AND CHILDREN SHOULD NOT BE ENGAGING IN THIS ACTIVITY EVER. Society needs to clean up it's act.