(Reviewed in Gospel Advocate, February 2010)

Silenced Cries by Aaron Erhardt is not a book to be read lightly or quickly. It is a very disturbing book and likely will require the reader to stop to think at several points along the way. The book confronts the culture of life and death in our country as it relates to the practice of abortion. When I say it is disturbing, I do not mean it should be read; only that it is not an enjoyable book to read.

Erhardt takes us to places we do not want to go. Through his writing, we travel inside an abortion clinic to witness what happens during and after this horrific procedure. If you are unfamiliar with these places and practices, these chapters will no doubt leave you feeling very disturbed.

From the clinic, Erhardt takes us to the steps of Capitol Hill in Washington D.C., to listen to the politics of this issue. Again, for many Christians this is an uncomfortable mixing of religion and legislation. Finally, Erhardt brings us back to the pages of Scripture to show us God’s view of the murder of innocent children.

Although the book is disturbing, it is necessary for Christians to read about abortion and understand this very important issue. Erhardt makes it clear that we cannot hide our faces from the reality of this sin and that we must do all we can to speak for those who have no voice.

Although I cannot say I enjoyed reading Silenced Cries, I can say that my eyes and heart were opened to a very pertinent and important issue in our culture. To look at the darker side of humanity is to see just how far sin can take us from the plan of God. We can also see the incredible opportunities that exist for us to make a difference by being salt and light to our world.

– David Salisbury, Hohenwald, Tenn.

Abortion is one of the defining moral and political issues of our time. In his new book, Silenced Cries: A Study of Abortion, Aaron Erhardt provides some valuable material on the subject and presents it in a way that is easy to understand.

The book deals with every aspect of this issue. Aaron addresses the doctors and the abortion clinics, their tactics and procedures. He talks about the consequences, not just for the aborted child, but for the mother and the rest of the family. He responds to some of the common arguments in favor of abortion. In the book he also mentions the twisted irony that some of the ones who disregard the lives of unborn children are often the same ones who militantly defend the “rights” of animals and even plants.

I was pleased to see that Aaron addressed the political aspect of this issue as well. Many Christians want everything that relates to politics to be completely separate from their religion. We simply cannot do that with this issue. Abortion is a moral issue. Just because politicians have taken opposing sides does not mean that Christians and churches should ignore the subject. There are too many elected politicians, including the current President, that staunchly defend a mother’s decision to have a doctor murder her unborn child. This is a tragedy. No Christian should lend their support or their vote to one that believes it is right to destroy the lives of the most innocent and helpless human beings. This is not a matter of politics. It is a matter of morality and our own accountability before God.

Of course, this book also deals with what the Bible has to say on the topic. Aaron cites various passages showing that a child inside the womb is no different than one outside the womb and that every life is precious because each one is made in the image of God.

Abortion is a disturbing practice. It is hard to read about the doctors, procedures, etc., and not be filled with emotions — anger, sadness, righteous indignation. Maybe some ignore this issue of shy away from talking about it because it is so emotionally charged. But we cannot do this. We must control ourselves and our emotions so that we can be prepared to talk to people about this issue. Christians need to be an influence for good. We need to be ready to discuss this important issue with others. Innocent lives and eternal souls are at stake.

I highly recommend this book. If you are interested in reading it, you can visit the author’s website, Erhardt Publications, for information about ordering a copy for yourself.

- Andy Sochor, Editor of PlainBibleTeaching.com