Celebrate Life Magazine - Fall 2017

pro-life book review BY SHANNON CONNELL
The Pro-Life Apologetics Manual
INCREASINGLY, IN MODERN times, it seems that truth is either being twisted
or arguments are being constructed against truth by those who prefer convenience
and need to rationalize their convenient lifestyles. Those who seek convenience
over truth have created arguments that can fool even the most educated
individuals. This is certainly the case with arguments in favor of abortion. Long
before Roe v. Wade, many pro-abortion arguments have been compiled to ease
the consciences of those who choose a convenient life over an upright one. Since
Roe v. Wade, these pro-abortion arguments have only increased. Thus, even for
the most intelligent Catholics and pro-life advocates, navigating through these
deceitful arguments can become tricky without having some help in deconstructing
them.
Angelo Stagnaro breaks down every pro-abortion myth imaginable. He
deconstructs the faulty reasoning and points out many inherent contradictions.
The Pro-Life Apologetics Manual cuts straight to the chase as Stagnaro distinguishes
between the facts concerning abortion from the lies pushed on society
by pro-aborts based on logic, philosophy, theology, history, and science.
For example, Stagnaro uses simple reasoning to deal with “Myth 54: I have
nothing against babies. What do you have against women having the right to
choose?” He points out the inherent contradiction as follows: “It is a wonder
that people cannot see the obvious inherent contradiction in their
words. Then the argument is deconstructed, we find the following structure:
‘I love babies and I want the right to kill them’” (p.113).
Stagnaro does not stop there, however. He offers arguments and
alternatives to other contemporary threats to life, such as contraception
and genetic screening.
The Pro-Life Apologetics Manual appeals to a broad range of pro-lifers
with easy-to-understand arguments that lead to hard-hitting truths.
It serves as both a reference on which the most educated pro-lifers can
fall back as well as a starting point for new pro-lifers to learn everything
from the basics to the subtleties. It is an essential resource for all pro-lifers
and will fill in many gaps when defending the pro-life cause.
Catholics can rely on the points Stagnaro puts forward throughout
the book with confidence, since his book has received a Nihil Obstat and
an Imprimatur from the Catholic Archdiocese of New York; in other
words, the book does not contradict Catholic teaching on faith (doctrine)
or morals (morality).
Finally, a single book that pro-lifers can use to defeat many pro-abort lies
with ease. Stagnaro has provided the community not only with a good read, but
with a pro-life resource that can be continually referenced in times of confusion
or when searching for the proper rebuttal to a pro-abort lie. Let’s hope that
some from the so-called “pro-choice” movement read this manual and finally
realize the many errors that plague their untenable position!
By Angelo
Stagnaro; Hope
and Life Press;
2017; 226
pages; $24.99
(paperback)
Shannon Connell is a physician assistant in New Jersey. Her training in medicine has made her all the more
passionate about the dignity of the preborn person. She is passionate about her faith, pro-life topics, and
helping others holistically in recognition that the human person is both body and spirit.
FALL 2017 | Celebrate Life Magazine 13