For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. | Colossians 1:16–17
Today is a day that will be remembered in the history of our country. Today is the day that the Supreme Court overturned the Supreme Court decision of Roe vs. Wade. What has happened is: the court of 2022 sought to correct the faulty reasoning of the 1973 decision that declared that abortion was an issue of liberty protected under the Constitution. While many will view this through the lens of partisan politics or phrase it as Christians trying to force their beliefs on the world, what is actually happening is abortion is being treated as most issues are: an issue for elected representatives to legislate. This means that states will have the right to debate and vote on how they think abortion should be handled. What the Supreme Court has done is challenged us to have the robust public debate that was taken away 50 years ago (as this CNN opinion piece argues).
To be clear where we stand as a church: we believe that God is the giver of life and that He commands us to respect and protect life, including in the womb. Since he is the source of ALL life, we should submit to Him and trust Him with life – even if we are unsure how a life will turn out. We do not have the authority to terminate life as we see fit. Abortion goes against the created order, the authority of God, and rights given to all with life.
In one sense, I am excited about the conversation that will now be taking place, because truth is on the side of God. I have long imagined that the public view of abortion would change, but I assumed that it would happen as the result of medical technology proving the existence of life at conception. There will be a time when we look back at our nation’s view of abortion with disgust and shame.
The issue with the coming debate is: we are not there yet. I am not sure that we have the tools of dialogue and compromise to discuss complex issues (as evidenced by the national conversation around guns). I wrote a blog about the divide over this issue 7 years ago, and the division in our culture has only grown since then. In that blog series, I tried to understand the differences of view through how we define the terms LIFE and CHOICE. The reason why I focused on this is because it seems that we need to be able to understand the opposite view if we are ever going to be able to talk with, and work with, those who do not see the world as we do. It is in learning to listen that we can have an honest conversation about abortion. One that may actually change someone’s mind. As the issue of abortion is put back in the hands of the state, it will require us to relearn the art of public dialogue and partnership.
I am glad that the poor reasoning of Roe vs. Wade has declared irrational. I am hopeful that many lives are saved through this decision. I also know that this is just the next step in this continued debate; I pray that the church will handle themselves with humility and grace as they bring God’s truth to the world.