But more on the words we use . . . I used them above. Perhaps we should stop using the language of "fetus" in describing the life in utero. How about baby? How about little boy or little girl? That might, in a slow and steady way, help to humanize these little lives and help people begin thinking a little differently. Language matters.
My second thought post-Dobbs . . .
While this ruling will certainly effect the number of surgical abortions performed in many states, and the grizzly dismemberment and painful killing will decrease, the number of abortions done by pill is on the increase. Some estimates I've seen claim that as many as 60% of all abortions are now done by pill. Perhaps some states will pass laws restricting the availability and distribution of these pills, though I'm sure there will be a whole raft of legal challenges to that, too.
That's why my previous post said that Dobbs is a step in the right direction. Minds and hearts still need to be changed, to know that the life inside a woman is a little boy or little girl, in need of our love, care, and protection. Until we acknowledge that, the problem will go on.
Tomorrow: More on the language we use . . .
For the next few days and posts, I am going to put out here some thoughts on life after the Dobbs Supreme Court decision. Not political thoughts, but what this means for us as the church.
First, Dobbs is a step, not a victory. There is still much work to be done. The Law constrains behaviour but it cannot change hearts. We need to continue to proclaim the Gospel that each and every life is a life for whom Jesus died and who God loves dearly, whether that life is in the womb or in a nursing home, whether than life is a man or a woman, whether than life came about in loving ways or not.
Dobbs returned the abortion debate to the states, which means that Christians in each state now need to step up their games on a state level. For the past 50 years the March for Life in Washington was a big deal every year. Now, a March for Life in each state will be more important. These are harder to get folks to come out for, but we need to put in the effort. The national political parties know that a local ground game is important in elections; we need to know that, too.
Here in Northern Virginia, our local Lutherans for Life chapter is small. Good folks, but we've had trouble getting traction with many people and churches. We need to keep pushing on and proclaiming the Gospel of life. Many people think abortion and other life issues are political issues and so don't want to go near them. They are political. No denying that. But they are also theological. And we need to proclaim the truth of God's Word no matter what. No obnoxiously, but with clarity and charity, consistently and courageously. And trust the Word to do its work.
A couple more pictures for you . . . the final day chalk art:
We finished up today and really ended on a high note. The kids did well, learned lots, sang great, and raised more money in offerings than ever before! So let me explain . . .
If you've been reading the newspapers we create, you know we challenge the kids each year to fill up a large vase we have with coins. Tuesday is penny day, Wednesday is nickel day, Thursday is dime day, and Friday is quarter day. We've filled the vase a couple of times, but other years we fell a bit short. But we always have fun trying! I also give the kids the incentive that whatever they give I will match and so double their offerings. This year they far exceeded anything we've done before.
So this year . . .
