Sanctity of Life
"When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream."
- Psalm 126:1
- from Pastor James, June 24 2022
I was born in 1973, in the wake and under the shadow of Roe v. Wade, to a mother who was informed I'd be deformed and told she could legally end my life in her womb. I've lived my entire life in light of this Supreme Court decision and could scarcely imagine a world where it wasn't the tragic ruling precedent.
Now, almost 50 years later - with more than 60 million lives lost - Roe v Wade has been cast out, though its spectre is likely to haunt the next season of our country in it's turbulent departure.
My first paragraph shows I'm not without an emotional investment in this issue (deformed leg and all). And certainly the reactions coming out on all sides of the matter today seem fraught with emotion. That's not inherently wrong, but as Christians, our responses (and our positions) are to be informed biblically, and should be supported where possible by science, reason and consistency. Many opinions on this issue are programmed rhetoric and emotional responses informed by feelings, not facts or any sort of thoughtful contemplation of ethics or human existence. Indeed, the fact that the Supreme Court decision documentation is 213 pages long should help reinforce that this is not an issue that can be summed up on a bumper sticker or a protest sign, which is what most of the world wants you to do: keep thoughts shallow, enflamed by emotion, for their ends.
The Refuge Elders are delighted that initial news report indicate that the Dobbs decision by the United States Supreme Court will have an immediate and positive effect on the protection of unborn persons. As your elders, we commit to reading the Court's decision thoroughly and carefully because of the portent it has for our nation. We encourage EACH of you to do the same, to not just have "opinions" but INFORMED opinions.
To know what actually has happened, read the Supreme Court decision here.
From The Gospel Coallition, a helpful FAQ.
We're going to see a LOT of rash words on social media, and in fact foolish phrases and illogical notions being slung around: worst of all, some of these are by men and women who claim Christ. Our goal as Christians is to shine the light of biblical truth on the matter, not slander or hurl baseless accusations and unreasoned arguments. Please be informed, stand firm on the Word of God as foundation, be "shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves" and let your words be seasoned with salt so we may indeed be light in this situation, in Jesus' name.
Refuge Church and its leaders have never minced words about this topic: in fact, we did a group-taught historical, scientific, and biblical overview on the subject some years ago (with testimonies by men and women impacted intimately by the issues) which is available below:
Let us continue to pray for our country, that our laws and actions would be pleasing to God and reflect HIS justice.