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Chapter Thirteen: What
is a Christian to Do?
The Nazi government had already required all the Jewish families
in the neighborhood to register with the local Gestapo office. After
that, the Jews were required to wear yellow "Star of David"
patches sewn onto their clothes. When rumors of late night pogroms
in the Hebrew ghetto across town were explored, they were found
to be true. Windows had been broken, Jewish residents rousted from
their beds, and eight buildings had been burned. Several people
were seriously injured.
Dietrich Schwarz and his wife Katrina were uncertain what to do.
They attended the Lutheran church on the corner, and their pastor
was encouraging his parishioners to keep a low profile. "If
we make too much noise, the Gestapo will start bothering us next,"
he warned. "Besides, the Jews have charged exorbitant interest
on their loans to us non-Jews for years, and don't forget who killed
Christ himself."
Katrina and Dietrich had never had any close Jewish friends, but
they had always been on friendly terms with their tailor and the
owner of the hardware store and his family, all of who were Jews.
Somehow it didn't seem right to stand by and watch while their lives
were being gradually destroyed. But what could they do?
Trudging through the cold dark night with only the stars and Jacob
Whittier to guide them, Bessie and Sam prayed constantly. Singing
was out of the question. If anyone caught them walking northward
with Jacob they were all in for a great deal of trouble. Sam and
Bessie would be chained up and thrown into the wagon. When they
got back to Alabama their captors would reap cash rewards and the
runaway slaves would be beaten unmercifully before they were locked
up in the barn. When they healed up some, it would be back to the
fields, and the unceasing pain and heartache of slavery.
As an abettor to runaway slaves, Jacob might just be strung up
on the nearest tree. Aiding runaways was a capital offense, and
as the bounty hunters did not have the time to wait around for the
legal system to work, they might just provide their own brand of
justice for Jacob-swift and sure.
So why did Jacob Whittier and his family participate in the "Underground
Railway"? Jake was not an eloquent man, but he was God-fearing.
As he told his wife: "God is no respecter of persons, and I
am sure he loves all his children, no matter their color. If we
don't help them, and they end up back where they came from, it'll
be ours to blame, and that ain't right."
Levi Abrams was a Born Again Jew. He had come to Christ in his adulthood.
After obtaining his Ph.D. in Genetics, completing law school and
moving to New York, the only thing on his mind was making big bucks
in the big city. He planned to become a wealthy patent attorney
in the exploding world of bioengineering. He was well on his way
to partnership in one of the world's largest law firms when Eva
Simons changed his whole life.
Actually, that is giving too much credit to Eva, but she certainly
got him headed in the right direction. Eva was another attorney
in Steinbrenner, Hart, Schafner and Larson, and at first their relationship
was all business. But after working together on three multi-million
dollar cases, Levi had begun to appreciate a side of Eva that wasn't
immediately apparent. She was bright, hardworking, creative, attractive,
and at the same time she was confident about her relationship with
a real God, and his real Jewish son.
After attending church for two months with Eva in a "Completed
Jew" Congregation, Levi was surprised to find that not only
was he falling in love with Eva, he was starting to think that this
Jesus thing wasn't as crazy as he had believed. Six months later
he accepted Christ into his life. Two months after that Eva and
Levi were married.
What a bright future lay ahead of them, thought Levi, and the next
three years, on his way to partnership seemed to prove him correct.
Status, money, and power were all his. But then the Lord brought
some interesting people his way. Jack Toland from the Christian
Genetics Council called him first, then David Gray from United Christians
for Ethical Laws phoned him at work. In short order, it became apparent
to Levi that there was an immediate need for a full-time Geneticist/Attorney
to help mold the future of American Law. Funding was available from
concerned Christians, but if he were to walk away from his new partnership
at SHS&L he could kiss his legal future good-bye. And he would
take a 90% cut in salary.
What was God calling him to do? He could stay where he was, have
oodles of money and be a partner in one of the top ten international
law firms, or he could obey this new inner voice of the Spirit.
What a choice!
Throughout human history, humans have had to choose. In each of
our lives, we will face choices that require godly insight. One
path may seem to promise power, fame, money or gratification. Another
path may be less certain. When we are faced with these personal
decisions we must seek God's leading through the prayerful use of
Scripture, Reason, Tradition and Experience-most importantly including
the inner witness of the Holy Spirit.
Today, we are confronted with a number of bioethical dilemmas. They
meet us everywhere we turn, whether we like it or not. In this study
I have attempted to point you toward some of these concerns. I have
particularly attempted to encourage each of you to use our four
guideposts in sorting through these issues. I will have failed if
this study does not prompt thoughtful consideration, introspection,
and prayer concerning possible ways that you may choose to serve
God in these areas.
God is probably not going to call most of you to quit your jobs
and work full-time in the area of bioethics. (But if He does, we
certainly hope that like Levi Abrams, above, you will seek God's
leading in this matter.) For most of you, the question will more
likely be "How can I best serve Christ faithfully today?"
Hopefully, as you ask this question, you may also ask "What
can I do to stand for God, both proactively, and reactively in this
developing minefield of bioethics?"
To get you started thinking and discussing this together, let me
suggest a few:
1) Volunteer at your local Crisis Pregnancy Nursery once a month.
2) Volunteer with your local Hospice organization.
3) Find our what your local politicians believe about key bioethical
issues and vote.
4) Volunteer to pray for your local Christian politicians, doctors,
social workers and school counselors.
5) Become a volunteer at your local hospital, and see if there
are any lay positions on your hospital ethics committee.
6) Contact Christian organizations that are working to set policy
regarding these tough issues, (see the end of this lesson), and
offer your prayers, monetary gifts and time.
7) Read good books on bioethics, like the ones discussed in this
study curriculum, so that when you are asked about these issues
you can give a reasoned Christian response.
8) Can you name some other ways to be part of the solution?
What does the Bible say to us about tough spiritual battles? Let's
look and see.
Scripture and Discussion Questions
Nehemiah 1:1-4, 2:1-6
Esther 4:12-17
Daniel 3:9-18
Luke 22:39-46
2 Corinthians 11:23-29
Acts 7:54-60
Revelation 2:8-11
Acts 5:27-29
1) As cupbearer to the king, Nehemiah was in one of the most opulent
settings and influential positions in the then known world. Yet,
he jeopardized all of this, and in fact his continued life, by speaking
up to the king about Jerusalem's plight. Why was this so important
to Nehemiah? Have you ever laid your entire life on the line for
a principle? If so, share your story.
2) Esther's uncle, Mordecai, minced no words talking to his niece
about her responsibilities. What responsibilities is the Lord laying
on your heart? How will you respond to the Holy Spirit?
3) Everyone has heard the stories of Daniel and his three partners
in Babylon. Sometimes when we hear stories as children we do not
realize the full importance of the actions taken by the main characters.
Give three easy rationalizations that the Hebrew men might have
used to avoid this danger. What were they risking?
4) Luke 22 describes Jesus' last night with his disciples before
his crucifixion. Was this really a temptation for Christ? In what
way? How did he deal with this temptation?
5) 2 Corinthians 11 tells of some very difficult experiences. How
does this jibe with "The Prosperity Gospel"? Why would
Paul allow himself to be put through such torture?
6) Stephen not only gave up his life for Christ in Acts 7, but he
did two things that for most of us seem mutually exclusive: a) He
confronted the evil he saw, in verses 51-53 and b) he continued
to love his tormentors, in verses 59-60. Does this give us any guidance
as we think about our response to abortionists, mothers who have
aborted their children, homosexual persons with AIDS, and other
"notorious sinners"?
7) Revelation 2:8-11 is written to the church in Smyrna. Polycarp
was later pastor at
Smyrna, and suffered a martyr's death. Most of us will not be faced
with this end, but may face on-going persecution of a different
nature. What do you fear most as you think about taking a stand
on the issues this study has addressed? Is God sufficient to the
task of protecting and caring for you?
8) Should your pastor preach politics from the pulpit? Why or why
not?
9) See Acts 5:27-29. When is it Biblical for a Christian to disobey
the government?
10) Which Christians are not involved in "full-time Christian
work"?
Comments
1) Mahatma Gandhi preached non-violent civil disobedience. Martin
Luther King and the Southern Christian Leadership Coalition used
these same ideas.
2) Many people in the "Underground Railway" had to lie,
steal, and on occasion commit acts of violence in order to save
the runaway slaves from death. While the ends do not justify the
means, there may be occasions when degrees of priority may need
to be established. This might prompt some good discussion in your
class.
3) God probably will not call you to quit your job and go to the
mission field. But, he may ask you to choose a less lucrative form
of employment that will be more beneficial to society and his work.
Discuss the ways that we Christians can be certain of God's call
and direction in our lives.
4) Some Amish people feel that we should avoid any involvement in
governmental affairs. "Liberation Theology" preaches that
unless capitalist systems are overthrown and replaced with Marxist
systems, justice is not being done, and God is not being served.
5) Dr. James Dobson often strongly urges his listeners to write
their congressional representatives, voicing a Christian opinion
on important issues. Other Christians feel that our task is to save
souls and not to be concerned with governmental affairs. Good Christians
can be found in both camps.
6) Tithe is a concept that is often applied only to money. However,
if God owns us completely, this concept should apply to our entire
lives. Discuss other areas of your lives that are appropriate for
the concept of tithing.
7) Sometimes when people think about getting involved in the political
process they are thinking about running for elected office. Discuss
other, less glamorous ways that each of us might enter into the
political process.
8) The prophet Daniel was uprooted from Israel as a youth, and then
over the course of his life was used by God to serve in leadership
in four different Asian kingdoms. His life work was serving God
in a pagan government system.
9) Martin Luther had taken vows of obedience to the Roman Catholic
Church. He then broke those vows when he posted his theses on the
Wittenburg Cathedral door. So, all of us Protestants owe our spiritual
roots to a man who took an oath and then purposely broke that oath.
Discuss.
PRAYER REQUESTS: As you close today's
lesson, and this thirteen-week study together, pray that God will
heighten your awareness of bioethical issues, and help you know
when to listen, when to speak, when to pray, and when to give. Pray
also that he will help bring to your mind often those Christians
who are on the front lines of these bioethical battles today.
For Further Reading:
In this thirteen-week study, we have referenced a number of good
books already. For additional information on bioethics from a Christian
perspective, or to become more actively involved in Christian bioethics
in your community contact:
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The Center for Bioethics and Human Dignity
2065 Half Day Road
Bannockburn, Illinois 60015
888-246-3844
847-317-8153 (fax)
www.cbhd.org, or for breaking bioethical stories: www.bioethix.org
One can sign up for membership with CBHD. A number of resources
are available through the Center, including a web site, newsletter,
journals, books, videotapes, audio tapes, and study guides.
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Christian Legal Society
4209 Evergreen Lane
Suite 222
Annandale, VA 22003-3264
703-642-1070
703-642-1075 (fax)
www.clsnet.com
Active in many of the cutting edge policy and legal debates of
the day. One need not be an attorney to support or join this organization.
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Americans United for Life
310 S. Peoria Street, Suite 300
Chicago, IL 60607-3534
312-492-7234
A powerful voice for encouraging public awareness about abortion
issues and life options, this group crosses church and society lines
in its efforts to promote its cause.
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Christian Medical Association (formerly CMDS)
501 Fifth Street
P.O. Box 5
Bristol, TN 37621
423-844-1000
423-844-1005
www.cmds.org
Christian Medical Association serves to encourage and strengthen
Christian physicians in their walk with Christ and in evangelism
in the United States and around the world.
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Focus on the Family
Colorado Springs, CO 80995-7451
800-A-FAMILY (800-232-6459)
719-531-3424 (fax)
Email: www.fotf.org
Dr. James Dobson and Focus on the Family have many resources available
to help Christians serve Christ in their communities. Specific journals
address concerns of pastors, doctors, single parents, children,
seniors and more. Dr. Dobson's daily radio program frequently addresses
bioethical issues of pressing concern.
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The Centre for Bioethics and Public Policy
58 Hanover Gardens, London, SE11 5TN
0171-587 0595 (tel.)
0171-587 0595 (fax)
Email: 100524.1567@compuserve.com
Closely allied with CBHD, CBPP is a voice for Christian bioethics
in England and the European mainland.
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The Rutherford Institute
P. O. Box 7482
Charlottesville, VA 22906
804-978-3888
The Rutherford Institute takes on legal cases for clients who they
feel are unjustly having their Christian freedoms limited. They
have defended prayer in public ceremonies, wider use of creation-based
biology curricula, discrimination in the workplace and other timely
concerns.
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National Conference of Catholic Bishops
800-235-8722
In Washington, D. C., or outside the U. S. A., call:
202-722-8716
www.nccbuscc.org
The National Conference of Catholic Bishops have some excellent,
well-reasoned directives on Catholic Health Care Services, Health
and Health Care, HIV and AIDS, and other topics available to the
public at a nominal fee.
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The Free Methodist Church of North America
World Ministry Center
770 North High School
Indianapolis, IN 46214-3756
317-244-3660
http://fmcna.org/
The Free Methodist Church of North America recently appointed a
Study Commission on Bioethics, of which I am a member. We seek to
speak clearly, if briefly, on key issues for Free Methodists around
the world. We align ourselves ethically closely with the Center
for Bioethics and Human Dignity and Christian Medical Association.
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