Roe v. Wade has been overturned. While there was suspicion that the Supreme Court’s ruling in the Dobbs case had the potential to overturn Roe, when something so monumental and so long sought after comes to pass, it can be hard to make sense of. The decision states, “The Constitution does not confer a right to abortion; Roe and Casey are overruled, and the authority to regulate abortion is returned to the people and their elected representatives.” Abortion is the intentional termination of a woman’s pregnancy. Elective abortions are the most common procedure in this category where the mother’s life is not threatened and there is no known risk of genetic, mental, or physical handicaps. Many times, this termination is determined by the mother considering emotional, financial, or physical convenience.
The Bible declares that each person is invaluable due to the Image of God (imago dei). Thus, the uniqueness and worth described by the whole of Scripture allow the believer to operate ethically when ethical dilemmas arise. Specifically, the question of whether abortion is morally permissible can be determined by considering when life begins. Biologically, personhood can be ascribed to life at conception. John Feinberg, a prominent Christian ethicist, affirms that biological personhood can be scientifically seen by DNA Strands (Ethics for a Brave New World). Ascribed personhood goes further in Christian ethics through understanding that God recognizes life before birth, before development, and even before conception (Jer 1:5, 20:17; Ps 139:13-15 Gal 1:15).
In the Dobbs case, the Court was asked to consider three questions, but took up only one: whether all pre-viability prohibitions on elective abortions are unconstitutional. The ultimate ruling handed down yesterday will save the lives of many of our preborn neighbors. The opportunity for thousands of preborn babies will enjoy the most fundamental right given by God, the right to live. It is with that in mind that we should stop and praise God for his mercy in this decision.
Some will credit the victory to nine justices and how they voted.
Some will credit various political figures.
Some will credit the thousands of crisis pregnancy centers.
Some will credit former president Donald Trump.
Some will credit the many nameless workers in the pro-life movement.
Some will credit the recent political strategy and the evangelical vote.
But I would encourage each of us to reconsider the narratives that are floating and not miss the point. The story about Roe v. Wade being overturned is a story about God. As Solomon would write in Proverbs, “the king's heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.” God executes his justice and he alone gains the credit for this significant act of justice. The Dobbs case ruling brings only a change of direction, not the end, to abortion. That said, it is an incredible victory and should be celebrated by Christians.
With that said, as one of your Pastors, I would caution you with a word of warning. Political gloating has no place in the kingdom of God. We celebrate justice, not Donald Trump. We celebrate God’s victory, not five justices that sit on a judicial bench. Additionally, there is much discussion that we as followers should be having regarding our duty to help families in difficult positions. I would prompt you to spend more time thinking and talking about your involvement with single moms and children than scoring political points. I fear that Christians have not considered that foster care is about to be overwhelmed (even more than now) in many states. I fear that many Jesus followers will “bark” about this case but won’t lend an ear to vulnerable women and children in the coming months/years. Church, this is a significant moment. I pray that we as Jesus-followers will rise to meet the challenge with compassionate care and reverence that matches the weight of this significant decision.
- Pastor Jordan