The Meaning of the Presence of Children The author states: “It is my aim here to explore the venture of parenthood, the inner meaning of the family bond. And because such an exploration must always have a location, I will examine the meaning of fecundity from within the perspective of Christian faith—which has, after all, been one of the principal sources of our culture’s formation on this question, but which, on these questions may help to point us in the direction of a true humanism.” Real and Abundant Life Real and abundant life now and forever is God’s free gift in Christ. Death is defeated. As Christians walk through a corrupt and dying world, they are called to embody real life, showing Christ to all who are dying. If Christian vision ever becomes blurred, faith in Christ again pierces the darkness with His light and life. His life calls His faithful to confess the infinite significance and sanctity of all human life, which originates in the holiness of its Creator That They May Have Life Human life is not an achievement. It is an endowment. It has measureless value, because every individual, at every stage of development and every state of consciousness, is known and loved by God. This is the source of human dignity and the basis for human equality. It must therefore be asserted without exception or qualification: No one is worthless whom God has created and for whom Christ died. Uncompromising respect for human life is fundamental and the foundational principle for human community that enables individuals to live together in security and harmony. This principle calls upon every individual and society to rightly define the human community. Will all be counted as neighbors, or will some be regarded and treated as strangers and cast beyond protection? In a democracy, men and women of every walk and station of life have a role and responsibility in answering these great and significant questions. [Taken from LCMS.ORG]
June 24, 2010