NEVADA, IA - National Lutherans For Life commends the jury in the Jack Kervorkian case for convicting him of second-degree murder. Kevorkian's videotape showing him giving a lethal injection to Thomas Youk was seen for what it truly was, murder, and not the "ending of suffering" that Kervorkian insisted it was. It is good news for those nearing the end of life and those living with disabilities that this distinction hasfinally been made. Suffering should never be allowed to justify killing. While this good news is cause for rejoicing, it must be remembered that Jack Kervorkian is by no means the force driving the pro-death movement.
He is but the visible tip of something larger and much more dangerous.The well-funded and well-organized Hemlock Society will continue to push for assisted-suicide legislation in every state. They succeeded in Oregon. They were defeated in Michigan, but they will not give up. They know how to wait and when to move forward. The Hemlock Society does not need Jack Kervorkian to continue their relentless campaign to promote suffering as an enemy and death as a friend among the American people. Even many Christians are buying into this theology of glory that says they somehow have a right to a pain free, trouble free, suffering free life.
During the season of Lent we are especially reminded that the way of a Christian is the way of Jesus, and the way of Jesus was the way of the cross. Through the greatest of all human suffering that took place on that cross, God accomplished the greatest of all good - forgiveness. "The punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His wounds we are healed" (Isaiah 53:5). Through the cross, God removed the punishment of sin in Christ. Through the empty tomb of Easter he defeated death and gives us a certain hope, that after the sufferings of this present life, according to His gracious will and timetable, we will join Him in glory.
Another thing we are reminded of during Lent that is crucial in our battle against the forces of death is the idea of giving of ourselves in the service of others. Paul reminds us to "carry each other's burdens" (Galatians 6:2). It is not enough for Christians to rejoice in Jack Kervorkian's conviction or to rail against the Hemlock Society. We must care for those with disabilities and terminal disease and those dealing with the affects of aging. Whether as a hospice volunteer or in the nursing home or visiting a terminally ill friend, we can let people know that their lives do indeed matter. As one hospice nurse put it, "If a person asks to be killed, we have failed him." We know justice has been served as Jack Kervorkian goes to jail. We must be on our guard as the Hemlock society goes to the legislatures. We canbe renewed in our understanding of suffering and in our love and caring aswe go to the cross.
###Lutherans For Life (888) 364-LIFE or (515) 382-2077
Fax: (515) 382-3020
Rev. Dr. James I. Lamb - Executive Director lfldjj@nevia.net
Linda D. Bartlett - President lbart@iowafalls.com
Lowell J. Highby - Director of Media and Development lhighby@nevia.net
Joyce J. Flanscha - Administrative Supervisor lfldjj@nevia.net
Lutherans For Life is a pan-Lutheran, educational organization.(Lutherans For Life is not a church body.)
The mission of Lutherans For Life is to witness to the sanctity of human life through education based on the Word of God.