Journal: Southern Baptist Journal of Theology
Volume: SBJT 07:2 (Summer 2003)
Article: Editorial: Standing for Life
Author: Thomas R. Schreiner

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SBJT 7:2 (Summer 2003) p. 2

Editorial: Standing for Life

Thomas R. Schreiner

Thomas R. Schreiner professor of New Testament Interpretation at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He has also taught New Testament at Azusa Pacific University and Bethel Theological Seminary. He is the author of Romans in the Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament and co-author of The Race Set Before Us: A Biblical Theology of Perseverance and Assurance. His most recent book is Paul, Apostle of God’s Glory in Christ: A Pauline Theology. In addition, he is serving as the preaching pastor of Clifton Baptist Church in Louisville, Kentucky.

In this issue of the journal we remind our readers of the sad legacy of Roe v. Wade that was enshrined into law thirty years ago. As the years have passed, it has become apparent that Roe has bequeathed to us the culture of death. Those who warned us that Roe would open the door to further moral slippage have been proved right. Some may have thought that Francis Schaeffer was hysterical or fanatical in warning us about the dangers of abortion, but now his words seem prophetic.

Whether we think of euthanasia or of cloning, the moral vacuity of our generation is depressingly evident. Some defend ardently the lives of snails and whales, and would hesitate to crush the eggs of birds, and yet they insist that killing unborn human beings is legitimate. Compassion for the baby being formed in the womb is absent, even though ultrasound technology enables us clearly to see life in the womb. We can see the marvelously crafted little fingers and hands, hear the heart pulsate with life, and watch the baby suck his thumb. Still, many demand that the mother has the right to snuff out the life of the baby. It seems that for many in our society, the autonomy of the self trumps the life of the child and the “right” to choose is exalted as the supreme good in our society. Many even support partial birth abortion, where the baby’s legs and arms have emerged from the womb and are joyously kicking and moving. The doctor inserts a catheter into the head and sucks the brain out of the child, collapses the skull, and slays the child. The support for such a procedure demonstrates the extremes of the pro-abortion movement, for they tolerate no compromise on the right to choose.

One of the most remarkable stories of our day, however, is the staying power of the pro-life movement. It has persevered for thirty years, even though there have been discouragements and setbacks along the way. We can compare the pro-life movement to the civil rights movement. We celebrate the accomplishments of the civil rights movement, for to our shame we had deprived African Americans of justice, and certainly there is still progress that must be made. Nevertheless, th...

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