February 2020 | Approaching a Cultural Tipping Point

As we move deeper into this political season, there are two issues I’d like to highlight: religious liberty and physician-assisted suicide. I choose to focus on these for two reasons. First, because both are integral to the effective proclamation of the Gospel. And secondly because both appear to be at a tipping point, with the Church in possession of the resources necessary to decisively affect the outcome of these issues if we will only commit to using them.

Religious liberty

In its choice of cases for this current session, the Supreme Court seems to be setting itself up to offer a much more definitive ruling concerning the scope of religious liberty than it has offered in the past. Two cases in particular stand out, namely, the Harris Funeral Home case (argued on October 8, 2019) and the Little Sisters of the Poor case (yet to be scheduled).

Yet as decisive and as potentially helpful as these judicial decisions may be, what will be even more decisive in the long run is the degree to which the public-at-large understands and values the concept of religious freedom. That is, any future Court decisions in support of a robust view of religious liberty will ultimately be hollow victories unless there is a rekindling of appreciation for the fundamental and indispensable nature of this “first of our Constitutional liberties” in the hearts and minds of our people. I am convinced that pastors and educators in the Church have a particularly important role to play in moving us in that direction.

To that end, I’d like to point you to Luke Goodrich’s new book Free to Believe. I have found it to be exceptionally helpful in understanding the current status of religious liberty in the Courts, in digesting the topic from a solidly biblical perspective, AND in identifying practical steps that pastors and teachers can take in their local settings to advance the cause of religious freedom. It is easy to understand and remarkable in its clarity and faithfulness to Scripture. If you want to get a handle on the issue of religious liberty in this cultural moment, I’d highly recommend it.

Physician-assisted suicide (PAS)

The issue of physician-assisted suicide (PAS) is one that deserves our attention because it, too, is at a critical point and is one in which the efforts of the Church can prove pivotal. The idea that it is appropriate to assist people in ending their suffering by assisting them to end their life is one that appalls some and appeals to others in approximately equal numbers. However, studies reveal that the commitment level of many of those favoring PAS is quite “shallow” and quickly shifts to opposition when the many practical and spiritual dangers inherent in PAS are brought to their attention.

At the most recent (2019) LCMS National Convention, the LCMS passed Resolution 11-06, clearly expressing opposition to PAS and calling on pastors and congregations to be energetic in informing their members and the community at large about its dangers. This effort, of course, includes preaching and teaching about the issue. Resources to assist in doing so can be found in the resolution itself as well as in the recently distributed bulletin flyer on PAS, which includes links to a variety of helpful organizations, including the Patient Rights Action Fund, the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition, and the Minnesota Alliance for Ethical Healthcare.

In addition, the current political season also offers a unique opportunity to impact public attitudes toward PAS. On February 25, each political party will hold its caucus in order to develop its stance regarding a variety of issues. Typically, these issues are brought forward by means of resolutions introduced by attendees. The Minnesota Alliance for Ethical Healthcare (of which MN North and South Districts are members) has developed such a resolution as well as tips to help advance it at the caucus. Those can be accessed here.

Since there is a separate presidential primary on March 3 this year, chances are that attendance at the February 25 caucuses will be low, which should allow for a greater degree of influence for those who do attend. Pastors and members alike, I encourage you to attend the February 25 caucus of whichever party you affiliate with and offer this resolution opposing assisted suicide.

If you have questions about either religious liberty or physician-assisted suicide, please feel free to contact me via email at fred.hinz@mnsdistrict.org or via phone at 507-317-9634.

God’s blessings to you as you interact with your friends and neighbors concerning public matters on behalf of the Gospel.

In Christ,

Rev. Hinz

Rev. Fredric Hinz
fred.hinz@mnsdistrict.org
LCMS Public Policy Advocate
Minnesota South and North Districts
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod