I won’t assume that anyone reading this hasn’t already heard about the death of Terri Schiavo from several sources, nor will I assume that there is anyone without an opinion regarding the unfolding of this story for the past two weeks.

Some would assume, based on what I have said, that I would never want life support to be taken off of me if I were in a permanent state similar to that of Terri. That is not so, nor is it the point that many Christians are trying to make. As Michael Gallagher points out here, the source of outrage by many Christians should have everything to do with the intrinsic worth of the individual human, made in the image and likeness of God. This driving force leads many to argue for life or for death, based on their belief that there is no true life in a person who is reported to be in a permanently vegetative state. I encourage you to read his post, as he states his case very intelligently, as I have come to expect from him.

Just as many people have been confused about the root of the objection people such as Michael or I have had to this case, there are other confusions that have come about from related discussions. There is one assumption that many have made that I would like to discuss at this time. I’ll begin with a statement that we all need to remember on a regular basis.

Your opinion regarding this controversy does not define your eternal standing with Christ.

People nationwide are praying that Michael Schiavo be taken for justice before God, for example. Is this the image that Christianity wants to portray? We should be praying that Mr. Schiavo finds mercy, not judgment. If there is any sin that the blood of Christ cannot cover, we’re all in trouble. If any one of us were to be judged apart from mercy today, not a one of us would be accepted.

This also has placed a line in the sand with misunderstandings between Christians over their opinions in this matter, leading to a few heated debates. If there is anything worth a heated debate, innocent life is that thing, but the general tone of many arguments seems to imply that the one on the side of life is “obviously” Christian and the one who feels that it is more humane to let her expire is “obviously” not a Christian.

Is this how weak Christianity in America is? Is the acid test to recognize a Christian their opinion of a woman in Florida or is it our faith in Christ? Before anyone starts quoting that we can know other Christians by their fruits, I will ask you a few questions. Are you fully sanctified? Is your life without sin? Do you ever act in a way that does not glorify God?

If you are praying for Mr. Schiavo’s judgment right now, I can answer that third question for you. Heck, that answers question one as well. If you define sin as any non-conformity to the will of God, I suppose that sweeps my short list of questions. The same results are found in your heart if you mistreat someone verbally based on their differing opinion in this matter. Debate is allowed, but in all things we must express the love of Christ, not the rage within ourselves, lest we become as clanging cymbals.

By the way, I am as guilty as anyone in this matter, and I would like to apologize to anyone I have hurt by my words or my projected attitude. Terri Schiavo is not the acid test of Christianity. Christ is.