More from Mohler on Terri - Part II
Here we have Mohler's second part (of what I now see will be a three part series) on the Terri Schiavo case. Following his questions in the first part, Dr. Mohler now asks what is the future for the courts and for conservatism in light of this episode?
To the first, the article argues that in the descisions such as Roe vs. Wade and the definition of food and water as medical treatment demonstrates
... a horrible set of legal precedents and court decisions. The courts have increasingly identified a "right to die" as a matter of legal protection and, in some cases, of constitutional right. In so doing, the courts have put themselves into inevitable conflict with larger moral questions.
Mohler also points to the fact that many commentators have referred (often with satisfaction) to the judicial supremacy, and he comments that
Unless these trends are checked, we are increasingly facing a government ruled by judges, for judges, in the name of the courts.
Whatever the case, Terri Schiavo's death has certainly made people look very much more closely at the relationship of the three branches government.
In response to the question of where conservatism goes from here, the article points to what Mohler sees as potentially dangerous divisions in the conservative movement:
At the same time, this controversy points to larger issues that might well divide the conservative movement in years ahead. The libertarians, focused almost exclusively on individual liberty, are increasingly averse to morals legislation. Fiscal conservatives are more willing to negotiate on matters of deep moral concern. All conservatives must recognize that deep worldview implications underlie every significant question.
The divisions are there to see. But as Mohler rightly states (in my view), if there is indeed a lack of moral courage in the conservative movement just now, tehre is little reason for it to continue, for a conservative movement that will not contend for the sanctity of human life is a conservative movement that does not deserve to survive.
I think Mohler may be a little harsh here, but having seen the way the House and Congress backed away from the moral issues of the case as soon as the poll figures turned, I can't be anywhere near certain.
To the first, the article argues that in the descisions such as Roe vs. Wade and the definition of food and water as medical treatment demonstrates
... a horrible set of legal precedents and court decisions. The courts have increasingly identified a "right to die" as a matter of legal protection and, in some cases, of constitutional right. In so doing, the courts have put themselves into inevitable conflict with larger moral questions.
Mohler also points to the fact that many commentators have referred (often with satisfaction) to the judicial supremacy, and he comments that
Unless these trends are checked, we are increasingly facing a government ruled by judges, for judges, in the name of the courts.
Whatever the case, Terri Schiavo's death has certainly made people look very much more closely at the relationship of the three branches government.
In response to the question of where conservatism goes from here, the article points to what Mohler sees as potentially dangerous divisions in the conservative movement:
At the same time, this controversy points to larger issues that might well divide the conservative movement in years ahead. The libertarians, focused almost exclusively on individual liberty, are increasingly averse to morals legislation. Fiscal conservatives are more willing to negotiate on matters of deep moral concern. All conservatives must recognize that deep worldview implications underlie every significant question.
The divisions are there to see. But as Mohler rightly states (in my view), if there is indeed a lack of moral courage in the conservative movement just now, tehre is little reason for it to continue, for a conservative movement that will not contend for the sanctity of human life is a conservative movement that does not deserve to survive.
I think Mohler may be a little harsh here, but having seen the way the House and Congress backed away from the moral issues of the case as soon as the poll figures turned, I can't be anywhere near certain.
posted by Angus at 4:34 PM
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