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Physical or mental perfection was never a requirement for the sanctity or preservation of life in the eyes of our Lord, based on my reading of scripture.

You're right ... but this unChristian idea seems to be at the heart of the public reaction to this case.

The question people are debating is, "Are we going to allow the disabled to live?" There's an almost overwhelming rejection of the value of a disabled person's life. Even many FReepers' comments are on the order of, "I'm making sure my Living Will makes it perfectly clear that I want to be DEAD, rather than disabled." And much of the discussion of Terri Schiavo seems to suggest that, if her condition never improves, then at some point in the future it would be acceptable to kill her.

It's a fearful prospect, being severely disabled, and something new for me to address spiritually ... I believe I'm prepared to die and be with the LORD, but am I prepared to accept that His will may allow me to be disabled, helpless, a "burden," perhaps for many years?

In a way, it's a parallel to our spiritual condition: we are all "disabled" before God, unable by our own efforts to overcome our sin and be united with Him. If we accept this, why can't we accept that we may at some time be physically disabled, and reliant on the "grace" of others for the continuance of our physical lives?

"In a way, it's a parallel to our spiritual condition: we are all "disabled" before God, unable by our own efforts to overcome our sin and be united with Him. If we accept this, why can't we accept that we may at some time be physically disabled, and reliant on the "grace" of others for the continuance of our physical lives?"

Your comment is the crux of the importance of the sanctity of those among us who may not enjoy physical "perfection" or normalcy. Consider the impact on the millions of people in our country (in spite of the lack of substantive media coverage) that Terri's condition has inspired. Think of the billions of prayers that have been offered on her behalf, a person who few who offer those prayers know. The presence of God's creatures like Terri give us an opportunity to "love our neighbor as we love ourselves".

I share your trepidation about physical disability. I have always been very comfortable providing help to those who need it, but very self-conscious and reluctant to accept help from others.

Terri's life has impacted congitively and most importantly, spiritually, on millions of us in a way that only she, in her silence, could accomplish.

God bless,

EODGUY

The question people are debating is, "Are we going to allow the disabled to live?"

Liberals are so funny (and pathetic): my local supermarket has a (government mandated) disabled parking space at its door for every truly disabled person within a thirty mile radius (which is roughly how far away a non-disabled person must park when visiting this grocer.) Yet, liberals and government are trying to kill this poor woman, setting the precedent they need to rachet up the left's "right to die" jihad of euthanasia. Ironic.

Think of the parents of disabled children....you know they're wondering, "What will happen to my child after I pass away?" Anyone other than a parent may find that person a "burden" and may legally starve the child to death....especially someone who doesn't have experience (or the patience) tending to a physical and/or mentally disabled person. It's hard enough for these parents without having to consider this....