Justice Clarence Thomas is being demonized for his concurring opinion in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health overturning Roe v. Wade, which suggests that rulings legalizing contraception and same-sex marriage should also be revisited. But critics trying to stir up panic over the abortion decision are completely missing his point.
Overturning Roe v. Wade was not the only monumental ruling from the Supreme Court. The decision in West Virginia v. the EPA stops unelected bureaucrats in agencies of the Executive Branch from passing laws and adjudicating their violation. Both decisions restore the rightful democratic and Constitutional role of legislatures.
Some people are calling for a boycott of Independence Day celebrations due to the overturn of Roe v. Wade. Even some conservatives have dismissed the Declaration of Independence for its "Enlightenment" values. But patriotism simply means loving one's country. And we can love things or people despite their imperfections--as God does.
The Donald Trump phenomenon is not just a personality cult. He brought to the fore a new populist conservatism. But that ideology has taken on a life of its own. And, in some cases, Trump and MAGA conservatives are going in different directions.
Here on our weekly Cranach community discussion, you have recommended books, streaming television, and music. What remains is your experience with the online realm. What websites-blogs, news sites, punditry, Christian reflection--would you recommend?
Progressives are reportedly battling each other over tactics, with some activists insisting that the only goal worth pursuing is to achieve the whole intersectional agenda, while others believe that it is more pragmatic to pursue their issues separately.
On June 25, 1530--492 years ago last week--seven principalities and two cities presented a confession of their faith to Emperor Charles V. Nine years earlier, Luther stood before the emperor alone. Their document that explained their Reformation convictions and its continuity with historic orthodoxy was called the Augsburg Confession. Written not by Luther but by a layman, this statement of faith continues to define Lutheran Christianity.
One option for the Supreme Court was to uphold Roe v. Wade while increasing the ability of states to impose restrictions on abortion. In 1992, in the case Planned Parenthood v. Casey, Chief Justice William Rehnquist had written an opinion overturning Roe, which had the approval of a majority of the judges. But a last minute half-measure won over one of the judges, further entrenching Roe. But now Casey has also been overturned.
The overturning of Roe v. Wade has been described as "the greatest victory in the history of the conservative movement." Some worry, though, that it will prove to be a Pyrrhic victory, one that will lead to greater defeats. In reality, the pro-life battles will only intensify as they spread to the states. But that does not take away from the significance of what just happened.
I asked his wife if any memorials had been set up for Todd Stadler, long-time reader and commenter, who died recently. She said that Todd always gave anonymously and that we should too, citing two of his favorite causes that he gave generously to. Her reply tells us more about him, and she said I could post it. Read more
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