I’ve written before about the ethical concerns raised by in vitro fertilization, and I continue to wonder how we as individuals can make choices that keep in mind the good of the community and not only our individual gain. As I wrote in October, after Robert Edwards won the Nobel Peace Prize for his work on in vitro fertilization: “I by no means want to diminish the joy that comes for parents who conceive children through IVF. Nor do I... Read more
The cover article of Christianity Today’s current issue, “Proselytizing in a Multi-Faith World” offers a helpful portrait of what it means to respect people who don’t see the world and religious issues in the same way without avoiding the topic altogether. He offers four points to consider: Let each religion speak for itself Talk with and about individuals, not generic “faiths.” Respect the sincerely held beliefs of people of other religions. Grant each person the freedom to make his or... Read more
It’s a question I remember from my childhood. And I remember my answers–everything from a banker to a teacher to a farmer to a writer. I wanted to help people. I wanted to make money. I wanted to do the things I liked doing. But it’s a question I sometimes hesitate to even think about in relation to Penny. She’s five. And she has Down syndrome. And sometimes I am afraid that she won’t be able to realize her dreams.... Read more
To read more about the Perfectly Human series, click here. Today we hear from Margaret “Gary” Bender about her daughter Alex who has Down syndrome. Gary has also recently written a book, From Grief to Celebration, from which this essay is excerpted. It’s a short (75 pages) series of reflections, memories, and advice from a wonderful mom. As I read it, I felt as though I was sitting down with an older and wiser pioneer on this road of having... Read more
Thin Places is now hosted by Patheos. Please join the conversation at http://www.patheos.com/community/thinplaces/ Read more
It’s a symbol of love, of forgiveness, of salvation. It’s a reminder of violence, of blood, of death. It’s a trinket dangling from a rear-view mirror, an ornament to dress up an outfit. It’s a centerpiece in a house of worship. It’s a gift. It’s an offense. It’s a reminder, in the words of Tim Keller, that we are “more wretched than we ever imagined, and more loved than we ever dared hope.” (more…) Read more
In The Fortunate Ones (the Atlantic), Graeme Wood reports on a recent study that demonstrates how excessive amounts of wealth can’t buy happiness. They can’t even buy a sense of security. It’s hard to believe that the super-rich feel insecure in life and about money in general, but the comment that got me the most was this one: “One respondent, the heir to an enormous fortune, says what matters most to him is his Christianity, and that his greatest aspiration... Read more
Three stories that couldn’t be more different. One abortion. One orphan denied a family. And one grandmother who shares the gift of her granddaughter. And yet in each case, the child in question has Down syndrome. The first came from Babble, a parenting website. (I will include the link here, but I don’t recommend reading it.) It’s called “Wanted: A Healthy Baby,” and it is supposed to be a “success story:” a mother recounts two pregnancies that ended prematurely, but... Read more
What books are you reading lately? Are they hopeful and truthful at the same time? I ask because a friend who reads this blog wrote me last week with the following comments: “I’ve been thinking lately about fiction and Christian writers. With my recent book choices I’ve read some really well-written, disturbing books, and I am searching for stories with hope. Stories that I think Christians (or at least someone with a religious perspective) would write. I just can’t seem... Read more
I wrote last week about the way William is teaching me to love music. Earlier this week, Peter took him to see a string quartet and they happened upon the orchestra playing nearby. Click here to hear and see William talk about it. Read more
Thin Places-Faith, Family and Disability
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