A Senseless Death

Dr. George Tiller, a controversial abortion provider, was shot to death this morning in the lobby of his church. I am quite sure that my views are well known to anyone who has visited this space before. Dr. Tiller was known for performing late term abortions, an act I consider unspeakably evil. Dr. Tiller’s murder is no less evil.

It is not given to us to mete out justice. That right is neither given to us by the laws of man nor the laws of God. Tiller’s actions were in accordance with the laws of man in this country. He was given that right through a legitimate legal process and that right has been upheld in our courts. I believe that Tiller violated God’s law and as a Christian, I believe I have a responsibility to speak out against the travesty of abortion. However, I also know that God did not invest in me the power to administer His judgment or his justice.

I am not so naïve that I don’t know that there those on my side of the abortion debate who were gladdened by the news of Dr. Tiller’s murder. I would ask them, what positive benefit will arise from this act? If the answer is that there is one less person performing a procedure that we abhor, then I would answer that much more has been lost than gained. If we support this murder, even tacitly, we, like the doctor, have broken God’s law.

Additionally, this act harms our cause. Read this from the theblogprof:

I concur. Capital punishment for whoever was responsible. Murder is murder. But kooks like Andrew Sullivan attacking Christians and conservatives right off the bat is about as low as it gets. The guy's blood isn't even dry yet. Of course, this comes from the party that turned Paul Wellstone's memorial service into a campaign speech, but anyway. Not only did Andrew Sullivan call out O'Reilly, he also painted the entire conservative community as "Christianist terrorist" that were the same as "Islamic terrorists." Nice...

This murder will serve as exhibit A that the Christian community is dangerous and radical. This act gives voice to Andrew Sullivan and others like him, who will demonize us for our faith.

I join with RS McCain in offering my prayers to friends and family of Dr. Tiller, his killer and the congregants at Dr. Tiller’s church.

"Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same . . ."
-- Romans 13:1-3 (KJV)

Via Memorandum

I have just read a The Other McCain that a suspect has been arrested. I will post more as it becomes available.