The Burr in the Burgh

This is the slogan I have heard used to defend abortion, euthanasia, the legalization of marijuana or narcotic use, even prostitution. "It's my body, so no one can tell me what to do with it." But is that actually true? Not in the understanding of Christianity. Our Scriptures state: "Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own (1Co 6:19)."

That passage applies to Christians, but it is true of all people that God has given us our bodies and lives, not to abuse selfishly or to terminate at will, but to put into service of our neighbor.

But it just sounds so un-American to say that you are not your own to do with as you please. We freedom-loving people run the danger of making an idol out of personal liberty.

A few weeks ago, my wife and I were watching some news coverage of the Michael Jackson trial and I commented on how strange he looks these days. We've all seen the photos of Mr. Jackson today alongside photos from 5, 10, 20 years ago. The man has had plastic surgery, to an extreme. His nose is so narrow, he looks disfigured. And I told my wife that I could not understand why any doctor would agree to do that to him, even at Jackson's request. Does the argument that "it's my body" really have no limits? What about a doctor who agrees to amputate a healthy arm or leg, because the patient/consumer wants it done - for sick reasons? Want to read something grisly? Check this out.

Wilfred McClay, over at Mere Comments, makes some enlightening observation on ethics and the limits of personal liberty.