House of Study events; “Bioethics.”

Christ the King Lutheran Church was the place last week, June 20-24, for lively discussion on end-of-life issues. The Institute of Lutheran Theology (ILT) delivered one of its House of Study events; this one on “Bioethics.” Pastor Tim Rynearson, permanent faculty member for ILT, taught the event which featured graduate-level education during the day sessions and content more friendly to the congregation and community members who came for the evening sessions

Dealing primarily with beginning-of-life and end-of-life dilemmas, Pastor Rynearson acquainted both ILT students and congregation members with the general principles Christians acknowledge in making decisions when caught up in such dilemmas. He exposed them to the process used in medical institutions and practices during such time of decision-making. Most importantly, he preached Christ to them as their righteousness so that they could resolve such dilemmas knowing that those situations gave them no unambiguously right answer. There are many ways to hold to the fundamental principles that result in varied responses to those beginning-of-life and end-of-life decisions.

The people of Christ the King and its pastors—Mark Richardson and Steve Olcott—were marvelous hosts. The six or so students attending the graduate class sessions received an in-depth look at the issues and discussed principled ways through the dilemmas. The fifty-plus attendees of the evening session benefited from the teaching a fine scholar.