Analysis Of Life And Death In Middle America By Ann Pederson

In “Life and Death in Middle America,” Ann Pederson discusses controversial issues surrounding the rights to life and death and how these issues are informed by Christianity in multiple ways. The “ragged edge of life” where “medical science and religious beliefs intersect” (379) is marked by a myriad of complex situations, including but not limited to abortion and complicated issues of “playing God” in regards to keeping people alive who are on the verge of death (398). Precisely because the complex problems of life and death are not easily solved by the realm of science, it is at these crucial moments that a person’s religion can serve to inform them on the choice that is best for them. However, these choices are still highly individualistic, and the doctrine of any specific church alone is often not enough to give uniform answers.

All three denominations are sensitive to the complexities of the issue, and the ELCA, after much deliberation, held a vote amongst laypeople and clergy in order to make a final decision. Much like the UCC, the ELCA’s decision allowed “room for moral ambiguity” and ensured that the “final decision about and abortion is left to the individual” (388). In these circumstances, it is the individual’s personal relationship with God which can best help to inform them of what decision should be