Godless Communists and Clueless Christians

It seems that China, in its continual effort to put its best foot forward in their Olympic year, only serves to remind the world how backward and ungodly the leadership really is. After the earthquake in the Sichuan province several days ago, the "Compassionate Communist" government has offered the following, according to the Associated Press:

“Parents whose only child was killed or maimed in China’s earthquake would be allowed to have another, officials who administer the country’s one-child policy in part of the disaster zone said Monday, offering some solace to grieving couples.

“Couples whose only child was killed, severely injured or disabled in the quake can get a certificate allowing them to have another child, said the Chengdu Population and Family Planning Committee, which oversees the policy in the capital of Sichuan province.”

Nothing proclaims the value of a human life like a new law saying, "Just go have yourself another one." The government's actions reveals their thoughts that children are replaceable commodities. As I write this, I am reminded of a class I taught last summer on "A Biblical Look at the Death of Infants." In that class, we looked at what to say and what not to say in the event of such a tragedy. Christians are typically at a loss for words and end up saying some very hurtful, though unintentional things. We must be careful that we don't betray our feelings toward children by saying something like, "At least you're young; you can always have another child." No, that mother and father lost a dear precious child, a soul that counts and a life they'll always remember no matter how short it was. You can never "replace" a child.

Christians understand this. I don't think China does.

HT: Denny Burk