Eradicating Difference: Down Syndrome, Personhood, and the Church’s Prophetic Response

Mar 12, 2018

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Challenging cultural norms around abortion and disability, Mike Erre shares a poignant, personal, and theological response to a Washington Post op-ed that argued for the right to abort children diagnosed with Down syndrome. Drawing from Scripture, bioethical insights, and his own experience as the father of a child with Down syndrome, Mike explores how society’s functional view of human value opens the door to eugenics, exclusion, and societal decay. This episode reflects on what it means to be made in the image of God and how the Church must embody a radically inclusive ethic that protects and honors all human life—regardless of ability.

Key Takeaways: • Theological Foundations of Personhood – Why human value must be rooted in being image-bearers of God, not in cognitive function or contribution to society. • The Dangers of Functionalism – Exploring how history’s most destructive ideologies—eugenics, the Holocaust, infant exposure—mirror modern arguments for selective abortion. • A Church That Welcomes All – The call for spiritual communities that model true inclusion of individuals with developmental disabilities, not as a separate ministry but as core to the body. • The Cost of Consumeristic Faith – Reflecting on how the mindset of “this is not the child I want” threatens both societal and spiritual integrity. • Historical and Medical Echoes – Comparing today’s dilemmas with ancient practices of infant exposure, modern genetic testing concerns, and bioethical debates.

Resources Mentioned: • Washington Post Opinion Article: “I Would Have Aborted a Fetus with Down Syndrome. Women Need That Right.” – [Link] • CBS Report on Iceland and Down Syndrome – [Link] • Down Syndrome Awareness Day (March 21) – [Link] • Bioethical Readings on Personhood and Functionalism – [Recommended sources]

Bonus Q&A: Mike also answers thought-provoking listener questions, including: • If death and disease are consequences of the Fall, why is the immune system so intricately designed to fight disease? • Did Jesus offer animal sacrifices under the Mosaic Law—and if not, why didn’t the Pharisees confront him for it?

Join the conversation as we reflect on what it means to be a pro-life community beyond politics—rooted in love, justice, and a vision of human dignity shaped by Jesus.

As always, we encourage and welcome your questions and feedback. Email us at hello@voxpodcast.com, and continue the conversation with us on Facebook and Instagram.

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Follow Mike on Twitter: @mikeerre

Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram.

We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV.

Our Merch Store! ETSY

Learn more about the Voxology Podcast

Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify

Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon

The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio

Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre

Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy