No more Limbo? The Pope is putting an end to the Catholic theological hypothesis of Limbo. For years the Catholic church has wrestled with what happens to unbaptized infants after they have died. Their reasoning has been: Hell? No. Purgatory? No Heaven? No. Limbo? Maybe.
Recently the Pope is saying that there is no real reason to believe in Limbo for children. I'm not so sure I agree...
Of course I agree theologically. However, existentially speaking, limbo is a reality for many children--it's called the foster care system!
In America there are 500,000 orhpans in our foster care system. Many of which are legally free, that is, they could be adopted if only there were a family that would open their hearts and home to them. We have 800 legally free children in Colorado's foster care system.
They are in limbo. They wait. They wonder. They question. What happen to my mom and dad? Why won't my foster mom and dad adopt me? Will anybody love me?
The time of year between Mother's day and Father's day is especially difficult. Who do you give a card to if you are a child in foster care?
Will you pray for them during this time? Between these two holidays, pray and ask the Lord (the Father to the fatherless) what he might do with your life if offered to these children living in limbo?
(click above for part 2 etc.)
Wow - this is a challenging post JT. Thanks for shedding some light on this significant need.
AW
Posted by: A Wolgs | May 15, 2007 at 07:08 AM
I just found out about your site from JesusCreed. Thank you for the powerful reminder. I don't believe I've ever been challenged to do that. Blessings.
Posted by: Ivy Gauvin | May 19, 2007 at 07:19 AM
As a new adoptive mother of 3, I am thrilled to hear such a strong voice for the needs of the children. Though we felt that God was clearly calling us in a different direction at this time, my heart has been heavy for the kids stuck in the system. We need more and more people who will speak out on behalf of those who have no voice.
Posted by: Becky | May 19, 2007 at 07:09 PM
Thanks much for bringing this to our attention!
Posted by: Ted Gossard | May 21, 2007 at 03:10 AM
Ivy,
Thanks for stopping by. I'm grateful for the Jesus Creed plug.
Becky,
I'm curious about your story. What direction did you take with your family. International? Two of my children are from Ethiopia.
blessings,
robert
Posted by: jazztheologian | May 21, 2007 at 07:40 AM
Ted,
I check out your blog often even though I don't comment much. Sorry about that!
Posted by: jazztheologian | May 21, 2007 at 07:41 AM