Lilies That Fester: Abortion and the Scandal of Christian Discipleship

In this review of Lilies That Fester: Abortion and the Scandal of Christian Discipleship, the reviewer finds a focused, historically minded book for readers who want a sober Christian reflection on how twentieth century hopes gave way to division over abortion. The bottom line: this is for pastors, students of church history, and concerned laity who want a biblically rooted account of the shift in Christian consensus about the sanctity of life. Its strongest contribution is clear historical framing that connects medical progress, ecclesial ethics, and changing social consensus.

Key Features

• Historical framing: Traces how twentieth century developments in obstetrics and fetology influenced national laws and church conversations, helping readers understand the wider context.
• Theological focus: Examines the continuity of a Christian ethic about the sanctity of human life grounded in Scripture and church history, offering a disciplined theological lens.
• Ecumenical perspective: Notes shared convictions among Protestants, Catholics, and Orthodox before divisions intensified, making the book useful for crosstradition dialogue.
• Contemporary relevance: Connects past developments to current deep divisions in American Christian life, giving readers language to discuss present conflicts.
• Readable analysis: Presents complex social and medical shifts in accessible prose, suitable for nonacademic readers seeking depth without jargon.

Who It's For

This book is primarily suited to pastors, theology students, and engaged church members who want a historically informed and theologically attentive treatment of abortion as a moral and ecclesial issue. Those preparing sermons, leading small groups, or teaching on discipleship and life ethics will find useful material and clear articulations of why the sanctity of life was once widely affirmed.

Readers seeking a clinical manual, a political polemic, or a comprehensive medical history should look elsewhere; the book focuses on Christian discipleship and ethical reflection rather than technical medical detail or partisan campaigning.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Provides a clear historical narrative tying medical advances to shifts in national laws, which helps readers see longer trends.
• Offers a disciplined theological defense of the sanctity of human life rooted in Scripture and church tradition.
• Useful for ecumenical conversation by highlighting preexisting consensus among Christian traditions.

Cons

• Not a medical or legal primer, so readers wanting technical detail on obstetrics or law may find the treatment general.

Specifications

Title	Lilies That Fester: Abortion and the Scandal of Christian Discipleship
Author	John Bossert Brown
Subject	Christian ethics and church history
Focus	Abortion, sanctity of human life, discipleship
Audience	Pastors, theology students, engaged laity
Perspective	Biblical and historical

Our Verdict

Lilies That Fester is a thoughtful, historically informed book that will repay pastors and church leaders who need clear language to address the crisis of conscience and division around abortion. It is good value for readers seeking a biblically rooted explanation of how once widespread Christian agreement unraveled and why reclaiming the sanctity of life matters for discipleship.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this book focus on medical detail?
No. The book addresses medical advances as historical catalysts but emphasizes theological and ecclesial reflection rather than clinical description.

Is the perspective denominational?
The treatment is ecumenical in intent, noting shared convictions among Protestant, Catholic, and Orthodox Christians before later divisions.

Who will benefit most?
Pastors, theology students, and church leaders looking for a historically grounded, biblically informed resource on discipleship and the sanctity of life will benefit most.