Lithuanian Legend: Two Different Stories
Read in the “Mindset” video in the KLAIM video series.
Find the full set of mindset notes for classroom use here: Mindset Notes KLAIM #5
Several centuries ago, a curious but deadly plague appeared in a small village in Lithuania. What was curious about this disease was its grip on its victim; as soon as a person contracted it, he would go into a very deep, almost deathlike coma. Most individuals would die within twenty-four hours, but occasionally a hardy soul would make it back to the full bloom of health. The problem was that since early eighteenth-century medical technology was not very advanced, the unafflicted had quite a difficult time telling whether a victim was dead or alive. This didn’t matter too much, though, because most of the people were, in fact, dead. 
Then one day it was discovered that someone had been buried alive. This alarmed the townspeople, so they called a town meeting to decide what should be done to prevent such a situation from happening again. After much discussion most people agreed on the following solution. They decided to put food and water in every casket next to the body. They would even put an air hole up from the casket to the earth’s surface. And a string attached to a bell above the ground was also created so that the grave could be dug up if need be. These procedures would be expensive, but they would be more than worthwhile if they would save some people’s lives.
Another group came up with a second, less expensive, right answer. They proposed implanting a twelve-inch-long stake in every coffin lid directly over where the victim’s heart would be. Then whatever doubts there were about whether the person was dead or alive would be eliminated as soon as the coffin lid was closed.[1]
Questions for Discussion:
Explain the difference between the two groups.
What slogan would summarize the mindset of each of the two groups?
From your Christian perspective, is either group right or wrong? Why?
How does the Lithuanian situation relate to any current ethical issues?
The notes included here (Mindset Notes KLAIM #5) were first developed for high school teaching in the 1990’s and have been used in various venues since.
[1] Adapted from Ronald T. Habermas, Teaching for Reconciliation: Foundations and practice of Christian Educational Ministry, rev. Eugene, OR: Wipf and Stock, 2001, p. 60.