ABORTION and POLITICS

[This is a splicing of some of my posts on Facebook from May 19, 2012]

As the political scene gets revved up, there are a number of important issues to consider. I've got my two cents worth on many. But, in the grand scheme of things, could there be any more important issue than to protect the most vulnerable, weak, innocent, and helpless persons in our society? And, could there be any persons that fit this bill more so than those persons who currently reside in the womb?

Yes. We ought to stand for ALL who are vulnerable. Our society has taken legislative and economic measures to help many of the disenfranchised. However, we still live in a country where an unborn person's life may be taken, at no fault of their own. I would not stand for that if it was a person of a certain sex, or race, or ethnicity. How much more should we NOT stand for it for the absolute "LEAST of these." There are a number of atrocities to which we may point, sex slave trafficking for one; however, abortion is an abhorrent reality for which there is no equal in our society today. No one is more innocent, no one is less powerful, no one has less a voice, and no other group is being slaughtered in such large quantities, and with permission from our civilized society no less.

And what about those poor mothers of these children, being sold the lie that they'll be better off. They are the secondary victims of this crime. It is never good for their souls, hearts, minds, emotions, wellbeing, life, or future. To believe otherwise is to swallow a lie. I grieve for the children, perhaps even more so for those moms. God's way is LIFE, and his way is best, no matter what anyone says. Yet, back to the political scene. How can anything be more fundamental to being a civilized, compassionate society than standing up for the life of the innocent unborn?

I am not registered to any political party. We live in a sin sick and fallen world, over which the Evil one does temporarily reign. As such, corruption and greed drives much of the political process in all the big political machines. I am oft times tempted to be completely apolitical--abstaining from talking about or participating in politics in any way shape or form. For the only substantive, lasting change is that which occurs when, by faith, hearts surrender to the Lordship of Christ. I may get to that apolitical spot at some point. For the time being, the overwhelming majority of my efforts to effect societal change is life on life, heart to heart, relational level impact of individuals on a grassroots level, completely apolitical.

However, at present, my rationale is that as long as we live in a democratic republic form of government, I'll wield my microscopic bit of influence by voting and persuading in ways that promote the wellbeing of our society as well as the individuals who make it up; in particular, the weakest and most vulnerable, whomever they may be. And, I'm sure you'll agree, our exclusive and authoritative source for determining what is best for our collective and individual selves is Scripture. Not that we can force these values on society. But everyone has values, and every piece of legislation promotes them. So, why not promote the best values while we still have that freedom? From this frame of reference (until I go completely apolitical), I can not separate or compartmentalize any area of my life (religious, political, civic, social, vocational, economic, family, medical, emotional, intellectual, educational, professional, recreational) from the Lordship of Christ; even if that meant I no longer actively participate in the formal political process, that would still be a political choice based upon a religious conviction. Given the strictures of our founding Fathers, no specific religious entity is to be singularly esteemed or empowered by the governing authorities, but the values therein were never intended to be barred from those halls of power. In fact they can not. No one can govern, or make laws without ascribing to values, and those values come from somewhere. The only questions that remain are (1) which values, (2) from where do they come, (3) and will they truly bless and enrich society as a whole?

[To a brother in Christ with whom I disagree on many political issues] Yes, on the most important matters relative to Christ and salvation in Him we stand united. Even politically there are many things we can agree on in terms of values, while we debate, discuss, disagree and scratch our heads over the logistics and details. Unity in diversity itself is one of our biblical values. And yes, I agree with you, that there are no political parties who have a corner on the market of the Kingdom of God.