politiks and the arena. May 16, 2008
- So there have been a ton of Canadian folk interested in what our politcal views are, and who we are going to vote for, and asking what we think about all of this stuff. Honestly, I have to say that after having lived my whole life in the states, and even more than that, in the south, I have been hesitant to say what I think. Here is why.
- There are those who claim to be evangelical christians who vehemently disagree with my point of view, and my opinion. I will say to them, this issue is not between me and you, its is between you and God.
- First of all, in my opion, abortion is a “sanctity of life” issue, and that you can’t be against abortion and yet in action be unwilling to take in unwed mothers, or adopting needy children.
AND I think that you can’t be against abortion and FOR capital punishment and going to war, it’s a complete double standard.
- Lastly, I the “American” media, and all media for that matter, but especially “American” media lies. I don’t want people to say that I am not an evangelical christian because I think this way, or because good ole’ W is not and has never been my homeboy.
- I won’t say that my “eyes” have been opened by living in a different country, but I will say that I finally realized that it is ok for me to have an opinion that is so vastly different from those whom I love, and love me, and that by the grace of God we can agree to lovingly disagree
- Also, capitalism isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it does lead to fairly huge rift between the rich and the poor, which is basically an issue stemming back to the Old Testament and are the UNITES STATES going to be a country that is intentionally going have a caste system in place?
BRING ON THE FREE HEALTHCARE!!!!
here are a couple of quotes which say it all MUCH better than I ever will
- “politics are too specific an idol for some people” Derek Webb in Relevant Magazine March/April 08
- “I really don’t understand the notion of a pro-capitalist, pro-death penalty, pro-war Christian. To me, that just seems like a vegetarian who eats a burger.” Moby in Relevant Magazine March/April 08
- “The way that moral issues have been co-opted by a political party for nothing else but to develop an constituency whose votes they depend on is really dangerous. I feel like it is nearly impossible to walk a party line-especially in a two party system- AND FOLLOW JESUS.” Derek Webb in Relevant Magazine March/April 08
man…so many typing errors (I suck)…this WAS written while hangin out with a couple of youth girlies..so please forgive the mistakes… normally I would correct them, but today I am choosing to fight my OCD.
It’s OK to correct the errors.
I must say that I am growing weary of politics. I think maybe I need to take a sabbatical from them or something. My view is becoming increasingly pessimistic because it seems like all anyone does is argue about what’s supposed to be done while things continue on a natural slope downward. I feel like we’re going to look up when we’ve finally made a decision and say, “Wait–what?” because things have already moved past the point where our decision had been relevant.
I’m not a big fan of my own pessimism, so the above may not be a viable statement.
I will say this: I’m all about some free health care.
Thanks for your good, good words. Especially the opening note that this is between me and God, not me and you.
I remember being in the UK just before we invaded Iraq, and once anyone found out I was from the States, it was all she wanted to talk to me about — “What do you think about Bush? What do you think about him using 9/11 as a crutch for starting a war?”
It was pretty eye-opening for me, and I was rather politically aware for someone my age. Living in the South puts you in an insular bubble and you aren’t even aware of it.
But at this point in my life, and I realize this could change in a month, I just don’t see how I can possibly reconcile the Gospel of Jesus Christ with political power and influence. To me, it seems like I adhere to one or the other, but that I cannot serve two masters.
That’s heresy around these parts.
So funny that you write about this because I was just thinking the other day that we are so quick to just label people based on one or two beliefs. For example, I am pro life, thinks marriage should only be between one man and one woman, love the earth and think we should be good stewards of it, but also think women should have equality in the work place. And I think some would label me liberal for even considering the last two. It’s ridiculous. And it makes me mad! Thanks for sharing your heart! I love you
I agree with you all that it is hard to know what to think about it everything.
But I would like to ask you all why you want socialized health care?
Good stuff Leah!
I wrote a little about Capital Punishment in my blog recently… But i have to agree with you about consistency and actually being willing to live out your beliefs… It’s much easier to condemn and yet never do anything to help solve your problem(s)… it’s no wonder guys like Christopher Hitchens have such a bone to pick with the church.
Hope you and Brandon had a great trip!
“If killing 3000 innocent civilians is a heinous evil, then the US has inflicted more evil upon the world than Al Qaeda could ever imagine inflicting.” -Jesus for President
Its unfortunate that capitalism and national defense have become part of the required beliefs among American Christians. I think you’re great and you should post more. I love you.
[...] June 21, 2008 by brandonmilan Frank Schaeffer wrote an article about why he supports Obama. Its a pretty compelling read. My beautiful wife also wrote a blog post on politics that will explain some of this. [...]
Leah!! I need an update on how life in canada is going!!! Steven had a job interview this last week with Miracle Hill in Greenville to be the director of children’s ministry but we won’t know any thing for a week or two so please pray! I love you and miss you!!!