So I don’t know if anyone reads this anymore, but if you do, I’d like to have a discussion. A year or two ago, I had a controversial blog post about the issue of abortion. I think I have modified my opinions a little on the subject but I’ve been thinking about it again. I’ve talked to a few of my conservative friends and they have stated to me that the make or break issue is abortion. If a particular candidate is pro-choice they won’t vote for them. If they are pro-life they will vote for them. This has got me thinking. As Christians, is this the correct approach? I mean, I think abortion is wrong, its sinful. I don’t like it, and I think there is a biblical mandate that it is wrong. But as I look forward to voting sometime in the next month, I honestly can’t say its the one issue that is guiding my vote. I take a look at the economy, foreign affairs, the way in Iraq/Afghanistan, and etc. When I weigh all these things I personally arrive at a decision to vote for Barack Obama. (Don’t worry, Im not intending to turn this into a post into a political smearfest) I mean, biblically speaking, if abortion is the most important issue, than it makes sense to vote for John McCain. But if it isn’t, well then that complicates things.
So what do you guys think? Is abortion the most important issue in this election? If you think so, why? And using Scripture to back things up is always a good idea. If you don’t think it is the most important thing, why do you think that? And what do you think is the most important? And once again, Scripture is welcome and encouraged.
I will try and compile my thoughts and scripture references, but in the meantime, let me know what you think.
I think for me to have a good comment on this one I’ll have to put some thought into it. That said, I haven’t really thought (much) about this.
For those who would vote for McCain ONLY because of his abortion stance…that’s a ridiculous reason. I highly doubt he’ll change any abortion laws. He definitely hasn’t made it an issue during his campaign.
And since he isn’t going to make any changes (presumably), to me that’s not a reason to vote for him.
I’ve got some other thoughts cooking, but I doubt I’ll have the gumption to look up the verses and think through them in a worthy manner. But I might surprise myself.
By: Dan on October 6, 2008
at 8:26 pm
I actually won’t comment in this comment as to whether or not abortion should be the most important issue.
However, there are some practical differences between the candidates in regards to abortion. Obama has introduced a new plank to the Dem. party platform stating that they will seek to reduce the number of abortions through increased education and welfare for women with increased abortion rates. However, Obama will definitely not appoint any Supreme Court justices who want to see Roe v. Wade overturned.
I do think that McCain would appoint justices that are opposed to Roe v. Wade. However, typically the Rep. party is not in favor of increased welfare or for sex ed., so there would not likely be much change in the number of abortions under a McCain administration unless Roe v. Wade is overturned.
It’s probably also worth mentioning that both candidates are very supportive of faith-based initiatives, so funding for organizations that help pregnant / at-risk women would not be very different between the candidates.
By: Tony on October 6, 2008
at 10:30 pm
Tony,
that was my initial impression, that neither candidate will necessarily do much to change abortion, for better or worse. Having said that, I liked your overview of the two candidates. I usually only hear one side.
By: tjlyttle on October 6, 2008
at 11:03 pm
While true, a large majority of conservatives vote only for prolife candidates, it’s misleading to believe that this is the only factor, it is merely the first factor. When I vote for candidates, the first thing I look at is are they prolife. If they are, I’ll move on to see where they stand on other issues, if they’re prochoice, I look for someone else. That’s probably more accurate.
By: FellRain on October 7, 2008
at 9:56 pm