What Would The Greatest Generation Do (and other ponderings regarding #election2024 ) #healthcare #vote

Been pondering this election—it’s nearly unavoidable unless consciously quarantining oneself from all media—thoughts recalled concerns expressed by spiritual leaders 20-30 years ago that went something like this: “What will happen to our nation when The Greatest Generation passes away and members are no longer with us? Would we descend into a fascist dystopia?” Trying to type this, and the question still gives me pause.

The Greatest Generation survived the Great Depression and the Spanish flu pandemic. They volunteered to serve in WW2, and those left behind planted victory gardens, endured rationing, purchased war bonds, and the women took jobs in the defense industry as well as others while the men were shipped away. All of this was done to stand in unity against a fascist, blood-thirsty, antisemitic authoritarian dictator. Current statistical estimate states that about 108,000 remain, and those of unrelenting soundness of mind are contemplating this election just as I am. Those who have already passed I suspect, if I did not truly believe they’re in a better place—would be engaged in the proverbial coffin toss and turn for this election.

In all this pondering, I am recalling the scripture, “The love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.” (1Tim 6:10) For this reason, I am not a single-issue voter when it comes to the economy. To be sure, it’s part of the big picture, but as a follower of Christ, I know who my ultimate provider is, so by faith, I don’t put all my grocery costs and price-at-the-pump eggs into any politician’s (“tariffs tariffs tariffs! drill baby drill!”) or political party’s basket, for doing so leaves little-to-no room to consider matters of justice and stewardship of the planet’s resources for the sake of others of the current and future generations. Also, the Bible teaches us to love God and love our neighbor, and does not place marginalizing, fear and hate driven parameters regarding who qualifies as our neighbor. Following anyone who consistently does this in speech and action is to blatantly not follow Christ. (feel free to try to talk me out of this observation in the comment section.) Now, admittedly I am cherry-picking a scripture here, but Deuteronomy 27:19 warns, 19 “‘Cursed be anyone who perverts the justice due to the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow.’ And all the people shall say, ‘Amen.’” Note how it does not state “blessed” is the nation/people which perverts justice. I want to vote in such a way that moves us toward justice rather than sends us down a vengeful path leading us farther away from justice while rewarding a criminal and adjudicated rapist with the highest office in the land. I would rather see our nation moved closer toward of position of blessing. No candidate perfectly fits that bill, but we must carefully weigh and discern our options.

The conservative reader might counter and point out that Deuteronomy 27:25 says, 25 “‘Cursed be anyone who takes a bribe to shed innocent blood.’ And all the people shall say, ‘Amen’”, and ask why I don’t care about aborted babies. I think it is important to consider the following 2 points: 1) Why does the “Christian” nationalist not care about the lives of women and girls experiencing crisis pregnancies, who are dying from infections having been denied care and forced to carry dead and dying fetuses to term? How can a Christian possibly see these results of the re-instated draconian legislation—the entirely avoidable deaths and suffering-- as an acceptable outcome? 2) Not everyone believes that life begins at conception. I don’t believe scripture supports this notion. This theory (and it’s only a theological theory) places far too much credit for the gift of life on the power of a man’s orgasm and ejaculation into a woman’s vagina (Pouf! Life!) and is a narrative birthed of misogyny. Ejaculate is not some kind of magic potion that creates life. It is also not a miracle cure for depression when taken orally as reported over the last 2 decades by questionable research, by the way. There have been no peer reviewed studies that prove this. That said, one could insist that since the first to celebrate the conception of Jesus was John the Baptist while in the womb of Elizabeth, so therefore life begins at conception. To this, I would submit that Luke 1:36 states, “36 And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren.” I would also point the reader to Psalm 139: 13-16. This is the scripture often pointed to by conservatives so defend their interference in women’s health care, but I hold the opinion that ensoulment is included in all this knitting and weaving together of a life, and I don’t believe there is adequate scriptural support to defend the notion that life starts at conception. A unique process begins, but to call that a life, in my opinion, is presumptuous. Prior to mid 20th century, Jesus followers believed in the ensoulment concept, but the understanding of the start of “life” varied. The risk to the health and lives of living and breathing women and girl’s is not a price I want to see paid for the sake of upholding anyone’s opinion about when life actually begins. If the conservative reader really wants to reduce the number of abortions, I would strongly suggest they start with training up sons to not be reckless with their reproductive fluids; then we can have a conversation about legislation. I guarantee that if these sons grow to behave as responsible adult men, the conversation would not be necessary. Feel free to test me on this. Also, NO ONE IS HAVING AN ABORTION AFTER BIRTH. THAT IS HOMICIDE. AND NO ONE ACTIVELY SEEKS TO WAIT UNTIL AFTER 6 MONTHS TO HAVE AN ABORTION. Honestly, everyone should know by now how rare this is and that those facing such decisions NEED OUR PRAYERS, NOT OUR CONDEMNATION.

The reader may wonder why I am even sharing my ponderings. I suppose it is to encourage folks to be thoughtful in their electoral decision-making. To apply to the best of their ability their own discernment—to read, to talk with trustworthy friends—those who lean conservative and those who lean progressive—pray about it, consult spiritual texts, and don’t just vote a certain way because a church leader tells you to, without taking your own time to reflect. Exercise YOUR right to vote and test your own mind and opinions to see how they align with scripture, so that you’re not just reacting anyone else’s overpowering personality, invalidation of your life experience, or manipulating speech. Then you can possess a peace about your vote, and wear that “I VOTED” sticker with pride.