The following question was posed to me recently: “what if a candidate is good in all areas – I mean you think he might serve this country best through his economic policy or foreign policy – but he isn’t against abortion and stuff like that. Would you vote for him?”
It was a good question. The fact is, a fact which this person raised, that the likelihood of things like abortion being outlawed on a national level are slim. In fact, in my opinion, I think the states have a better chance of outlawing stuff like that on their level. But could I, in good conscience, vote for someone who would be for – or at least not against – abortion? Like any decision or opinion, for the Christian, it must start with asking what God has said on that topic. God obviously places immense value on human life. From the Old Testament the LORD put the penalty for the taking of human life at the point of that life being taken. Man is made in the image of God. Jesus gave His precious, sinless life for the redemption of mankind. Obviously, human life is important to God. Not because of who we are – but because God decided to place value on our lives. Abortion is murder. And murder is the taking of the human life that God places such value on. Could I support a man or woman who does not view this as heinous as it is? Even if such a person was more conservative than his or her opponent? Hard question! There are, obviously, two possible answers to the question. Let us, for the sake of discussion, argue this these two sides.
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One would be yes. It has come to the point that in America that often times a person’s view on abortion would not have too much to do with what really happens regarding that topic. On federal level, it seems unlikely that a pro-life candidate could carry their conviction. (Keep in mind, however, that important legislation regarding this matter has come to the executive level.) Hence, it would be irrelevant in considering who to vote for. It would leave the options open to candidate who perhaps had better views in other areas like foreign policy or economics or immigration. It would then be our responsibility to fight harder on the state level – where the goal of outlawing abortion may be more likely to take place. The option could serve the command to Christians to “do good to all people” quite well – on one hand you’re not ignoring the abortion issue by continuing to fight for life on the state level, as well as voting for a man who may do the best job in other areas of policy.
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The other option, obviously, is not being able to vote for such a candidate.
Abortion is murder, plain and simple. Would it bring glory to God to vote for a person who would advocate or at least allow this murder of innocence? It seems the answer would be an obvious no. It is true that although it is unlikely that abortion would be outlawed nationally, it is not impossible. Could I square with it if the pro-choice candidate I voted for signed into law a pro-choice bill, or vetoed a pro-life attempt? Or, what would be more likely, if that president appointed a pro-choice judge who made an even broader sweep in favor of abortion? I couldn’t. Even if this president was a ‘good’ president in all other areas. It would be hard to vote for I guy that I didn’t agree with on immigration or economics, but life trumps that in my opinion. God forms each little one. Knowing from the beginning of time whether they would be smart or musical, handsome or athletic, mentally handicapped or physically disabled. No one has a right to decide whether or not to take that life for convenience or any other reason. God’s value on life, is a value that we should have and protect. To speak out for those who cannot speak.
I think it is most likely obvious that I hold to the second opinion, but I don’t think it would necessarily be wrong to hold to the 1st opinion. But for me, life is more precious than economic prosperity, or other areas of policy that seem vital to the success of this country, because the protection of life is vital to any true success of a nation. At least in my opinion. I would love to hear what you think! So let me know, if you have a moment. =)
