politics and the 'other'

I fear that too often we solidify our political choices based on one or two or seven values.

One of those values within my circle of friends is the right to life. Most of my friends are not only 'anti-abortion.' They are also pro-life. By this I mean, they are against wars and also in favor of feeding and clothing and caring for 'the least of these' as the biblical text demands of Jesus followers.

Yet, I often find people who are Jesus followers, but they are one issue people. In other words, they vote strictly on the issue of abortion. While I am also pro-life, the issue is more complex than we often want to believe.

A friend recently sent this e-mail: "I agree that the anti-abortion issue can be a show stopper for some people. I try to bring some balance to it by discussing the facts about pharmaceutical contraceptives. Many people don't realize that these drugs do not always prevent ovulation and conception (unless taken at very high doses), but often simply prevent successful implantation. For those who believe "life begins at conception", this means that typical use of birth control pills may lead to the abortion of fertilized eggs.

This creates a moral dilemma for people who think reproductive rights issues are black and white. Yes, there are some who think contraceptives of this type should be illegal, just as they hope to make abortion illegal. But most moderate minded people are forced to rethink their position somewhat in light of new information.

It doesn't change people's minds immediately (that's not the point). But it helps to subdue the "I'm totally right, you're totally wrong" thinking that many have when it comes to abortion. And it helps those with more progressive views to feel safer expressing themselves on the issue."

This kind of dialogue is not meant to show who is right or wrong; it simply allows for an honest dialogue that should help us move forward rather than throw stones. Throwing stones doesn't seem to be the way that Jesus calls us to live regardless of the issue.