By Marjorie Logman,
Aurora, Ill.
I have been thinking about the state of affairs in the United States, especially considering elections are coming up. Experts say that many will vote according to the economy. I realize being a senior on a fixed income that it is an issue. Rent and food costs are constantly before me, along with staying healthy to avoid crazy medical fees. As I look at prices I feel empathy for families because years ago I had three teenagers who needed to be transported everywhere and were continually hungry. But, then I look at the misguided ideologies in the Country and the means some individuals will go to promote themselves to gain power.
The Republican Party wants government out of business, but it blames the Joe Biden administration for the economy. Can’t have it both ways. The Party refuses to stand up to members who promote violence, marginalize some individuals and who traffic in deception. It has become a party that wants power over values. It is relying on making America great again, which is a myth right out of a Norman Rockwell painting.
A large part of Christianity has become a marketing franchise by putting political power, ideologies, and sometimes nonsense, over the pure and simple Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Church may applaud the overturn of Roe with no regret of manipulating many to that end and pushing through judges who were being less than honest to get into a position of influence. I cannot find in the Bible where God would honor that manipulation. Suggesting to church-going people that anything politically left is evil and that the Country belongs to Christians only, is wrong. I feel that as a Christian to speak against televangelists who, on the pretext of saving the Country and expanding the kingdom, ask others to give money which in the end prosper only themselves. I cannot be silent about the people who claim to hear from God about the Country, elections, and even making trips to heaven, when most of it is out of their imaginations.
I am 74 and my roots go deep in both the Democratic and Republican Parties and Christianity. I have been at the side of many persons in their last hours. Their conversations are never on how much money they made, or the fame they achieved. Their thoughts are often regrets of losing their moral compass, or relationships that they wish they could resolve.
Money to live a decent life is important, but clear, deep, non-hypocritical, values are what have kept America going. Voting for ideologies you have bought into by manipulation will be regretted later. Yes, we are struggling economically, but the important thing is how we are struggling with false ideologies that are dividing us rather than promoting a country where we all live harmoniously.
Let’s set our weapons down, whether they are firearms or words, and work for peace and justice for all. This peace and justice are the prosperity we want. Take time to really look who is setting your values, whether in church, or online.