While conservatives are having a cancel-culture-fever-dream over Dr. Seuss, Mr. Potato Head, and whatever else they're faking outrage over, insidious things are happening on the state level of government. This is why we need to talk about H.R. 1. and why it's important for all Americans - especially ones that claim to the Christian faith.
With all this talk of canceling, there are many GOP-controlled states quickly working to make it harder to vote. Winning elections by getting the most votes is problematic to conservatives who see their power and influence waning. This is where voter-suppression and gerrymandering slip in and people are disenfranchised. You'd think the right for everyone to vote in representative democracy would be something that matters both sides.
Now, what does this have to do with the ways of Jesus and why would we be discussing this on a show about faith?
Great question. We'll be unpacking that today on the show because love and equality are near and dear to the heart of Christ.
Removing someone's right to vote is in effect silencing their voice and removing their ability to be heard and represented. The kingdom of God doesn't see you through the lens of a political party, race, sexual orientation, gender identity, paycheck or even your belief system. Jesus merely engages us as children of God. All deserve dignity, respect, a voice, and a seat at the table.
If we're called to love both our neighbors and our enemies, we should also make sure they have the right to vote.
H.R. 1 which has passed the U.S. House of Representatives seeks to "expand voting rights, change campaign finance laws to reduce the influence of money in politics, limit partisan gerrymandering, and create new ethics rules for federal officeholders."
If our neighbors matter to us, then we should make sure all have the right and access to voting. To strip that right is to dehumanize citizens. This isn't simply about politics, it's about the America we want to see moving forward.
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