A March Around the Block: A Theological Basis for Action in the Realm of Choice

Abstract

This essay draws a double parallel between two juxtaposed concepts. The first is between sections of modern Christianity, who use political power and force to deny people’s rights and create suffering by restricting or removing their freedom to choose, and classes depicted in the Gospel (namely Pharisees and Romans) who use power and force as a means to create barriers and domination, both of them dependent on specific, potentially flawed readings of Scripture. The second is between people such as myself, an Episcopalian lay leader in my church and supporter of a person’s right to choose an abortion, and the original followers of Jesus, who employed a ministry of action based around embracing all humanity in a drive to create a more equitable world and physically show love and acceptance to those struggling under secular domination and oppression.