nuance

Tony Campolo is perhaps the most well-known leader of what some call “the evangelical left.” That is, Tony is a public member of the Democratic party, a supporter of government aid for the poor and oppressed, and a preacher of a Jesus/kingdom perspective regarding the present life. On a recent evangelical radio show, the host railed against Campolo for his apparent “wider mercy” perspective, which is fairly evident in this interview with Shane Claiborne.

Apparently, Campolo played a part in establishing his party’s platform on abortion, and you can find his comments on it here. I have to say that I am encouraged…I find myself very much respecting his point of view and his efforts to work towards reducing abortions insofar as it is possible. And that may be a point of emphasis: that an evangelical, pro-life person may reasonably adopt the Democratic agenda on abortion because he or she sees it as a more likely means of deterring or reducing abortions than the Republican “attempts” to eliminate Roe v. Wade.

Just so’s ya knows, I HATE abortion. Hate it. I think it is a scourge, an open, pussing sore on the skin of our nation. I hate it.

But

I love God’s people. I love people who love Jesus and love justice and love life and defend its sacredness - and regardless of their political affiliation, I want to love them and accept them and affirm them. Tony has made it easier for me to understand my brother or sister who is an enthusiastic Democrat and a Jesus-lover all at the same time. It’s not that I thought Christians ought to be Republicans - don’t lay that trip on me, I’m no Republican - but I thought the Democratic view of abortion was just too forgone. So, despite certain of your theological leanings (which are another issue) - thanks, Tony.