RZehr wrote: ..
(this thread, Page 9, JimFv quoted Mr B:)
It is hard and exhausting to bring up issues of oppression (aka "get political").
The fighting is tiring. I get it. Self-care is essential.
But if you find politics annoying and you just want everyone to be nice, please know that people are literally fighting for their lives and safety. You might not see it, but that's what privilege does.
Could be so.
there are LOADS of folks who ignore politics, do not vote, who could be described like this, likely, they would not deny it, they are not informed AND not interested; part of these believe they are not capable of understanding, which is yet a little different, while netting the same results.
Mr B is speaking from the standard view taught in public (government schools) .. it's supported in many Christian churches. citizens know their families are subject to military drafts, no one wants to believe they or their loved ones are in opposition to Jesus. most do not know of an alternative, it's not taught, not thought-through.
does government, do politicians count on the ignorance of citizens? - Yes.
none of that ^^ fits the allure of Anabaptists, as Conscientious Objectors. this is a different matter.
this is an informed choice that requires forethought, commitment, and numbers of risks.
who is informing? - above all, Jesus.
now, how on earth can people survive, and thrive, in a violent, harsh world (not just "white people" in the U.S., but, most peoples in history are/were warring peoples) - while being "lazy+uninformed?"
imho, it takes an extra measure of courage, and a better informed person/group to not pick up arms, while choosing Jesus. it can't be simply a "suicide wish," or, all about being martyrs, for the sake of it. it's more than that.
there are different reasons people choose not to vote.
the intentional CO is not lazy or uninformed. just the opposite. for these, everything is on the line.
healthy people don't put everything on the line without serious and ongoing contemplation.
then, they pray they will have all it may take to endure the price of their commitment, as Jesus did; and, as with Jesus, it may come at a very high price.
even in recent years, including last year, there are Christians in the world who have been required to pay for their convictions without defense, with their very lives.
ignorant cowards? .. no.
[in case my writing/thinking skills fail, please understand, this is my opinion and observation. 'not attempting to speak for anyone else. i'm not "finished" learning, so, hoping for opinions.]