As the election day approaches, the impact of Texans’ religious beliefs on their voting decisions is being analyzed by public radio stations across the state. This year, with the recent overturning of Roe v. Wade by the U.S. Supreme Court, abortion has become a prominent issue for many voters.
While a majority of Americans support abortion rights, views on the issue are often influenced by individuals’ religious affiliations. In Texas, a conservative state, voters of faith are often seen as a predictable voting bloc on abortion. However, conversations with two Christians in the Austin area reveal a more nuanced perspective.
Jamie Shepard, a self-described “lapsed Catholic,” shares her journey of faith and how it has shaped her views on abortion. Shepard’s experience with a progressive Presbyterian church in Austin has allowed her to explore different interpretations of the Bible and has led her to believe that abortion is a choice that a woman should make with her doctor and pastor.
On the other hand, Brandon Frye, a middle-aged business owner and devoted Christian, holds a belief that abortion should be illegal in most or all cases. Frye’s faith journey led him to a Baptist church in Austin, where he takes a scripture-first approach to life. He believes that life begins at conception and sees abortion as a violation of God’s plan.
While their views on abortion differ, both Shepard and Frye express a willingness to find common ground with those who hold opposing beliefs. They agree on the importance of providing support to pregnant women facing difficult decisions and believe that there is more that can be done by the government, church communities, and pro-life advocates to assist women in unplanned pregnancies.
As the election approaches, Texans are not directly voting on abortion-related issues, but they are choosing lawmakers who will make decisions that could impact abortion rights in the future. For Frye, voting for candidates with strong anti-abortion stances is a priority, while Shepard supports candidates who advocate for the federal right to legal abortion.
Despite their differing views on abortion, both Shepard and Frye emphasize the importance of understanding and supporting women who are faced with challenging circumstances surrounding pregnancy. They believe that dialogue and collaboration between individuals with diverse perspectives can lead to a better understanding of the complexities surrounding the issue of abortion.
