Understanding “Personhood” and its link to the old Caste System (slavery)
“Personhood” according to the radical Christians who believe in it means life begins at conception.
As such, any interference with the process from this point of origin or conception is considered murder. So “even though an acorn isn’t a tree” these pundits would argue that it could be and therefore it is PREORDAINED that it will be.
Let’s look at the origin of this idea of preordination. It comes from the concept of “destiny.” Your life is PREORDAINED. All things that can and will happen to you have been set in motion according to God’s plan.
This theological belief comes from old biblical times. It has, in the past, supported a system with society being divided into separate classes of people and slavery being made normal. If you are born indebted, of a specific gender or race then that determines your lot in life. This ideology defined men, women, and minorities and it also elevated people of wealth in society. This is a Caste System.
The problem with this concept is that the Bible itself conflicts with it.
Predestination eliminates the entire concept of “independent will” as the foundation for “grace.” Religious teachings on grace and forgiveness would be rendered moot if we were not in control of our own destiny by our actions. Without this concept of independent will there can be no choice and therefore salvation through grace would be destroyed. We do not live by a roadmap defined and interpreted by others.
Predestination is a false religious belief, one whose only purpose is to promote slavery, bondage and to justify the control and inequity over other human beings.
When you hear someone say that a rape victim should be forced to continue a pregnancy and its God’s will that she do that it should be clear to you how little this person really thinks of women.
Those who see the world as being “preordained” feel free to control and judge others. They believe their stature and position in life give them that right. Their world is not one of inclusion but of exclusion and control.
Keep this in mind the next time you hear radical Republicans legislating to control a woman’s body and her healthcare decisions.
Predestination was used in the past to justify slavery, gender inequality, racism, and other forms of prejudice. It is now being used to justify cruelty and abuse of the poor, sick, and elderly by the privileged and reinforces class barriers to success. The concept of personhood is merely an expression of a much deeper problem in these people. It indicates the mind of an ELITIST ATTITUDE.
I wanted to add the following clip from Melissa Harris-Perry.
She added something I hadn't yet even considered about forcing women who have been raped to have no choice over their own bodies.
It is reminiscent of slave women who were raped by their owners and forced to continue that pregnancy. As a result it increased the wealth of their slave owners.
Melissa Harris-Perry's Open Letter To Richard Mourdock on Rape!