The Biblical writer of Ephesians chapter six, verse 12 observes that our struggle is not with people but with “spiritual wickedness in high places.” The voter’s choice in the upcoming presidential election is developing into a choice between spirits “in high places,” “spirits” meaning attitudes, positions on the issues and outlook on the nation’s future, etc.

One choice is the spirit of militarism that Eisenhower warned of, which is fueled by fear, hate, racism, greed, deception, revenge and empire, among other dark, destructive and deadly forms of “wickedness in high place.” It is the spirit of perpetual war that requires the continued gorging the “monster” (military-industrial-complex) that is devouring the nation.

The other choice is the spirit of compassion that is propelled by reason, understanding, morality and a deep sense of unity with all humanity. This spirit embraces such “heresy” as “love for enemies,” seeks to understand why they are enemies and moves toward reconciliation and the healing of a very critically ill world. For heavens’ sake, for your sake and the sake of the nation please spend the next few months determining which candidate most closely embodies this spirit (of Jesus, Gandhi, King, Mother Teresa and others) and cast your vote for him or her!



C.E. Swain

World War II veteran and retired United Methodist minister

Carthage