Many who want to socialize medicine and other aspects of American life and turn them over to government control have found themselves teachers who are willing to tell them what their itching ears want to hear. These ‘teachers’ say that our Christianity requires us to go along with this socialist agenda for the sake of the poor and needy.
One quick question: What do you do with the parable of the talents? In the parable of the talents God reprimanded the wicked lazy servant who hid his talent and refused to do anything with it. What he had was taken from him and given to the servant who was busy using his talent in a way his master was pleased with. Socialism does the opposite: It rewards the wicked, lazy servant by taking from those who are working diligently and giving what they’ve earned to those unwilling to work. That doesn't mean that every poor person is a lazy person, but there's no question that many fall into that category! If a person is disabled and can't provide for himself, I have no problem with a portion of my tax dollars going to help him. The truth is, my tithe dollars are already going to help many, many poor and needy people - and this is the Biblical context for helping the poor!
There’s no question that Christianity obligates us to help the poor. But there is nothing in the Bible that would suggest that assisting the poor should be something regulated by the government. You cannot regulate benevolence. It is an act of compassion motivated by God’s love.
The truth is, much of the poor in America have healthcare provided to them through charitable organizations, hospitals and clinics. Is it on par with the medical care others in this country have access to through health insurance policies or private wealth? No, but it is typically head and shoulders above any ‘health care’ provided in socialist nations. I’ve been there. I’ve seen their socialist health care system and believe me – We don’t want that in America!
good, solid thinking
ReplyDeleteJeff, I hear comments like this quite a bit. I hear commentary from both sides and much is intelligent and some is disingenuous. I fully take your point; I don't like the idea of government-run "anything" much less healthcare.
ReplyDeleteI think one thing both sides can agree on is that we have a horribly broken system. We rank embarrassingly far down the ladder in terms of quality on a worldwide basis (check WHO for sourcing) and we have a lot of Americans that simply are uninsured for reasons beyond their control. Our system needs fixing, but I don't think we're going in the right direction.
So, beyond saying that a socialist model isn't what we need, what do you think we should have? I'm honestly interested and have proposed this question to a number of people. The answers are always enlightening, particularly to someone like myself who will be a practicing physician in years to come.
Lastly, simple question - do you think healthcare is a right?
Your friend,
William F. House
Will,
ReplyDeleteI think reform is needed in regard to frivolous law suits that end up driving the cost of healthcare and insurance sky high. I also believe lifting regulations that prevent insurance companies from competing across State lines would go a LONG way in lower the costs, but remember: Many of those without health insurance today do not have it because they simple do not prioritize it. There is a part of me that believes healthcare is a basic human right in the sense that no one should be denied treatment that could save them or help them. However, providing for human rights is not a job that the government has carried out very well and is always facilitated best within the context of moral conviction. Case in point - The government's latest effort to provide the basic human right of healthcare would include the denial of the most basic of human rights (life) to the unborn! That is unacceptable! Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Jeff
I TOTALLY agree with your point on our litigious society. Entitlement is what has brought a lot of the ills of this nation.
ReplyDeleteInteresting to tie rights of the unborn to the uninsured.
Thanks for your candor; something you've said here gives me a new point to think about.
Even your opinions make good sermons..Loved this informative piece of commentary..Thanks Pastor Jeff..keep sharing your thoughts and God's Word to back it up..
ReplyDeleteSudie Landry