Health Care and Christianity

Two sides have emerged: those who are saddened and disgusted at the passage of healthcare reform, and those who are elated. I am decidedly in the first camp.  I am convinced that this is terrible for our country and goes against the principles of what has made it great. Still, I don’t want to talk too much about that, as much as address how Christians ought to deal with it.

There are those Christians who believe that since the goal is “good” we must therefore be in support.  But it seems to me that  ”means” is as important “goal”. I am going to defend a position that states that a punitive tax on the wealthy and middle class to support the poor is an unjust means to reach a good goal. I have read the opinion that this measure has become necessary because the church has not stepped up to the plate to meet the needs of the poor. Ok, I am not sure about that, but to put it on the government places responsibilities certainly where it does not lie. The governments role is not to provide anything other than opportunity and protection…. not welfare. If a Christian believes that this is necessary because of the church’s cumulative failure, then petition the church to correct the course. But, don’t impose taxes on one group for the consumption of another. This redistribution of wealth is not the way that is “Christian”. Neither should the church give all their possessions to the poor. Christian scholars, indeed, attest to the reality that parts of the early church gave up all they had to feed the poor. This led to the Jerusalem church in poverty by AD 43 in the book of Acts.

The church ought to do more. But, it ought to recognize two Biblical principles: 1) “the poor will always be with you” 2) “a man who does not work should not eat”. These are biblical writ that are foundational. Nothing, apart from God’s return, will set the course right on injustice. Certainly we ought to do what God leads us to do (namely, help those “we see”…. 1 Peter), but we can’t fix everything. Further, people have a responsibility to work and care for themselves. Any system that encourages slothfulness is not God’s best. Entitlements and welfare are not systems that work well…. especially when they encourage further bad behavior.

I am not going to fall into the mushy sentimentality and hyper piousness that says this legislation is good, moral and just. It is not. Christians ought to do what they can but not use the government to push agendas that are not attainable, Christian or the responsibility of a government governed by the United States Constitution.  We also ought not put our faces in the ground and not be politically involved. Those days are over. Clearly elections have consequences and this legislation is exhibit number one. Anyone who says that “abortion” is not influenced by presidential or congressional elects just got the terrible memo that it does. And this is my final point. This legislation makes it mandatory for federal funds to be used to pay for abortions. My tax dollars to pay for this outrage. God help us. The President’s executive order is not worth the paper it is written on and won’t stand up in court. Eventually every Christian in the land will work to cover people’s abortions. God forgive us for not being outraged and treating this like a civics class (we must all respect one another and be gracious….. blah, blah). If the church does not stand for life and fight like crazy to protect life, then we have lost our “salt”. We are in big trouble…. and Christians who are happy today are… well let’s just say “God help us all”.

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