See the discussion that has ensued on Jesus and the role of government. We’re not imposing religious belief or anything near it. But we do impose through government certain values and many of those are beliefs in rights that are rooted in Judeo Christian faith. That includes the “inalienable rights endowed by our Creator”. They include the sanctity of human life, as in thou shall not murder. They include property rights, as in, thou shall not steal. They include marriage, etc. It also includes care of orphans and indigents.
An occultist who beliefs in human sacrifice cannot freely express his religion in this country because such expression interferes with other individual’s rights. Is that imposing Christianity? Too bad.
“not imposing religious belief or anything near it. But we do impose through government certain values and many of those are beliefs in rights that are rooted in Judeo Christian faith. “
Enforcing societal norms rooted in values on society is one thing. I’m not sure if you know this, but many other religions command their followers not to murder or steal. They also command their followers to marry etc.. This is not unique to Christianity. Notice how the founders always said “our Creator”. They left it up to the individual to “fill in the blank” on who they believe their creator is.
The first amendment provides for the separation of church and state. That does not mean what the ACLU says it means. It does not mean that you can’t put a manger scene in front of the local government building or have the ten commandments etched in the courthouse. What it does mean is that you cannot use the force of government to impose a specific religious viewpoint on everyone else. The founders were specifically thinking of the Church of England when they wrote this.
Jesus commanded his followers to do charity and good works. Paul instructs the Churches all throughout the known world to do good works. As for the old testament, does Paul not talk about not being bound by the law, about taking off the law? Does he not talk about living in Christ? In the old testament, the Children of Israel were God’s chosen people so of course God would command them to do good works. In the new testament, who is God’s chosen people? The Church, thats who should be doing the charity. To say otherwise is abdicating your responsibilities.
Anyone can be generous with other people’s money and that is what you do when you talk about the government doing charity work.