Right Heart: A morally serious look at government aid.

This primary season has encouraged some serious soul searching about what it means to be a conservative. The discussion is important, not just as the party selects a nominee, but as we at long last move beyond the Bush era of “compassionate conservatism.”

An important part of this discussion began when then-candidate Fred Thompson was asked if, as a Christian and a conservative, he supported President Bush’s global AIDS initiative. Thompson responded: “Christ didn’t tell us to go to the government and pass a bill to get some of these social problems dealt with. He told us to do it.” President Bush’s former speechwriter, Michael Gerson, excoriated the candidate in a Washington Post oped, “Callous Conservatives.” Gerson argued that Thompson’s response revealed a “lack of moral seriousness” and failure to understand the strategic value of humanitarian efforts.

The particulars of the AIDS global initiative are less important than the broader principle at stake. It’s true that targeted development and aid can be important foreign-policy tools. In certain circumstances, a federal investment can make sense. But Gerson wasn’t simply criticizing an underestimation of such initiatives’ foreign-policy benefits; he suggested that it’s a moral failing to question if government’s duties extend “to the treatment of sick people in extreme poverty.”

Yet this is a very important question. Is it government’s duty to care for all those in need? Most politicians accept Gerson’s view of “moral seriousness” and use promises of government action to showcase their compassion. Is this really compassion and charity?

Years ago, after examining the welfare delivery system of the Mormon Church, Paul Harvey said that if all churches followed the example, there would be no need of gov't welfare.

Many churches jump in in times of disasters and give generously of time and money.

Isn't this part of a Christian's responsibility?

Isa 58:10 And [if] thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness [be] as the noonday:

Proverbs 19:17 (NKJV) He who has pity on the poor lends to the LORD, and He will pay back what he has given.

Proverbs 21:13 (NKJV) Whoever shuts his ears to the cry of the poor will also cry himself and not be heard. Proverbs 22:9 (NKJV)

He who has a generous eye will be blessed, for he gives of his bread to the poor.

Proverbs 28:27 (NKJV) He who gives to the poor will not lack, but he who hides his eyes will have many curses.

Zech 7:10 10 And oppress not the widow, nor the fatherless, the stranger, nor the poor; and let none of you imagine evil against his brother in your heart. (KJV)

Matt 25:35-36 35 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: 36 Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. (KJV)

Mark 14:7 7 For ye have the poor with you always, and whensoever ye will ye may do them good: but me ye have not always. (KJV)

Luke 14:12-14 12 Then said he also to him that bade him, When thou makest a dinner or a supper, call not thy friends, nor thy brethren, neither thy kinsmen, nor thy rich neighbours; lest they also bid thee again, and a recompence be made thee. 13 But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind: 14 And thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just. (KJV)

Acts 20:35 35 I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive. (KJV)

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If all the churches and individuals stepped up to the plate and followed His words above, there would, indeed, be no need for gov't charity.

The underlying theme of the LDS Church's Welfare System is to "Help others to help themselves." The help is given in a way that preserves the dignity of the recipient.

"The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has a continuing commitment to relieve human suffering, to help eliminate life-threatening conditions, and to promote self-reliance among all people. Assistance is to be provided as Christian service, without regard to race, nationality, or religion."

http://www.lightplanet.com/mormons/daily/welfare/index.htm

Admonition to women of the LDS church:

http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=23af76e6ffe0c010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&hideNav=1

In His Name...........

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