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How Should We Care for the Lowly?

Steven Yeadon

Well-Known Member
Site Supporter
As a Christian, I wonder how we should care for the lowly as the Word commands. By lowly, I mean the sick, orphaned, mentally ill, widowed, disabled, elderly, and the poor (willing to work for their gleanings).

I have personally heard two strains of thought on this.

1. Tax people and make a social safety net for the sick, orphaned, mentally ill, widowed, disabled, elderly, and the poor (willing to work for their gleanings). Then have the church in America and private charities provide more beyond this to meet needs.

2. Have no government contributions to the lowly, and fund charity through private organizations and the church.

The obvious problem with #1 Is that the charitable giving is forced. Another problem with #1 is that the church gets less credit than the government for charitable giving.

The obvious problem with #2 Is that there may not be enough money to meet needs, leaving people helpless in a time of need. In addition, a change will be that churches will be relied on more to give richly to the lowly. So charitable giving to churches and Christian charities will need to increase, possibly radically. Although, this last point may not be bad.

I wonder what you on the Baptist Board think? Are there more options than the two I provided? How should America and the church in America (or whatever nation you live in and the churches therein) care for the lowly?
 

KenH

Well-Known Member
In theory and in an agricultural society where most people live off the land, #2.

In practice and in a technology-based society where most people live in cities, suburbs, and towns, #1.
 

JonC

Moderator
Moderator
Christianity deals with interpersonal relationships - not secular policies or issues at a social level. The impact it has on those aspects of life are the result of interpersonal interactions.

In other words, Christians are not concerned with society or addressing evils at a societal level. Men are saved and changed one by one, never "in the lump". Any true change is effected at that level.

So the question is not how we should care for the lowly but how do I care for the people I encounter.
 

Steven Yeadon

Well-Known Member
Site Supporter
Christianity deals with interpersonal relationships - not secular policies or issues at a social level. The impact it has on those aspects of life are the result of interpersonal interactions.

In other words, Christians are not concerned with society or addressing evils at a societal level. Men are saved and changed one by one, never "in the lump". Any true change is effected at that level.

So the question is not how we should care for the lowly but how do I care for the people I encounter.

I have to press you a little on your explanation. I wonder how you would respond to two big issues for Baptists.

1. What of banning gay marriage?
2. Why outlaw abortion?

It seems those two are social level concerns that we have a say in due to living in a Democracy. I look forward to your reply!
 

just-want-peace

Well-Known Member
Site Supporter
I have to press you a little on your explanation. I wonder how you would respond to two big issues for Baptists.

1. What of banning gay marriage?
2. Why outlaw abortion?

It seems those two are social level concerns that we have a say in due to living in a Democracy. I look forward to your reply!

Not answering for JonC, but my take is:
#1 is just a LEGAL way of mocking Christianity; no more no less
#2 is simply applying the civilized law against MURDER.
IMHO, both, and virtually ALL of the left/dem/liberal/progressive ideas are 100% against Christian & American beliefs.
 

JonC

Moderator
Moderator
I have to press you a little on your explanation. I wonder how you would respond to two big issues for Baptists.

1. What of banning gay marriage?
2. Why outlaw abortion?

It seems those two are social level concerns that we have a say in due to living in a Democracy. I look forward to your reply!
My response (I hope this helps) is that I am not responsible for banning gay marriage or for outlawing abortions. Those are social evils, but my responsibility is to be Christ to those God puts in my path.
 

Sai

Well-Known Member
As a Christian, I wonder how we should care for the lowly as the Word commands. By lowly, I mean the sick, orphaned, mentally ill, widowed, disabled, elderly, and the poor (willing to work for their gleanings).

I have personally heard two strains of thought on this.

1. Tax people and make a social safety net for the sick, orphaned, mentally ill, widowed, disabled, elderly, and the poor (willing to work for their gleanings). Then have the church in America and private charities provide more beyond this to meet needs.

2. Have no government contributions to the lowly, and fund charity through private organizations and the church.

The obvious problem with #1 Is that the charitable giving is forced. Another problem with #1 is that the church gets less credit than the government for charitable giving.

The obvious problem with #2 Is that there may not be enough money to meet needs, leaving people helpless in a time of need. In addition, a change will be that churches will be relied on more to give richly to the lowly. So charitable giving to churches and Christian charities will need to increase, possibly radically. Although, this last point may not be bad.

I wonder what you on the Baptist Board think? Are there more options than the two I provided? How should America and the church in America (or whatever nation you live in and the churches therein) care for the lowly?

Copy the law of Moses. A combination of capitalism and socialism. Every 7th year all debts cleared. If you’re in over your head you sell yourself into slavery. If you like your boss’ skill at money you become bond slaves.


Joy unspeakable full of glory
 
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