I know that I often mix politics, religion and social work on my blog. And to many of you I probably sound like a broken record. But after hearing what President Obama and Mr. Boehner had to say last night I can't help but wonder, once again, why so many Christians are Repulicans. I just don't get it. I don't get the entitlement mentality at all. It goes against every fiber of who Jesus is. I just don't see Jesus saying to anyone: "Now, I worked for my money so therefore I am entitled to all of it and all tax deductions/ breaks and I think we should cut all spending on those wacky government programs such as Medicare that helps pay for your grandmother's nursing home care and no way should I have to pay more taxes just because I make $500,000 per year".
Come on people. Jesus was all about helping the less fortunate. He walked miles out of his way to lend a helping hand and speak a kind word to a prostitute. He was the one who would hug someone with leprosy when no one else would acknowledge their existence.
I can pretty confidently say that I think Jesus would be all for the wealthy paying higher taxes. If you are that blessed, that fortunate ....why can't you think out of the box, get out of your little comfort zone and help your country out for once?!?!?!? How about you wealthy politicians, the ones who WORK FOR US- the American people- take a pay cut. How about no raises (like most of us have had to do for the past several years!) and having to actually drive your own car instead of being escorted around town in a limo or jetting across the world to have your fancy vacations that cost more than my yearly salary?
What is wrong with our country? Seriously. Why are we paying actors and actresses millions of dollars per movie deal when the family across the street is being foreclosed on? SIGH. Why does the NFL go on "lockout" to ask for more money....meaning millions of dollars of money.....to play football once a week for a few months out of the year? And before you start debating with me about how hard actors work or what a rigorous schedule pro atheletes have, ask yourself is it really worth the $4.1 million contract they have? Really? I've worked since I was 16 years old and chose a career that I absolutely love....but I will most likely never even come close to getting a three figure salary.
So anyway...... I once again am found wondering how it is that so many of my fellow Christians align themselves with the Republican party. And please don't email me or comment about all things pro-life, pro-dealth penalty, anti-gay......because if you've been reading my blog at all you know where I stand on those issues. It's just thoughts.....my thoughts and my opinion.
I posted this as my status and I'll leave you with this:
Girl you are an oasis among those i call my brethren! Thank you Jesus!
ReplyDeleteI was hoping to respond sooner, but life got in the way. I was thinking about this and just have a few thoughts. I agree whole-heartedly with you when it comes to Jesus' mission to help and love the needy. My only hesitation is (Christian or not) to believe that it's the government's job to fill that role. The government as a whole is not Christian and therefore, their motives will never be pure or entirely Christ-like. Instead, I think (going right along with what you are saying as Christians), I think it's our job as churches and people of God to take up that burden to help those less fortunate and in need task to government (because let's face it, our - because we find that to be important. I just think it's difficult to entrust such a large government over its lifetime has made some pretty poor decisions and implementation of programs/plans/distribution of money). We as Christians should feel a heart for the needy and feel called to help them - we shouldn't expect our government to fill that role for us. We also shouldn't expect the government to enforce charitable giving - whether we like it or not. There are many things that the government does with my money that I'm not comfortable with and I think you always run the risk of misuse and mismanagement.
ReplyDeleteAs far as the politician salaries - Amen & Amen! Same goes for the movie stars & athletes (unfortunately, with the last two, we contribute to those astronomical salaries every time we buy products, see movies, go to those events/games, etc.) Our actions have to begin to reflect our dissatisfication with the entire way this society is run - on entitlement.
My final thought is that after reflection over the years, I really don't think either of the major political parties truly represents or advocates for the poor. This is usually done on a smaller individual basis. The majority of politicians are looking to get elected and push their own agendas. Again, we cannot expect the government to do what's right - it's just the reality. I love politics, but I always think it's a sticky issue when you deal with other controversial topics as well, like the death penalty, abortion, gay marriage, etc.
Great to have you talking about it and getting people thinking! Thanks for putting this out there! (hope I didn't speak out of line!)
I get where you're coming from Sam and no you didn't speak out of turn. That's what blogging an replying is all about! In regards to the churches stepping up and helping I agree. However I don't see how that could/would work on a consistent basis. Unemployment, Medicare, Medicaid, food stamps, welfare checks, All Kids, foster care systems, adoption subsidies... I could go on for days. These are all federal and state government programs. I went into social work because I believe in these systems even though yes, there are people who take advantage and "work" the system there are people who truly need and benefit from these programs. I was unemployed for a few months and needed that paycheck from the government. My grandma is currently in a nursing home and is now receiving Medicaid and if she didn't have that I'm not sure what my family would be do. These organized systems run by the government are needed. As Christians we are also called to pray for and support our government. We don't have to agree with them, but we do have to pray and support. If the church could figure out how to organize a whole system to help the poor, less fortunate and working class that would be great. I just can't comprehend how that would work.
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