Should Government assume the role of a charitable institution?

[Fig-bearing Thistle]

The Second Great Commandment is to Love one Another. Do unto others as you would have others do unto you. Love they neighbor as thyself.

What is the proper role of Government, do you think, in solving the problems of ignorance and poverty?

I believe these are problems that are better handled by churches and religions than by government.

Thoughts?

[Tallen]

I believe these are problems that are better handled by churches and religions than by government.

I whole heartedly agree. The role of government is to protect it's citizens, administer justice in civil matters, and to oversee the covenant that is the law of the citizens of that state.

When government gets involved where it should not be, nothing but chaos and oppresions will result.

[Fig-bearing Thistle]

I whole heartedly agree. The role of government is to protect it's citizens, administer justice in civil matters, and to oversee the covenant that is the law of the citizens of that state.

When government gets involved where it should not be, nothing but chaos and oppresions will result.

So you don't think Government should artificially promote the 'general' welfare of one person over the 'general' welfare of another person? How heartless you are.:bigO: (TIC)

BTW, Tallen, thank you for creating this forum. I left CARM 3 months ago because it was just too full of the accusatory tone. I appreciate your work you put into this. Even though we may have disagreements along the way, my approach is one of broadening my understanding of other's beliefs, and not being "in-your-face" regarding my own. Let people worship, who, where, and what they may.
Thanks again.

Would you go so far as to think that it is in the spirit of anti-Christ, for Government to attempt to create a classless society taking from the rich and giving to the poor? I do. And here is why:

Government always approaches charity from the perspective of "We're gonna take what we want and give as we see fit."

Jesus Christ taught an approach to charity that teaches: "You should give to the poor."

The governments approach destroys the desire for the talented and skilled to work because what they obtain is 'taken' from them. And it destroys the desire for the poor to work or to improve their condition, because they already 'get' without having to work or improve their condition.

The Savior's approach encourages the talented and skilled worker to grow a bigger heart, to learn love, service, and a one on one approach to lifting the poor and undeducated by giving more than just money, but time, and attention, and love. It helps the poor and undecuated by teaching them the value and rewards directly tied to hard work, and education.

Furthermore, I think there has in recent history, been a philosophy that government can bring about a utopian society whereby evil is overcome, by beginning with the outside and forcing one's way in. But this is contrary to Christian teaching, that Jesus is the only way to overcome evil, and it is done beginning from the inside, working out.

The only one qualified, pure, and good enough, the only one uncorruptible, to run such a government would be Jesus Christ, anyway. And not any man who is by nature, subject to temptation.