The Church and Health Care
Posted by Doug Foltz on Mar 22, 2010 in Politics | 5 commentsYesterday the House passed the most sweeping (and expensive) changes to the country in my lifetime. I’ve noticed among many conservative Christians a passionate desire to see this bill voted down. Many have become more upset over health care than traditional Christian political issues such as the definition of marriage and abortion. This passion communicates a root fear and potentially an idol for many who follow Jesus. We have put our safety and security in our government rather than Jesus. Let’s face it. In the US, we live in wealth. Even those who “live on little”, enjoy the many luxuries that the rest of the world doesn’t even dream about. While millions go hungry and die of preventable diseases, we are concerned that a change in legislation will impact our pocket books and health. Idols.
I love politics. Many days there is more drama in Washington than a soap opera could ever hope to generate. But long ago I decided that politics was not the hope for the world. That politics could not impart true change and transformation. That is the role of the church. As Christians, we should not look at the health care bill through the lens of politics. Instead we should see it through the eyes of Jesus. Opportunity abounds for the church. Historically, it was the church that cared for the widows and orphans. It was the church who cared for the poor and started hospitals to care for those in need. It was the church, who held the hand of the dying and loved on the marginalized in society. We have let the government play church for far too long. Politically, I’m convinced that the direction our country’s leaders are taking will fail. As a Christian, that gives my hope that many will turn away from the government and turn to God. It gives me hope that Christians will step up and provide for people where the government will fail.
The disciples viewed Jesus as a political Messiah prior to his resurrection. They believed that he would change the world by conquering Rome and liberating Israel. But Jesus wanted change so much more than politics. The revolution he led was one that literally shook the earth. My encouragement to Christians who are upset about the passing of health care is not to run out and join a tea party. My encouragement is to look to your neighbors and ask what you can do to help them. What can you do to take care of the poor, the widow and the orphan right next door.
Well said, and thanks for the food for thought and perspective. It’s hard to say goodbye to the ideals our founding fathers wanted for this nation. It’s frustrating to see the Constitution skewed and ignored, and to see politicians working in deception and corruption. But you are right. Christians have failed to meet many of the needs that the government is taking up, be it in the wrong way. I sensed long ago that in my lifetime, our nation would become one in which Christians were persecuted. It’s not hard to believe that that is coming, and in some ways already here. But in places where Christians are persecuted, God’s Kingdom grows by leaps and bounds. We are strangers on this earth, and long for our Heavenly home. We may not be able to preserve a Christian nation, but perhaps that is not in God’s will. May God be glorified, whatever happens.
Unfortunately, if things get as bad as many fear economically, then the church won’t be able to help anyone in any greater capacity than say, atheists. Jesus followers will be financially impacted just as much as non-followers, and what happens then? Will Jesus followers rise up and extend a helping hand to their neighbor while they’re in jeapordy of losing their own home (for example)? Nope; they’re going to care for their families first and foremost. And for those who don’t go that route and choose to pour their time and effort into helping others first, their giving spirit will grow weary and cease when they eventually become the ones needing the financial help.
It sounds good and all to “call the troops” to action like some 1st century radicals, but who’s going to do that? The Lead Pastor of such and such church who makes $60,000-$120,000 a year from the tithes and offerings of the people in his/her congregation? Please. Before calling the church to action like some 1st century radicals, then the church better be LOOKING like the church of 1st century radicals.
Jason,
I’d argue Christians don’t have a higher capacity than atheists now. It’s not like the economy is bent toward benefiting believers over atheists. If the economy gets as bad as you foresee, then it will be the end of paid professional clergy, big church buildings, and many other things. It will drastically change how the church looks in the US. That’s not a good or a bad thing. The Church is flexible and adaptable. Certainly there would be local congregations that would cease to exist. There may even be large amounts of immature Christians who abandon the faith believing if there was God then surely this would not have happened. But as long as God’s Spirit breathes life into Christians, and I believe that doesn’t stop, then there will be Christians who defy logic and make personal sacrifices for others. What will that look like? I don’t know. But I choose to put my faith and hope in God not in government. That’s all I’m really trying to say with the post. I have no intention to call people to radical living. I’ll let God do the convicting on that. But I don’t think it’s too hard to look at a bad situation and see the potential for God to be glorified through that. Hang in there friend. I appreciate your push back and certainly can relate to your cynicism.
Doug, overall, I like your response; very sincere sounding; thank you.
The church (in America) as a whole is so heavenly minded (if you will), that it forgets that it’s still here on earth! Your post parrallels that same mentality (notice I typed ‘parrallels’); kind of a, “Don’t worry about what government’s doing, just be about God’s business, as that’s where your hope comes from anyway.” ‘Being about God’s business’ in this case would be demonstrated through some form of benevolent action.
I recognize that you’re not calling the church to radical living, but you’re suggesting that the church be called to radical action (In America, seeing the church care for the down and outers, poor, helpless, etc., INSTEAD of relying on government is radical action!).
Here’s where my “push back” comes from: The church needs to not be so heavenly minded, that it doesn’t greatly concern itself over what’s going on in Washington. I’m just offering a little balance to the mentality of “Don’t put your faith in government, just put it in God.” Because the fact is, the people of America ARE putting their faith in government, and if the church poo poos this, then the church becomes more and more of an out of touch relic which no one will take seriously. Additionally, if the church says, “We’re not ignoring government, we’re just being the solution where government fails the people,” and has this lackadaisical attitude towards what’s going on in Washington, well then, the church WON’T be able to help anyone, because it will be in the same boat as the down and outers, poor, helpless, etc!
Good points Jason. I agree that Christians need to be concerned with government. That’s doesn’t come across well in the post. We are called to be salt and light and what better place for Christians to have influence than in politics that shape our country in many ways. I am concerned though that government has become an idol for many Christians because of the way they have reacted to the health care bill. Anything that we put our hope, worth, value, security in other than Jesus is an idol. We all have them. I don’t intend to sound unconcerned. Trust me, the whole situation gets my blood boiling.