It is sometimes argued that Jesus taught socialist principles and, therefore, the Christian thing to do is for the government to provide welfare. I reject this argument.
In fact, Jesus never taught about the role of government in welfare. Instead, he taught that we, individuals and the Church, must take care of the poor and our neighbors in need. St. Francis of Assisi reinforced these teachings when they had been lost from the Medieval church.
Passing the responsibility of welfare on to the government is to reject Jesus' admonition that taking care of the poor is an individual responsibility. The Good Samaritan did not go to town to report that an injured man was on the road, and law enforcement should go help him. Mother Theresa did not send off a check to a charity, she WAS the charity. That is what Jesus taught us to do by example and precept.
Whenever you read or hear this argument, please don't let it slide. It is fundamental to the present and future of our American government and to us as a people.
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