I had quite the experience yesterday. I went to a food pantry with a friend for moral support and I have to say that it was a humbling experience. While I wasn't there to get food for myself the experience made quite an impact. It was held at a church and while it seemed all the volunteers where there to be helpful and friendly I felt like a second class citizen. I'm sure, at least I'm hoping, that wasn't their intent but I didn't feel as if they were genuine about my well-being. They of course asked if we needed prayer for anything and since we are doing really well, I said no. I'm sure that they are used to people just coming in, getting their food and leaving... and I'm sure that they feel pretty used. However, as a Christian myself the way that they conducted themselves as 'Christians' made me pretty angry to call myself one. I'm struggling to put into words why it bothered me so much, but it did. I think overall the thing that pissed me off the most was that I felt like I had no dignity. And I hate how somebody/something can take away what I believe is a human right. Everybody's walk of life is different and what they find acceptable will vary from person to person, but I believe that everybody should be able to carry themselves with dignity.
It may also be because I said this post on FB from someone who clearly has good intentions but is super naive.
"Now, I don't normally get into political stuff on fb, but this is the perfect example of why government assistance programs do not work. Someone always ends up taking advantage of them, driving up tax costs & national debt, increasing burden on the working class, etc, etc. The government is essentially incentivizing people to not work. In my opinion, the government should take its hand OUT of this area, and allow the church to step up and take care of those truly in need, and spread the Love of Christ!"
I just didn't even know where to start with this. I guess, we will start with the political statements. The government is really incentivizing people to not work?! Really? Yes, I'm sure that they LOVE it when people don't work. Also, I'm sure that government funded programs are the sole purpose for driving up the national debt and increasing the burden on the working class. I think the only true statement in this whole thing is that someone always ends up taking advantage of them... be it the government or the CHURCH as she provided for a solution. Which brings me to the next point that pisses me off. As somebody who claims they love Jesus lets take away something that is out there to help the needy. I'm sure that's exactly what Jesus would've told people to do. Oh wait... no He didn't. If she really thinks that the church is going to do a better job at helping the 'needy' how does she propose they will screen for those who are really 'in need?' Doesn't she think that this system is going to get taken advantage of also?
I am under no pretense that people don't game the welfare system. Yes, there are people out there who would rather collect welfare and not try to actively better themselves. Yes, there are people out there who are completely satisfied with that being their life. Yes, there are people out there who don't work which does cause the ones that do work to help out in a situation that isn't of their choosing. But, GET OVER IT. As somebody who can work and has enough, shouldn't you want to help and be a blessing to others? You don't have to be doormat and just let people walk all over you, but I think the perspective is off. If you have enough and are blessed, I would think you would want to bless others. I just wanted to tell her that I hope that her life continues to be blessed so that she doesn't ever need to ask for help. Especially if she claims to want to spread the love of Jesus to help others out. And, let's not forget the whole reason why the Puritans came to America in the first place... to get away from the church of England and their power over the people. Pretty much you're never going to please everybody and whether the church were to take over and 'run' things, as it were, I can guarantee you that they aren't going to do a better job than the government. And, clearly, she is thinking that it would be a Christian church to take over... what would happen if any other denomination needed help? Turn them away because they don't believe in the same "God" you do? You don't get assistance because you're gay? ::shaking head::
I don't understand why people think that because you say you are a Christian that means you can't be a liberal. When really, if you sit and THINK (which, yes, I'm bashing a few right wingers here... because clearly this isn't something they do often... or at least think of others and not themselves...) being a Christian and a liberal makes more sense. Because, I'm fairly certain Jesus was pretty liberal. Being liberal and a Christian (heck a scientist on top of that) aren't contradictions... they make sense.
JVG
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