it's rather amazing that a 'Christian Nation', a majority religion being 'Christian' and a political party that equates itself with being 'Christian' while vilifying and demonizing the 'liberals' for not being Christians would act so fantastically NOT Christian.

It's also amazing that those who so loudly complain about the government spending 'their' tax dollars on programs like these seem to have taken such non-interest in things like a missing 9 billion $$$ in Iraq and the pissing away of over a trillion dollars on a war that did not have to happen, let alone the ballooning of earmarks under their rule, and on and on...

I get so sick of listening to this crap... maybe, for all those who are republicans or have right leanings and who are obviously 'Christians', should take a good look at the book they they so reverently use to beat up others and that is taken SO literally...



Attitude of Love

Do not despise the poor (Proverbs 14:21; 17:5). Remember, God made the rich, the poor, and their oppressors (Job 34:19; Proverbs 29:13). Know that God takes our giving to the poor very seriously as he did for Cornelius (Acts 10:2,4,31)

However, if someone is rich like Abraham, that does not automatically mean they are displeasing God by oppressing the poor as in Job 29:12. Abraham was an extremely wealthy man (Genesis 13:2-6), yet he would not have been called righteous in Romans 4:3 and James 3:21, if he oppressed the poor.

Some are poor because they are sluggards (Proverbs 6:9-11; 10:4; 12:24) or made rash financial commitments (Proverbs 22:26-27; 6:2-3), put up collateral for another (Proverbs 6:1,3; 11:15; 17:18; 20:16; 27:13), spent their money on pleasure (Proverbs 20:21; 29:3; James 5:5; Matthew 23:25; Amos 6:4-7), or neglect (Proverbs 27:23-24)

Others, such as Ruth and Naomi (Ruth 1:6; 2:2) are poor through no fault of their own, as were Joseph and Mary (Luke 2:24 + Leviticus 12:image. Jesus, John the Baptist, and Paul were poor.

Care about justice for the poor (Proverbs 29:7; 31:9).

Remember the poor (Galatians 2:10). Reduce poverty and see that helping the poor is as if you were helping Christ (Matthew 25:34-46).

Our ideal should be to eliminate poverty (Deuteronomy 15:4), yet we should realize that the poor will always be among us (Deuteronomy 15:11; Matthew 26:11; Mark 14:7; John 12:image.



Absolutely Do Not

Do not oppress the poor (Proverbs 22:16; 28:3; Job 20:19; Ezekiel 18:12; 22:29; Amos 2:7; 4:1; 5:11).

Do not charge exorbitant interest (Proverbs 28:image.

Do not make unjust laws. (Isaiah 10:1-2). Do not use the courts to exploit those with less money (Proverbs 22:22-23; ~24:28; James 2:6; Amos 5:12).

Do not be apathetic toward the poor (Ezekiel 16:49; ~Luke 16:19-20) or ignore their cry (Proverbs 21:13).

Do not show partiality against the poor (Proverbs 29:14), partiality to the rich (Leviticus 19:15), partiality toward the poor (Exodus 23:3; Leviticus 19:15). The righteous care about justice for the poor (Proverbs 29:7).

Do not try to eliminate the poor from where you live (Amos 8:4; Psalm 109:16) or destroy the poor (Isaiah 32:7).

Do not preach helping the poor and not practice what you preach (James 2:15-17).



Actions of Love

Be generous to the poor (Proverbs 19:9-10; 22:9; Isaiah 58:7-8,10) and kind to them (Proverbs 28:image.

Give to the poor. (Isaiah 1:17; 58:6-10; Jeremiah 5:28; 22:16; Galatians 2:10; Psalms 41:1; 112:9; Proverbs 14:21; 24:11-2; 28:27; 29:7; 31:9,20; Ephesians 4:28; Acts 9:36; 1 Timothy 6:18-9; James 1:27) and rescue the poor (Job 29:12);Lv25:35-37. Even give to the poor in business (Exodus 23:11; ~Ruth 2:2,6,15).

We should especially help widows and orphans. (James 1:27; Deuteronomy 15:11; Psalm 68:5).

We should especially help other believers (1 John 3:17-19; Romans 15:26).

We should especially help the sick, hungry, naked, and imprisoned. (Matthew 25:34-46; Zechariah 7:9-10;Is58:10-11;Ps69:33).

Do not give food to someone who refuses to work (2 Thessalonians 3:10). Hunger can be a good incentive to not be lazy (Proverbs 16:26).

Do not help those who are doing wicked work (2 John 10-11) or would be foolish with the money (Proverbs 1:16). Realize that some falsely claim they are poor, or rich (Proverbs 13:7).

"It's clear you guys have no memories and giant balls"

Jon Stewart, The Daily Show Jan 4, 2010

I do not comment by innuendo, should I want to call you out, I will by your name.
Edited 1 time by cbabbman 11/05/07 13:18.