Demonization of the Poor

Today we see the poor and indigent are considered unworthy of public assistance. "Get a job" is the common protest heard now from those claiming to be Christians. Carefully crafted words like "Entitlement Programs" and "The Dole" are used to conceal contempt for the charity Christ commanded us to provide to our fellow man.

Instead of the spirit of charity and fellowship towards those less fortunate than ourselves, we see a spirit that clearly comes from another direction and is the complete opposite of the Gospel of Christ. As more professed religious groups sign onto this sort of selfish apathy towards the poor, the prophesies of Christ appear to be coming to fruition. Social political groups claiming to be Christians are replacing his Gospel of peace and charity with their new religious practices of apathy and condemnation of the poor.

These groups twist logic and reason calling any attempts by the government to aid the poor and unemployed as "slavery" and "totalitarianism". This sort of corrupt doctrine is not new and their terrible message echo's through the annals of modern history.

"What does Christianity mean today? National Socialism is a religion. All we lack is a religious genius capable of uprooting outmoded religious practices and putting new ones in their place. We lack traditions and ritual. One day soon National Socialism will be the religion of all Germans. My party is my church, and I believe I serve the Lord best if I do his will and liberate my oppressed people from the fetters of slavery.

That is my Gospel." - Joseph Goebbels - Oct 16th 1928

The Gospel of Christ commands us to give generously to our fellow man. It does not distinguish between those we deem worthy or unworthy of assistance. We are commanded to give generously, not expecting to receive anything in return. We're expected to not look down at the poor, the unemployed, the sick or infirmed, but instead to see them as we see ourselves. All in need of help. All in need of some manner of compassion. Many groups, particularly right wing political groups tell us the poor are undeserving of our assistance. The label minority groups as "lazy" and undeserving. They smugly and arrogantly applaud at the idea of a human being dying because they didn't prepare adequately by having proper medical insurance.

These sentiments are not from Christ. They are the antithesis of his teachings. These are dark and disturbed morals and social mores being falsely sold in his name as his Gospel, by those who honor him with their mouths, but who's hearts are far from him. Those who wish to follow Christ and honor his teachings, would never turn away someone in need. They would never vote against public assistance measures for the poor, or endorse leaders who mock and ridicule the idea of compassion.

Christ taught we're all in this together and if we give generously and willingly then our father who sees in secret, will reward us openly.

Jesus said;

Christ's commandments couldn't be simpler to understand. We are to give, and give generously. We are to not judge a persons worthiness to recieve. And he repeated his commandment to give generously repeatedly throughout his 3 year ministry, both in deed, parable and direct language. Yet pastors, preachers and political figures somehow are able to ignore these commandments and preach their own twisted, corrupt version of his Gospel. Heralding themselves as the leaders of "family values" these wolves in sheeps clothing and their supporters have corrupted the plain and simple Gospel of Christ into their own convoluted, selfish "every man for himself" doctrines. A recent quote from one of these so called "Christian Right" evangelical political leaders was as follows;

"I Don’t Want To Make Black People’s Lives Better’ With Taxpayer Money"

The speaker goes on to explain how he would want to invest in programs to help them get jobs, etc which sounds fine, but in the meantime we need to feed our fellow man. Many people can't work for one reason or another. Jobs are difficult for some, particuarly the emotionally or mentally challenged, the handicapped, single parents, etc. And most jobs out there for the average person wouldn't cover their needs anyway. How can a single mother of 2 put a roof over her childrens head working at a fast food resteraunt? Insisting that these people are lazy is the height of hypocrisy, and desecrates the very spirit of the Gospel of Christ. There is enough food and resources on the planet, for everyone. God made sure of that. The only problem is in how we divide it up. Greed, selfishness, apathy and indifference are the great sins plaguing us today. If we want to follow Christ, we don't need preachers, pastors and we definitely do not need political leaders who herald themselves as the bastions of morality. All we need to do is read Christ's words, which are there for all to read as contained in the four Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John and then compare them to the petty, selfish doctrines of greed and apathy being pushed upon us in his name. Christ's words speak for themselves.

Does Science Contradict the Bible?

The Bible teaches us that God created our brains and commanded us to use them. Burying our talents is contrary to the lessons from the scriptures. Science permits us to understand the universe we inhabit and how and when it came into existence. Religion and Faith permits us to examine the why, behind the how and when. Using Science means using the talents and capabilities that were given us to understand the universe around us. Without science man is left groping in the dark, and mysticism and superstition find fertile breeding grounds in such environments to thrive in. Science shines a light on reality and the environment in which we live and helps us understand the nature of God by examining his creations and seeing how he chose to design the universe in which we exist. Combined science and religion can bring us closer to understanding our environment and purpose here.