Are you hoping that’s the case? I think their position is largely influenced by their overseers. The invisible hands behind the monolith. I’ve never believed politicians were running the show. Including the president.
Ok so you have identified that there is some power or motivating factor that can force the State to adhere to certain ideologies or agendas. So the State is never neutral and can either be beholden to certain ideaologies from individuals and groups they side with. Or just their basic ideology as a party is antagonistic to opposing beliefs as we have seen in the culture wars.
They may descriminate against certain groups and deny funding merely because of a disagreement of ideological beliefs. Not facts or science or the truth about whats best. But merely because they don't like the other groups beliefs.
I know what you’d like me to say but I can’t. The bible provides enough examples about christian’s place in the world and our hardships. Why we exacerbate the latter is beyond me.
Are you saying that Christians or Christian organisations who may be descriminated against should accept that descrimination as part of the hardships they must endure. Say nothing.
I understand that we must not get into culture wars and make Christianity political. Like some sort of theocracy on earth through political or worldlly power. That is more or less becoming the world.
But where is the line. To what extent can a Christian organisation exist in the world without being the world. Maybe thats why I think Christians should be offering help for free. No strings attached and no obligations to anyone but God. But then they will still have to abide by the worlds ideologies.
Peter and Paul say Christians should be subject to the authroities even if they are unjust. Be Christlike and submit even if its unfair as the good example will turn people to God.
Someone suggested that was the case in a previous post.
I am not sure. If this is the case then it must be that people are assigned certain areas or health carers that are in their area. Like schools. So maybe that is the only hospital in her area. But then how can the hospital refuse to treat her if its suppose to be her care facility. \
Its also weird that a person would want to go to a hospital that could have actually caused her death. I would be staying well away lol. She would have to be at some other hospital now as she needs to be treated. I don't know.
There was a time when I contemplated running a charity. But I decided against it for many reasons including the above.
I mean setting up your home kitchen to cook meals for the needy is one one. But even then you have to be careful as it gets to a point where you have to start worrying about registrations, workplace health and safety ect.
But people still do it. They cannot help but start grassroots movements in helping others. They try and keep it quiet and do it in the background. I know of many who are driving round at night with meals and blankets helping those on the streets.
Nothing in the world is free. Including charity. Someone must earn the means or create the resources you dispense. It doesn’t fall from the sky.
Yes and thats those more able. A big cost is labor but as Christians doing it for no return helps a lot. This is how social welfare began with organisations like the Salvos. What you notice is that its infectous and then others come out and donate and want to help. It can be done for little money.
Given the level of litigation in our society and the malpractice insurance rates they pay. I’d assume there‘s profit involved even if it appears otherwise. It’s a risky business.
Obviously if your going to work with others you have to have some minimal costs like insurance and any State fees. But musch can be done with volunteers. I mean are not Christians suppose to help others like the Good Samaritan. Pool all their resources and help the poor. Even going without themselves.
Otherwise Christianity becomes just another version of corporate society in the world.
How do you intend to do that? Or what have you done? I’ve noticed a pattern on the site concerning this subject. You only quote the bible and say what should occur. But I rarely hear personal tales. It’s kind of odd.
First forget about what anyone has done. Either the bible is correct or its not. Christ and the disciples are clear. We are to help the poor even if that means sacrificing our own place in the world as far as riches and comforts. So it doesn't matter what others do as its a truth teachings.
MOst people agree Christians have become too comfortable with one foot in each world. Unlike the early church which proves its possible. We just forgot and the world has overtaken.
But ultimately the worlds suppose to hate Christ and Christians. So it doesn't matter as a true Christian will be called to stand up and suffer anyway. As for myself I try to help as much as I can. I am disabled so I cannot do a lot. But any work I have done has been to help others and now I volunteer as one of those free workers that helps run a organisation that helps the disadvantaged. I could do more.
@Carl Emerson posed a question along these lines and I responded to the thread. My answer was based on something I drafted for myself concerning patronage and the direction I want us to take in our household. When the desire to give is deeply felt you do things like that. You don’t speak in platitudes or wag your finger. You put things in place and act.
I think principly Christianity is not something that is always felt. Like the person has to feel in the mood for giving or helping. I think its a duty and even when we don't feel like it. Its something we have to make a priority even over our choices of work and personal investments ect that will create some nest egg and empire in this world.
Now I know this is incredibly hard especially in a consumer, modern tech and material world. But that is the aim. It will depend of course on family commitments as the bible says we have to first look after our family. How can we help others if we cannot look after our own family. But as a family that can make us stronger as a group to help others as well.
But its hard and ultimately its up to each individual and what they believe is right for them in their situation. But definitely I think we are to give up the world as much as we can and trust God.
Otherwise I think there will come a time where just being a Christian in this world will be too hard for many because by nature this world hates Christians and one way or another whether they voluntarily sacrifice themselves or not. They will suffer if they are truely standing with Christ.
I’m not suggesting you‘ve done so with your post but it’s something I’ve noticed. And I‘ve been in circles where philanthropy is the norm and joined an organization known for its generosity in my twenties. I wasn’t walking with the Lord at the time but my commitment to patronage was great.
It is natural for people to help others. But Christians are suppose to do it in secret. NOt tell others. As then it becomes about self rather than God. Theres a new phenomena called PC and social marketing which is all about the organisations social imprint and how this itself is now a marketable aspect of business in scoring brownie points in the eyes of society.
I mentioned the value of a moral compass earlier and your comment has me weighing it once more. Many of the things I do aren’t on account of my faith. I don’t need the bible to tell me to give, live decently and so on. The desire to do so is already there. Perhaps that‘s why christians struggle so much. You’re working against your nature. It’s easier to follow the current than swim against it.
~bella
I find desire is a feeling that can come and go and hard to maintain. Whereas as a principle helping others is a duty. A fruit that tells us we are in Christ and not of the world. Ultimately sacrificing ones life for another for no return. Which goes against human feeling and instinct.
This is suppose to be the Christian calling and its a matter of judgement as to whether we are truely in Christ or just weekend Christians.
