Approaches to Service

[AzA]

(I wasn't sure which of the suggested threads people wanted to expand on... so carry on... If you've already commented, feel free to cut/paste/develop your answer.)

You're interested in community service and are linked up with a church group that feeds homeless people in your city. You talk to the director and she tells you that "We've learned to only feed them after we do the Bible study; otherwise they might not stay." How do you respond to her, and why?

What do you think is a valid motive for humanitarian service?

 

[JonMiller]

I wouldn't like that.

A lot of people seem to feel that we shouldn't do anything that isn't geared towards convincing people to be Christian.

I would like to point out that Christ said that that even the evil people do good for their families, that what is good is to do good towards those who aren't our families. Since Christians are our families (mother, brother and sister), shouldn't we treat well those who aren't Christian?

And treating well doesn't just mean trying to get them to be Christians.

JM

 

[AzA]

So do you think you'd still join them? Or would you look for another group?

 

[JonMiller]

I have joined such groups in the past. I have decided to not join such groups in the past as well, generally then I end up not joining any group.

JM

 

[Avonia]

(I wasn't sure which of the suggested threads people wanted to expand on... so carry on... If you've already commented, feel free to cut/paste/develop your answer.)

You're interested in community service and are linked up with a church group that feeds homeless people in your city. You talk to the director and she tells you that "We've learned to only feed them after we do the Bible study; otherwise they might not stay." How do you respond to her, and why?

What do you think is a valid motive for humanitarian service?

You are asking a much more sophisticated question than many will notice.

I would join and help feed the people. If we stopped all humanitarian work because of judgments about ulterior motives, a lot more people would be starving.

The director is working from a world view taught to her by Christianity. This is a systemic issue.

The hungry person still gets fed - regardless of the level of consciousness of the one feeding.

 

[sentipente]

This is a challenge for the pulpit.

 

[AzA]

I would join and help feed the people. If we stopped all humanitarian work because of judgments about ulterior motives, a lot more people would be starving.

I would say the same applies to a lot of flawed institutions. I'd also say not many institutions recognize their own flaws, or are willing to address or outgrow them. Institutions may be like people in that way. My hope is that... with time... there'll be progress. At the same time I sense that it doesn't have to take as long as it is. (I am just as impatient with myself, lol.)

The director is working from a world view taught to her by Christianity. This is a systemic issue.

I'd agree with that.

The hungry person still gets fed - regardless of the level of consciousness of the one feeding.

Yah, I know. It's just it seems there's more, that we could all be connecting at additional levels and Christ's teachings could provide for that if we wanted (or were able?) to go there.