Obama thinks Jesus backs his tax plans?

[Nathan Poe]

There's no denying, I think, that giving to the poor is a noble Christian sentiment.

But what confuses me is that there are plenty of other such noble Christian sentiments that many Christians have no problem petitioning the government to force on the rest of us -- including non-Christians. For example, certain sentiments about the sanctity of life in the womb, or the definition of "marriage," or whether or not it is appropriate to use public events and monies to show worship to God.

Why then is this particular sentiment, which is arguably far more beneficial to society in general than any of the others I've listed as examples, not on their list?

[rogue06]

I think the Bible says we tithe (10%). I never read anything supporting giving 30-40% to the government.

[Cow Poke]

There's no denying, I think, that giving to the poor is a noble Christian sentiment.

Paul makes a distinction between those who are unable to work and those who are lazy.

But what confuses me is that there are plenty of other such noble Christian sentiments that many Christians have no problem petitioning the government to force on the rest of us -- including non-Christians. For example, certain sentiments about the sanctity of life in the womb, or the definition of "marriage," or whether or not it is appropriate to use public events and monies to show worship to God.

Please feel free to start another thread on those topics, but this is off topic for this thread.

[Nathan Poe]

Paul makes a distinction between those who are unable to work and those who are lazy.

As does the government -- granted, they should probably be more discerning in that matter, but they have habitually erred on the side of the individual in other things, so it's no surprise that they should do so here as well.

Please feel free to start another thread on those topics, but this is off topic for this thread.

Actually, I see it as very much on topic -- if Christians (not all of them, of course, but a vocal enough amount to be addressed) want various other Christian virtues legislated and enforced by the government, why is this one any different?

[Thersites]

The point in the Gospel isn't the giving, but the charity.

Romans 13:8-10 and all that.

[Cow Poke]

The point in the Gospel isn't the giving, but the charity.

Romans 13:8-10 and all that.

And you think that's what Obama had in mind?

[Cow Poke]

As does the government -- granted, they should probably be more discerning in that matter, but they have habitually erred on the side of the individual in other things, so it's no surprise that they should do so here as well.

PROBABLY be "more discerning"???? Erred on the side of the INDIVIDUAL? Do you even have a clue how many cents of a dollar actually go to those in NEED?

[Thersites]

And you think that's what Obama had in mind?

Nope. He most likely fails to understand the meaning of the word.

[Cow Poke]

Nope. He most likely fails to understand the meaning of the word.

All he seems to understand is "distribution of wealth".

[Thersites]

All he seems to understand is "distribution of wealth".

Distribution of property is better- that is, the means of production rather than the product itself (which can take the form anything from education to a homestead on the prairie).

[Cow Poke]

Distribution of property is better- that is, the means of production rather than the product itself (which can take the form anything from education to a homestead on the prairie).

Private property? You want to take my private property and give it to somebody else?

[Thersites]

Private property? You want to take my private property and give it to somebody else?

No. I want you to give it away, sell it, or lease it at a reasonable rate, if you can see someone else making substantially better use of it than you- not just for the sake of your estate, but for the well-being of the other person.

[lao tzu]

And it's the function of our government to express a social contract we, as citizens, have with one another.

Where, in the Constitution, is this expressed?

Oh rogue? I need to borrow another facepalm.

We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

My Church gives 51% of all income to minsiter to the poor and to mission causes. And we do that willingly. It's in our bylaws.
The state convention I belong to, Southern Baptists of Texas, also gives 51% of income to missions.

51 cents on the dollar to the poor, minus however much you spend recruiting. This is why I want our government distributing welfare, not our churches.

[Cow Poke]

No. I want you to give it away, sell it, or lease it at a reasonable rate, if you can see someone else making substantially better use of it than you- not just for the sake of your estate, but for the well-being of the other person.

This reminds me of the story of the preacher who visited one of his parishoners who was a farmer.....

He asked him, "if you had 100 head of cattle, wouldn't you give 10 of those for the work of the Lord"
the farmer said he certainly would.
The preacher continued, "and if you had 1000 sheep, you'd give 100 of them for the work of the Lord?"
the farmer agreed
The preacher pushed further, "and if you had 10,000 pigs..."
the farmer interrupted him .... "Now THAT AINT FAIR, preacher - you KNOW I got pigs!"

But, seriously... here's what I know about liberals, Spart... they are incredibly generous with other people's money and possessions!

[Cow Poke]

51 cents on the dollar to the poor, minus however much you spend recruiting. This is why I want our government distributing welfare, not our churches.

No, 100 cents on the dollar of all the money set aside for missions -- ZERO in adminstration or "handling".

The 49% pays for things like salaries, electricity, buildings to meet in, etc.

Recruiting? How much money am I spending on "recruiting"?