Christian Healthcare Debate

As you know, many representatives and senators in Congress openly declare themselves to be Christians. But identifying in Christianity has certain requirements, like believing in Jesus and striving to be like Him. Believing in Jesus also means knowing a thing or two about Him. So what would Jesus think about the current healthcare debate?

Well, Jesus was a lover of people, particularly sinners. Sinners don't know the correct path. How does this situation relate to healthcare and the economy? Those on welfare are the economic sinners of America. Jesus gave all he had to the poor. It's not right for us to withhold our time, finances, or sympathy from them because "they're lazy." The Christian thing to do is to help the poor by giving to organizations dedicated to helping the less fortunate. There are even organizations that teach people how to manage their money so they won't need yours anymore. But until then, they are the burdens of the state and ultimately your tax dollars. The government needs that money to improve technology, fund government programs, and ensure your safety in the world threatened by nations like North Korea and Iran.

But I digress; healthcare reform in the government is what I want to discuss. Jesus cared for all people, no matter what their size, shape, color, disease, financial situation, pre-existing health condition, or age. Is it right that we keep public healthcare dangling in front of those who need it like a carrot tied to a stick in front of a donkey? It is not God's will that there be such staunch inequalities between classes - so much that 40% of the wealth in this country is held by the wealthiest 1% of the population and the bottom 40% possesses less than 1% of the nation's wealth.

The heart of this discussion is, however, whether the Christians in government are aware of how their self-proclaimed beliefs should be affecting their judgment. I'm not suggesting that we revert to a complete socialist government, but rather that they realize that it is not a Christian moral to let those less fortunate suffer while the wealthy watches and says "that's too bad. Should've worked harder."

The truth of the matter is that unemployment is nearing 10%. Not everyone is fortunate enough to afford higher education. High school diplomas just don't cut it for good paying jobs anymore. Even a bachelors degree is beginning to lose its wow-factor. Are we going to sit around and just watch as our nation's infrastructure crumbles as we fail to support it at the base? The lower class are typically the unskilled laborers who work in boring assembly lines or sorting packages in warehouses bringing you prepackaged coffee or tubes of toothpaste or any number of gifts you're going to open on Christmas day. Don't the people who make the things you take for granted - your basic necessities - deserve the insurance of a healthy life, just like you?

Christmas? You say Christmas because Christ is the reason you celebrate what you have. While you remember what you have, try thinking about those who don't have any gifts to open Christmas morning. Think about those who are too sick to visit family members. Think of children whose parents can't afford to visit the doctor. While you think about Christmas, remember that its not about receiving your gifts and visiting your family, its about giving of yourself to others less fortunate than yourselves.

Healthcare is not a problem in Europe and many other countries around the world. Why? They have nationalized healthcare programs. Its working for them too. They declare themselves to be Christian nations and have taken the step that Jesus would have proposed. It is not His will that we should snub our noses at those less fortunate - and they get that.

How can you help? Write to your representatives in Congress. Share your opinions with them. They love to hear your opinions. Its their job to represent YOU and YOUR OPINIONS.