As we are in the season of giving and thanks... some are again saying, taking care of the poor and needy is a "Christian thing" to do.
I totally agree, but this is "never" to be done via the government. And let me explain the difference for all those well-meaning people who don't understand.
When those in the private sector (churches, NGOs, charitable organizations...) provide for the poor, the sick, the elderly, the mentally incompetent, it is done using voluntary donations. And in such cases both parties benefit greatly.
The joy of giving is a wonderful blessing and creates a double benefit. This is what the Savior taught and it is why Christians are lauded as being compassionate and loving.
When governments dole out the welfare benefits there is no element of voluntary giving. The resources for that welfare come from taxes, which is forced confiscation (or legal plunder as some call it). We can't choose not to pay our taxes. We must... no choice whatever. Bad politicians love to give away other people's money.
The joy that could come from such government welfare giving is removed from the process... and both parties suffer. There is resentment from those who are taxed of their hard earned income; and those getting the benefits feel like it is an entitlement and don't really appreciate the gesture. In fact, they often loath the giver... a government system that puts them down in the very act.
This basic difference makes government welfare totally contrary to Christian teachings. And the voluntary giving via the private sector becomes enshrined as true charity, as it should be.
I marvel that some good people, even in the LDS Church, can't understand this simple difference. It is a vital distinction. One that clearly separates right from wrong.
James Carlyle Green
2250 S 3300 W
Heber City, UT 84032
