>Like it or not America is moving towards a welfare state.<
You are right Bryon, and I don't like it. I'm not against the government helping people that actually need help. Especially the young, elderly and those with disabilities. I'm not opposed to temporarily helping those down on their luck. But we have created a mindset that it is the governments responsibility to fix whatever ails you for as long as it ails you. School, health, money or lack there of, housing, clothing, food, transportation; we've got program on top of program. I see abuse of those programs just like you see abuse of the financial systems. Both are wrong. The welfare state often encourages people to "ride" the system and become dependent on government programs when they have the ability to take responsibility for their life. I think too much welfare is a bad thing. It breeds hopelessness, worthlessness and slothfulness. You mentioned Luke 3:11 in another thread
>3:11He answereth and saith unto them, He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise.<
this was mentioned to prove that the Bible endorses socialism. This is the context of that verse
>7 Then said he to the multitude that came forth to be baptized of him, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
8 Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.
9 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
10 And the people asked him, saying, What shall we do then?
11 He answereth and saith unto them, He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise.
12 Then came also publicans to be baptized, and said unto him, Master, what shall we do?
13 And he said unto them, Exact no more than that which is appointed you.
14 And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages.<
Not all that socialistic when in context.
>2 Thessalonians 3:10:For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.<
As a Christian i choose to be a conservative instead of a liberal for these reasons; conservative principles-1 respect the constitution 2 respect life 3 personal responsibility 4 less government.
Christianity is about the willingness to give help with a Christlike heart; not the government forcing you to give or worse taking from you to give to causes you do not support i.e. abortion, embryonic stem cell research.
Jesus required individuals to follow his teachings. Nations forcing you to endorse their brand of religion is well.... one reason the USA exist, to escape forced religion.
I believe some liberals have good intentions but I think they are misguided. Not an insult just an opinion. edit>changed many to some<