In the Bible (Luke 10:25-28), Jesus is asked an interesting question. “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” He said to him, “What is written in the law? What is your reading of it?”So he answered and said, "‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,’ and ‘your neighbor as yourself.’”
And He said to him, “You have answered rightly; do this and you will live.”
Here is an irony. Many of the conservative protester, who shout and scream during townhall meetings, who voice opposition to any healthcare reform--the same reform that can benefit the poor, needy and sick--amazingly classify themselves as born-again Christians, followers of Jesus Christ. Suprisingly still, senior protesters, who themselves depend on Medicare (a government run healthcare program) are counted among this lot. How can this be? Where is the church? Did the Rapture happen already? Are we all left behind? Billy Graham, where are you?
There is an old saying, "It's not what you say, it's how you say it." Well, the church has not been saying enough of anything. When I'm at home, I click my remote in constant search of a fiery sermon admonishing viewers like me to do the right thing and help the poor, the needy and sick. Yet, I am mystified to find attractive ministers in fancy suits telling me to send $40 for CD's, DVD's, healing oil or prayer cloths. In some radio broadcasts, I discover some pastors actually preaching against healthcare reform. Huh? I keep listening for the preacher to tell me of a better solution, to show me a wiser path to help the millions who have no medical coverage. I wait. I wait. I wait. Nothing. No ideas. No solutions. No wisdom. No love. Instead, I am told how evil democrats like President Obama and House Speaker Pelosi are. I am left with the impression that I should support another political party. The Republicans maybe? Is this in the Bible?
I am sure that there are some ministries who are genuinely trying to help others obtain healthcare. If they do exist, then they are being drowned out by the mega-churches who wield large microphones through radio and tv. Unfortunately, these churches are led by talented, ambitious preachers who are not led by the love of neighbor, or the Holy Spirit, but by the 'holy' connections of special interests and politicians.
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ReplyDeleteOla Papi,
ReplyDeleteI agree with your article, mostly. But, I do take issue with you on the tone. I think that you are a little too harsh. Look, I've have seen some of these same people on the news. Just because they are christians doesn't mean that they can't get mad, right? Your article makes it a sin for them to get mad. Come on Papi, cool it. On the other hand, I can identify with the money thing. And you know exactly what I'm talking about. (Hint: mom's church) Let's not go there, ok? So, Papi, this article on a scale of 1-10 rates a 9.789. If your tone was not so mean, I would have given you a perfect 10. Love you, your bored daughter
I believe your blog has a lot of sense and should keep your tone as stern and to the point because the more u press and stress the issue the faster you will be heard. i think you make some good points on preaching against healthcare reform . i believe that our churches should be the number one influence on money and for healthcare . sending the church money to the people in dire need. Quote treat yourself as your neighbor.
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