‘Religion’ has often been accused of being the evil that causes war and famine and greed. And just as often Christianity is appointed as the main culprit. We can cite the Catholic/Protestant troubles of Ireland, the Crusades, the Pogroms against the Jews, the Spanish Inquisition, and many many more. And yes, often it was the Christian ‘religion’ that was to blame, though a careful investigation usually revealed baser motives; such as greed for wealth or power. Even for Jesus, his resultant crucifixion could arguably be said to be due to the power plays by the Sanhedrin and Rome. So yes, ‘religion’ can be blamed for many of the ‘evils’ in the world, though not just Christianity.
But the words of Jesus plainly entreat us to “love our enemies”, care for the widows and orphans and to help the sick and the poor: to show God’s Love to all. Acts 2:44-45 states that; “all the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need”. This was the result of knowing who they were, being blessed with every blessing and challenged to be a blessing to others, as Our Father is to us. Our real challenge is to radiate the love of God in our everyday living. Love your neighbour as yourself is not only towards some elect ones who we share our religious views with, but to all you-manity.
Over time Christians have pioneered the Red Cross, orphanages, schools, hospitals, pensions and single-parent and widows benefits. They operate shelters, soup-kitchens and op-shops to alleviate harsh conditions for those in difficult circumstances. So ‘it’s the fault’ of Christians that these exist to help within society.
‘Passing The Buck’ by Peter Maurin
- In the first centuries of Christianity
the poor were fed, clothed, and sheltered
at a personal sacrifice
and the Pagans said about the Christians:
“See how they love each other.”
- Today the poor are fed, clothed, and sheltered
by the politicians at the expense of the taxpayers.
- And because they are no longer fed, clothed, and sheltered
at a personal sacrifice
but at the expense of taxpayers
Pagans say about Christians:
“See how they pass the buck.”
This little poem speaks of the first century christians and the gradual slipping of their care for others. In the past, christians did take the lead in health care, education, social welfare and care for the elderly, just to mention some of their endeavours. ‘Christianity’ is more than going to church on a set aside time or day.
As the needs of society grew beyond the capabilities of just a few Christians, there has been changes in attitudes towards the financial support needed as time went by. Governments have become more and more instrumental in subsidies and grants. Unfortunately the challenge for financial support has restricted the true expression of Godly love, being replaced by man made rules, restrictions and conditions. Governmental subsidies usually come with conditions. This is in contrast to the promise of God, that we would not be in need for anything, Phil. 4:19 “my God shall supply all your needs according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus“. Quite often those conditions restrict and control the christian influence in regarding how and what services are allowed to be provided. Also there are often secular limitations from the government on christian standards of who can be employed (living a lifestyle that is within Christian ethics), what services should be rendered from a biblical perspective, (abortion, euthanasia, counselling, gender confusion) etc). In a sense, the command and challenge in Mark 12:30-31 has been sold out by Christian institutions for financial gain. So it can be said that ‘it’s our fault’ that the purity of the love originally shown in Acts has been seized by the secular powers.
