The Least

I just read an editorial piece in our local newspaper, The Register Guard. In it the author cites religion as proof and justification for a single-payer health care system in the United States.

This is what angers and frustrates me about organized religion. Because we are taught by Jesus Christ in the scriptures that to help the poor and needy is a blessing, we must be forced to participate in such, literally at gunpoint (try not paying your taxes and let me know how that works out for you). The US government is the only organization that can legally take your money at gunpoint.

My limited understanding of the Gospel is that we are here on earth to exercise our agency, to choose right from wrong. I also understand that Satan's plan for us was that we be forced to obey God's will at the end of a whip. Which does a single-payer, tax-funded health care system resemble?

Do away with every government-funded entitlement program and this country would witness an upwelling of local community and church-based charity like never seen before. When presented with the needs of our neighbors I will respond. When presented with the requirement of government I recoil.

In Matthew 25:35-40, Jesus tells us:

35 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:
36 Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.
37 Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?
38 When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?
39 Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?
40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.

Clearly we need to care for the least of our brethren. But I do not want my secular government forcing my hand. Let me choose and let me experience the blessings of helping my brethren.