Can a Republican really be called a Christian?

Question

This may upset a few people (it's not meant to), but I think it's a valid question, and I'd like to hear some of your thoughts.

Most Republicans seem to consider themselves Christians, but are totally against any sort of social welfare programs. They seem to think that social welfare equates to handouts for the lazy and that it promotes shiftlessness and corruption. When, in reality, countries that offer the most social welfare to their citizens are among the most successful, with the highest standard of living, and generally produce the healthiest, and best educated people in the world, even beating out the good ol' U.S. of A. (Sweden and Switzerland, are good examples).

I'm wondering, how is it that a Christian can be against social welfare, and still consider him/herself a follower of Jesus, who defined himself by his charity, and his help for the poor. After all, wasn't it Jesus who said, "The meek shall inherit the earth"?

Joe C, I didn't post this question to be "deep", I posted it to get an answer, which you have failed to supply. Though I am curious to know at what point in the New Testament Jesus was said to have practiced this "tough love" that you speak of.

Answer 1

The measure of a country's humanity is seen in its treatment of its neediest citizens.

Welfare is often seen as "today's" problem, and the future of the country is not considered. It is is the best interest of the country to take care and educate ALL of its citizens. This includes the parents of the children which will make up your society in the future. If that is not done then these future citizens will make your country unable to compete, and the other countries in the world who DO provide for the needy will surpass you (and quickly, too).

Not everyone on welfare is a lazy bum. There are lots of circumstances that put someone on welfare, so don't be too quick to judge. Hard times can happen to anyone.

Answer 2

A Christian is one who believes in the Father the Son and Holy Spirit!

The trouble with social problems is there are way to many people who have abused the system. One bad apple in the barrel spoils all the apples. And this is what happen. I don't know your age but I am a wittness to the abuse! On this you can't blaim men so much as all they could get was a few pennies on general relief! Women would have another baby to stay on or if they wanted another increase! Seldom did the money go as it was intended. It would go for hair appointment, drugs, booze ect. And that load became to much for the Country to handle. They ended up keeping many super lazy people! And that is not what the social programs were for! Families in need is what our social programs were for. So back in the 70's and 80's they changed it all. And yet today, lazy folks are on it, that can work. I know a few myself. The lazy and abusers have hurt the ones who need it the most! The ones that need it can't hardy get help at all because of it!

Answer 3

Do all republicans act the same? Do all Democrats act the same? What does Christianity have to do with politics?
I live in Spain, and hope you never have to need social welfare in the countries you mention. You will get it, But when? There is a very long line to get there.
U.S.A. is considered the country that gives most welfare to its citizens, but cant get to all.
Which is the population of these countries? Don't get mistaken from what you read, because these Countries live in a different standard of life, than in USA, their mentality is to suppress debt, and are not consumer addicts.
Anyway this doesn't have anything to do with political ideas and Christianity.
Republicans and Democrats, when they vote in congress any proposal of Law, some times vote against trier party's proposal. So you cant blame only one Party, and mixed with Christianity.
Jesus was a nomad, had nothing to give, but his preaches. Perching can educate you, but it doesn't give you anything to eat.
And i consider myself a good Cristian, but cant act always in consequence.

Answer 4

Interesting thought process. One thing is missing from your information. The United States is the people -- not the government. The people of the United States are far more charitable in giving money, gifts, food and/or services (not only to fellow citizens but to countries all over the world) than any other peoples on the planet. When that generosity of spirit (and it is not just Republicans) is combined with what the government provides it is far above and beyond what any other country "gives." Perhaps that is why the USA falls behind in "social welfare" than other countries. That may change, but somehow I doubt it. The individual has always been the most important aspect of the American society -- not the whole or the government. Great question, thanks......

Answer 5

I think the aspect that many religious people identify with within the Republican party is the idea of tradition. Preserving the family unit and discouraging promiscuity are ideals held by many followers of the conservative ideology.
You make very good points about compassion within society. However, don't forget that not all Republicans are created equal nor are all Christians. There are many reasons people consider themselves religious. And many reasons a person would hold conservative ideals. I don't think it is as easy to say that all Christians are charitable nor that all Republicans believe that all social programs are for the lazy.

Answer 6

1. Jesus did say the meek shall inherit the earth. The word does not mean poor, or unable to hold a job.
Moses was called meek. He took authority for the Jews in captivity and lead them out of Egypt.
Jesus also said that He was meek and lowly in heart. The translation is humble, not poor.

There is a distinct difference between giving money freely to people in need, and being forced (through taxes) to care for people who expect that money to come in, who want others to pay for their lifestyle. As Christians we are expected to give to people in need. Most of us do.

Answer 7

You're basically mistaking faith for the church - republicans, or neo-cons, however you call them, are members of the church, and they don't care for a second about the religious principles of the religion. It's not just welfare - look at the Bush & his congress: heavy drinkers, druga buse, liars, pedofiles, you name the sin, they did it ten times. Every time Dumbya signed an execution order, he violated the "thou shallt not kill" - if he had any faith, he'd be kneeling in the church for the rest of his waking days. So, yes, they consider themselves Christians in the sense of belonging to a soulless, unscrupulous and brutally selfish church, a supremacists' country club with a spiritual touch in the name. Heck, their PRIESTS are pedofile rapists, what do you expect from the "sheep?" LOL

Answer 8

Most definately. It is more of a question of how can a Democrat call themselves a Christian. Issues of homosexuality/gay marriage and abortion are bigger issues in my personal opinion.

Give a man a fish and he will eat today. Teach him to fish and he will eat forever. Translation:Get a job!! Wal-Mart, McDonalds-anything. Yes, the meek shall inherit the earth, but only if they will get up and take responisbility for it and themselves.

Answer 9

Ooooooooo, look! It's a radical religious left person!

And he's engaging the right in a contest to see who can be more sanctimonious!

I'm gonna sit back and watch this! Got any popcorn?

Answer 10

Yes