what is the christian basis of the welfare state?

Answer 1

There is no basis. Christians are called to help others, not depend on the government to do it for them.

Answer 2

There is no basis. The "Welfare State" as it is used in common conversation today was created under 40+ years of entitlement programs beginning with FDR and growing under Democratic congresses. It has grown so large now that neither side could do anything about it but let it grow because those that are trapped in the system are a huge voting class that could ruin any politician's attempt at election.

Christian's believe in Charity. That is why Conservative Christians oppose the huge entitlement programs. They believe, and in most cases rightly so, that there charitable efforts are best implemented on a local scale. More aid and comfort can reach their fellow man if the Government does not have their hands on the $ first.

Answer 3

The Welfare State in Britain is a Christian Socialist concept, driven by the Labour Party and the Methodist Church, plus a lot of other people too.

Christians believe that it is not just saying the words, but doing the actions which count. Therefore, giving support to an idea which will benefit all of our citizens, does have it's roots in Christian belief.

The same kind of thinking applies to such ideas as 'making poverty history'. etc.

Red Nose day soon. Give.

Answer 4

Smart question, I believe there is not a Christian basis of the welfare state. What do you think?

Answer 5

There is no basis for a welfare state within Christianity.

The ONLY people listed as even close to such would be widows and orphans - a FAR cry from what many have come to depend upon.

That doesn't mean that there isn't to be 'Christian charity'. Just that it is more the approach of, 'teach someone to fish' vs handing them fish.

Answer 6

All of the social programs that constitute the welfare state were enacted by FDR to boost the US out of the depression and to jump start the economy and provide jobs. FDR may or may not have had his own Christian beliefs. I don't know anything about his own personal opinions in regard to faith, but he is not historically viewed in reference to that, or lack of it. My point is that the welfare state does not even have a basis in Christian beliefs, but in "pump priming" economics.

Answer 7

Bliar the Liars a Cristian apparently and as a socialist should believe in the Welfare state.

His idea is... raise 63 new stealth taxes
( Diesels more expensive than petrol ) then tell you direct tax is low and give you back a tax credit if your 105yrs old have your own teeth have 1 leg and your mothers still alive...

Answer 8

I don't think there is one...the welfare state is a prime example of legislating morality.

I'm pretty sure that when Jesus talked about helping the poor, he meant on a voluntary, individual basis. I don't think He was talking about forcing people to "donate" through taxation, and throwing them in jail if they didn't meet their "charitable" obligations.

Answer 9

Leviticus Chapter 19 (King James Bible)

9 And when ye reap the harvest of your land, thou shalt not wholly reap the corners of thy field, neither shalt thou gather the gleanings of thy harvest.

10 And thou shalt not glean thy vineyard, neither shalt thou gather every grape of thy vineyard; thou shalt leave them for the poor and stranger: I am the LORD your God.

This is as good a place to start as any. There are hundreds of quotes that could be used to justify a welfare state from a Christian point of view

Answer 10

You dont 'depend on the government', everyone shares wealth to help everyone else.

Its called looking out for your fellow man, and they look out for you when you need it. Its not all that hard