Should we really get rid of the social programs to help the old and sick among us?

Question

Luke 16:19 “But a certain man was rich, and he used to deck himself with purple and linen, enjoying himself from day to day with magnificence. 20 But a certain beggar named Laz´a·rus used to be put at his gate, full of ulcers 21 and desiring to be filled with the things dropping from the table of the rich man. Yes, too, the dogs would come and lick his ulcers. 22 Now in course of time the beggar died and he was carried off by the angels to the bosom [position] of Abraham.
“Also, the rich man died and was buried. 23 And in Ha´des he lifted up his eyes, he existing in torments, and he saw Abraham afar off and Laz´a·rus in the bosom [position] with him. 24 So he called and said, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me and send Laz´a·rus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in anguish in this blazing fire.’ 25 But Abraham said, ‘Child, remember that you received in full your good things in your lifetime, but Laz´a·rus correspondingly the injurious things.

Doesn't say the rich man was wicked?
What did he not do?
Couldn't he have given this sick indivual a pension so he didn't have to beg?
Did he show a heartless condition towards this poor man who was sick.
I am not saying take care of alcoholics and doppers or criminals. But old and sick and disabled people?
Shouldn't they be able to live with dignity? Why was the begger treated so good by God? Even though he was poor maybe he had a good heart?
What about the rich who don't pay a living wage? Keep workers in poverty?
waitresses who depend on tips and don't pay them one? I think that is an illustration with a lot of meaning?
That applys today.

What do you think about it?
Jesus said when you feed them you feed me>

Why did the rich man go to hell?

that story is not literal it was an illustration of how God feels about poor people. Abraham could not have been in heaven. Jesus was the first to be resurrected to heaven and he is telling the story. Just an illustration.

Answer 1

A nation is judged by history on how it treats the weakest of it's citizens.

Answer 2

Please don't preach at me. This is a social issue and a reflection of integrity in our country. A promise is a promise.
We need to hold the politicians responsible for their incompetence!

When the CEO of a corperation is paying 17% of his earnings to taxes, while his secratary is paying 33% of her earnings for taxes, then it becomes obvious that we have a crook in the White House!
That's why the CEO is a Hillary supporter! ; )

Answer 3

No we shouldn't get rid of these programs. To be honest, I have read and heard allegations that one party or the other is in favor of ridding the government of them - BUT I have never found those allegations to be anything more than spin.

The passage in the gospels to which you refer - I think that it means that those who have much (individuals/families) must help those that have nothing.

Answer 4

The scripture you post is speaking of hell(paradise,purgatory) has nothing to do with social programs for the old or the sick.

Answer 5

That's just psychology to make the downtrodden accept injustice so they don't stand up for themselves -- promise them heaven and they won't revolt against the system.

Answer 6

What we need to do is enforce birth control.

Too many people are causing all of our troubles.

And medical advances are keeping us alive way past the time to Go~

Answer 7

No, but you need to let reality temper how they're run.

Answer 8

what? I don't see the connection between your question and your scripture.