Defining 'Christian' nation
A boy, abused and abandoned, needed a home, writes John Young, opinion page editor of the Waco (Texas) Tribune-Herald.
A caseworker called all over town. She called one pastor, then another. Too busy with revivals and speeches. Several other men of the cloth and high morals said the demands of Christian life were too intense to take in the abused child, Young writes. Two pleasant, presentable 30-something men came to the caseworker's office and inquired about offering their home as foster parents. They were domestic partners.
Who practiced the second commandment, to love thy neighbor as thyself? Young asks.
By the way, the offer by the domestic partners didn't count. As Young notes, the Texas House voted to require Child Protective Services to reject comparable applicants who would offer sanctuary, even if it means abused children go without foster care.
What would have been the perfect ending for this child in this situation?
Comments (4)
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The "perfect" ending ? Nancy, you are asking a lot! But the bottom line is a home in which the child is loved, cared for, and protected.
I was impressed with some of the questions asked earlier in the editorial - and I expand upon them: Why are their hungry and homeless in a "Christian" nation? It is wonderful there is a health clinic in downtown High Point, but why (in a "Christian" nation) are there so many others who do not receive care.
Why in a "Christian nation" can you talk to any pharmacist and be told about elderly people who have to pick and choose which medications they can purchase?
Why in a "Christian nation" are the people in jails unable to get the help they need to change their lives?
Why in a "Christian nation" are abused women forced to return to the abuse because they otherwise cannot find food or housing for their children?
Why ..... enough, it touched a nerve.
Oh, please remember Jesus said the poor WILL always be with you .... NOT the poor SHOULD always be with you and therefore ignored.
Posted on May 3, 2005 4:18 PM
What I wonder is why people think of the idea of a "Christian nation" in terms of a Utopia? The people who are working tirelessly to make our country officially a "Christian" one are sounding far more likely to make it a living Hell for an awful lot of people, particularly folks like myself (atheist, that is).
We are a nation... secular in official capacity, populated mostly by people who call themselves Christians, but also populated by folks of many other religious persuasions. Muslims, Hindu, Buddhists, Pagans, Atheists. We all are able to lay claim to the title American. At least for the time being.
But your story is a pretty sad commentary on the type of Christianity that lots of people see every day -- self-absorbed, judgemental, bigoted. I can't speak for the man, but I would be willing to bet 2 things about the pastor of the church I attend every week.
1) He would not rest until he had found a home for a child in such need. 2) He wouldn't mind even a little bit of the home he found was occupied by a gay couple, so long as he was sure that the couple would provide a safe, stable home for foster care.
Posted on May 3, 2005 10:12 PM
Eric, would you mind telling us about yourself? I find it interesting that you attend church every week, but call yourself an atheist. Help me understand that (seemingly) conflict in terms.
Posted on May 7, 2005 1:41 PM
Since when was this a Christian nation?
Posted on May 10, 2005 7:16 PM