Are Handouts Really Charitable?
@gnatsmom (2575)
February 3, 2023 1:17am CST
One of the big controversial issues, and that has been for some time, is whether or not government handouts are more helpful or harmful. In America, this is a debate between conservatives and liberals.
Those who are fiscally liberal relate to the public that welfare and other government subsidies are charitable. Some go as far as to say that it is Christian charity. Even if they are antagonistic toward faith, they will play the "Christian love" card.
Those who are fiscally conservative believe that government handouts pave the way to socialism. They conclude that handouts create an entitlement mentality and destroys work ethic and the survival drive. Christian conservatives point to Proverbs 10:4 "A slack hand causes poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich.", II Thessalonians 3:10 "For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat.", and Proverbs 6:6 "Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise.", just to name a few.
Both sides can find corroboration for their philosophies. I, personally, stand with conservatives on this. An advocate for the homeless reports that handouts do more harm than good. (
There are several reasons that I believe government handouts are not charitable:
1. There is no such thing as free handouts. It costs someone something and in this case, it is tax payers. Basically, the government steals from tax payers and gives to those they deem in need. Government handouts is theft.
2. Handouts are an insult to the recipient and they don't even realize it. Basically, the government is saying to the recipient, "your are too pathetic to support yourself, and you can't be successful without us".
3. Handouts are emotionally and psychologically crippling.
4. I agree with Scripture. God commands us to work. So people should get jobs and work.
5. Government subsidies is a foot in the door to socialism. Socialism and Marxism scream about equity. There is no such thing as equity. To push for equity is to rob people of their individualism, talent, gifts and skills. It erases the person. That is what the government elites want.
6. I am not against charity in its totality. It should just be temporary and privately funded at the discretion of the individual doner.
7. Socialism destroys families, communities, and a nation. Free market strengthens the economy which is a good thing for all. You can't have a free market when there are more takers than workers.
photo credit: turning point USA
https://www.theblaze.com/news/homeless-handouts-help-fired-ceo).
3 people like this
3 responses
@MarieCoyle (59198)
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3 Feb 23
There are people who truly need help, and often don't ask for it unless they are desperate. Some people cannot work, due to poor health or age, etc. So, we should let them starve? Some have absolutely no family, some are homeless, and many, many people who have to get help DO actually have a job, they just don't make enough money to survive.
I feel like you are lumping everyone into a group, this is a sensitive subject. In my world, if you can help someone who needs it, you do it. You just do. In turn, it will more than likely come back to you in some form. Maybe it just makes some people feel good to see someone smile, knowing they can feed their child a decent dinner that night.
You can't just lump everyone together. Life is just not like that. We aren't supposed to judge others. There are verses in the Bible that can be adapted to many circumstances, or read different ways by different people, but as for me, if I have it to spare and someone is hungry, I will share. No questions asked.
2 people like this
@gnatsmom (2575)
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3 Feb 23
I agree with you for the most part. And people would have more money to help others if the government was not taking it. If one researches, they would find that the government is not efficient. They waste more than they give. They do a horrible job of vetting who needs it and who does not. They line their pockets and grow bureaucracy. Theft is still theft no matter what excuse we use.
Again, I am not against charity, just not government handouts.
@gnatsmom (2575)
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3 Feb 23
Yes, Christians should. I don't think the government should, though. Families, churches, and charitable organizations are the most compassionate and efficient.
@sulynsi (2669)
• Canada
4 Feb 23
Very interesting discussion.
I think everyone can agree, there is a need for balance.
Jesus commented, '... For you always have the poor with you, and you can do them good whenever you want to..' Mark 14:7, echoing the Mosaic code that said, 'For there will always be poor people in the land. That is why I am commanding you, ‘You should generously open up your hand to your afflicted and poor brother in your land.’
I find the way poverty was managed under the Law (when properly practiced) both ensured that all citizens had their basic needs met, and also dignified them, if they were in any way able to contribute toward their own maintenance.
Take the account of Ruth and Naomi, who were impoverished. Ruth was young, willing, and able, to work gleaning in the fields of local landowners. In turn, the landowners were to allow gleaning. They could stick with the letter of the law and only allow gleaning in designated areas, but they could also be big hearted and generous, as their own inclination led them.
I don't hope in human governments to solve the issues that cause poverty, though. They simply can't. No matter how sincere, it is not within their power, for numerous reasons. As Jeremiah states, 'it does not belong to man to direct his steps'. We were imbued with limited authority, and not intended to rule over or govern fellow humans.
As the words of the 'Lord's Prayer' state, 'YOUR kingdom come, YOUR will be done....' This government is the only one that can truly eradicate poverty, and the systems that cause it.
Until it takes over, we can honestly do our part, by being honest in all our dealings, fairly paying taxes, to the 'superior authorities' who are allowed to function for the time being. We may also choose to give more than is mandated, hopefully, not 'under compulsion, but willingly' for 'God loves a cheerful giver'.
@gnatsmom (2575)
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5 Feb 23
Oh how I wish I could give you a standing ovation. I agree with you 100%. Your response was articulated with beauty, wisdom, and compassion.
