KenVincent
Moderator
Registered: 12/19/07
Posts: 103
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The Big Questions 1. As a Christian, is there any reason you would not want every American to have equal access to health care? If so, what is it? 2. While "the devil is in the details" of the specific plan that finally becomes law, do you agree that in principle, universal affordable health care is a moral issue? Why or why not? 3. What meaning did Jesus' healing ministry have for his overall mission? 4. Some are arguing that "rushing" to complete this legislation is unwarranted, but is there an element of "striking while the iron is hot" in this move? What might happen if momentum is lost? 5. Is Christianity as much concerned with the well-being of our bodies as with the well-being of our souls? Explain your answer.
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Ken Vincent
Online Forum Moderator
St. Luke Lutheran Church
Albuquerque, NM |
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WillHoffman
Registered: 01/04/08
Posts: 98
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| #2 |
1. More than 60 years ago, the United Nations issued its Charter of Basic Human Rights. Essentially, it affirms and uplifts the dignity of ALL human beings in all situations. In almost biblical terms, the charter emphasizes that mankind should be free from all forms of oppression and should have the basic necessities of life. These include general well-being, adequate nourishment, clothing, shelter from the elements, education, and a healthy and sustainable life free of disease and other maladies. The various agencies of the United Nations, as well as sovereign nations, public and private organizations, and church groups pursue these goals.
My concerns are about political terms like "equal access" and "health care." The former is contingent on legal rulings. I think the later is a multi-tiered, multi-faceted system which in certain vital respects is too costly and ineffective, with maldistributed resources. The most protected peoples are those well-off and the aged, disabled impoverished, many children, veterans, and active-duty personnel and their families. I applaud and support this government-run "system" that seeks to meet the needs of those most at risk, as the Bible says, the least among us or those "most in need."
2. Besides the term "health care," I am concerned with the word "affordable" -- according to whose standards and what purposes? Health care by any name is not a commodity to be acquired in the market place, bought and sold. The issue should not be affordability, with a price tag and a profit (cost, not worth); the issue should be accessibility for all. The need is for adequate, effective public health for everyone. Americans well-off and in great need have this, the other half should have it by various means they choose, and fostered by OUR government. America has been the champion of pubic education, it needs to be the same for public health.
3. Jesus healing ministry is the mutifaceted core mission concerning peoples' overall well-being. It addresses with compassion those most in need and counsels those with the gifts of healing and teaching to use them. The healing ministry is provided to people without distinction, where they are, and now. All that is asked, not demanded, is that the people affected and effected have faith -- faith in everything and the God that provides all to all.
4. I think the way will be found to effective public health -- with the political will and one step at a time.
5. Here's that dualistic thinking -- bodies and souls. Everything needs feeding, nurturing, caring and assisting. However, I personally believe there is no room for gluttony. The No. 1 epidemic in America, which is not a very health nation to begin with, is obesity. Attribute it to addiction, genes, stress, ignorance, or poor nutrition -- whatever the causes, they must be dealt with at the core of public health.
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??: I'm still stuck on the Frontage Road of the Information Super Highway and I think I'm headed in the wrong direction -- can't seem to find the on-ramp. |
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