Letters to the Editor for Thursday, January 28, 2010

Differing theological, political views
Art Costan’s Jan. 17 letter to the editor, “Wrong to equate GOP, Christianity,” was aptly titled.

Those who practice Christianity — Christians — are members of numerous political parties. Just as there are Christians who are Democrats, there are certainly Republicans who are not Christians.

Moving beyond the letter’s headline, I disagree with what seems to be the main point of the letter, though.

Costan seems to be supportive, to what extent I do not know, of government-run wealth redistribution. Of course, the government is involved in all sorts of social programs of which the legitimacy could be argued, but Costan specifically mentioned wealth redistribution — taking from the middle- and upper-income classes and giving to the poorer class.

The fact that Jesus and some of his followers practiced wealth redistribution, or wealth sharing, does not equate to the government doing the same thing today. Jesus did not, under threat of punishment, take from the rich and give to the poor. They were voluntary gifts. There is a big difference between a wealthy person giving a vehicle to somebody who does not own one and the government coming along, taking my car and giving it to whomever they deem needy.

What right does the government have to take my money and give it to those who choose not to work or give it to support programs that I would not support if given a choice? The problem with Costan’s main point is that while voluntary wealth redistribution (charitable giving) is fine and to be encouraged, the government’s plan is not voluntary, and it is not a power granted to government. Therefore it equates to stealing. Liberals seem to be very generous with other people’s money, but when it comes to their own — not so much.

When the government takes what I work for, it provides a disincentive to work. If given greater financial freedoms — the opportunity to keep more of what I make — then the opportunity for greater financial benevolence follows.

One problem that Costan and I would probably agree with is today’s church not doing the job it should be when it comes to caring for the widows, orphans and those less fortunate (James 1:27). Because we live in a civilized society and have chosen not to allow extreme social and/or economic situations to befall people and because churches are not doing the job they should, the government is pressured by mostly well-meaning people to “help” the less fortunate.

However, some of these less fortunate realize that they can rely on the government — that is, you and me, the taxpayer — for their sustenance, and they become wards of or subservient to the state. At that point they are trading slightly risky freedom for somewhat stable servitude. That is not what made this country great, and it is one thing that will continue to run it down.
BRYAN WILLIAMS
Lynchburg