Is National Health Care Anti-Christian?

Posted by Guest Writer on June 1, 2010 under Why | Be the First to Comment

After viewing and taking part in many debates about national health care, I have been exposed to some interesting arguments both for and against. In the course of the conversations I heard the usual liberal tactic to attack those of a Christian persuasion stating that not supporting national health care is not being Christian as if the two ideas are congruent. After fighting back the urge to throw my laptop in some symbolic gesture of displeasure for the spreading of this falsehood, I decided to consider how Christ, and therefore a Christian, might view nationalized health care.

I looked to the recorded examples of how Christ viewed the caring of those in need and specifically those with health problems. I find no example of Christ endorsing government involvement in anything let alone health care. Jesus Christ never taught that it was Caesar who was to take care of the poor and the needy. Pilate was not required of Christ to take care of the people’s medical care. In contrast to these two points I read of countless stories where Christ taught the power and opportunity of each person to do what they can and chose to offer assistance for those in need as far as they are able. We are not to wait for Caesar to do what lies in our own power. Not even in the Mormon church today does the church provide health insurance for its members. It could very easily do so through its various arms and divisions as part of tithing, but it doesn’t. Why? It isn’t that medical coverage is bad, or that the LDS church doesn’t believe in medical care like Scientology. There are precious truths and reasons why this is. I encourage you to find other reasons why that is.

As Christ did not teach that it was Caesar’s job to provide health care for the people, it is my opinion that national health care is not a matter of being Christian. Christ actually taught opposing principles to those embraced by those in favor of National Health Care and other welfare programs. Christ taught that charity was the responsibility of each individual and that each individual was to chose to find ways to help one another and not pawn that responsibility off on someone else or on the arms of government. Anyone trying to say otherwise is propagating a lie that has no foundation in the teachings of TRUE Christianity. It is also false to think that national health care has the monopoly on good works. Good works are always possible. Of a truth, it is he or she who does good works that bears the mark of a true Christian. Supporting national health care or paying a tax for someone else’s health care does not make a person Christian. In fact, one could say that taking away the individuals repsonbility to help their fellow man is decidedly anti-christian.

About the Author

James Numark is one of the founders and major contributors to the Spirit of the Law Blog.