Ethics and Religion Talk: To Whom Does the Social Safety Net Belong - State or Religion?

There is a philosophy on one side of the political spectrum that encourages the dismantling of government programs to aid those suffering with poverty, addiction, etc. They feel that this should be the responsibility of the faith community. Do you believe that this is appropriate? Does your religion allow for a formal governmental response to the social safety net?

Rev. Ray Lanning, a retired minister of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America, responds:

One of the dangers of any discussion is the posing of a false dilemma or dichotomy, that is, positing an “either/or” where a “both/and” better suits the facts of the matter. The same Bible that charges the churches to “remember the poor” (Galatians 2:10) lays the same charge on the officers of states and commonwealths (Psalm 82). Efforts by the state to roll all responsibility for the poor in a community on the officers of the church have been unsuccessful in the past. 

This state of affairs prevailed in Scotland for a long time. Care of the poor was vested in the local parishes of the Church of Scotland until well into the 19th century. One famous Scottish minister, Thomas Chalmers, embraced this challenge and zealously organized the deacons and laity of his church in Glasgow on a scale deemed more equal to the task. For a time, Chalmers’ scheme seemed to work, until he left the city and his people succumbed to sheer exhaustion.

How can any community prosper with an ever-growing number or class of people mired in poverty, squalor and sickness? The task of relieving human suffering and raising people out of poverty is Herculean and requires the resources of the state, as well as the churches and other “faith-based” institutions. To absolve our community leaders and fellow citizens of this responsibility, and claim that we Christians and our churches can do all that is required, is to imagine a vain thing, surely.

The Reverend Colleen Squires, minister at All Souls Community Church of West Michigan, a Unitarian Universalist Congregation, responds:

Supporting the social needs, such as poverty and addictions, of our community should be the responsibility of everyone including our local and federal governments as well as all faith communities, and also including all health care spaces and the vast network of charities. 

I also think it is a mistake for faith communities to only serve members of their faith. Faith communities should set the example of serving everyone regardless of their beliefs. 

Linda Knieriemen, a retired pastor of the Presbyterian Church (USA), responds:

Yes, my religion allows for a governmental response to the social safety net. It is unrealistic to think that faith communities alone can provide the finances necessary to address poverty, addiction, etc., especially as the numbers of religiously affiliated Americans are declining. 

Fred Stella, the Pracharak (Outreach Minister) for the West Michigan Hindu Temple, responds:

I oppose this approach entirely. I do not believe that faith communities have the resources to support these lofty goals. In this scenario we are hoping that people will be voluntarily generous. I’m not that optimistic about most people. And since we are seeing a drop in religious affiliation, it makes it even less likely that this idea is feasible.

That said, I do not deny that affiliation with a spiritual family can be life changing.  I support any religious community that works with those who [are] suffering from the challenges of addiction, poverty, illness, etc., as long as there are clear lines drawn that discourage intimidating evangelism. 

My response:

Historically, Judaism has both feared and supported governments. The fear stems from those governments which oppressed ethnic and religious minorities and refused them the full rights of citizenship. The support came from the pragmatic realization that without government, chaos would reign and the strong would dominate over the weak. Judaism instructs that paying taxes is part of one’s obligation to the public, and one who evades taxes is robbing the public. A social welfare system aimed at maintaining human dignity is one positive role of government.

Small religious communities like my own do reach out beyond our community to help others, but recognizing that our resources are limited, much of our support is restricted to those who are Jewish. We encourage others to approach their own faith communities or other community agencies. If the only source of support was through faith communities, I’m afraid that the growing number of people without such a community would literally be left out in the cold.

I’ve seen church-based food and shelter programs in which participants are required to sit through a religious lesson before being fed. As private institutions following their religious mandate, this is their right. However, I appreciate the role of the secular government, which offers money to religious institutions in exchange for a promise to deliver support to all in need without an exclusive religious message.

This column answers questions of Ethics and Religion by submitting them to a multi-faith panel of spiritual leaders in the Grand Rapids area. We’d love to hear about the ordinary ethical questions that come up in the course of your day as well as any questions of religion that you’ve wondered about. Tell us how you resolved an ethical dilemma and see how members of the Ethics and Religion Talk panel would have handled the same situation. Please send your questions to [email protected].