Charity is a commandment--should LDS make it a law too?

[_asbestosman]

King Mosiah says some interesting things about giving alms to the poor. So it seems that for LDS, it is a commandment to help those in need. However, it brings up some interesting questions. Does voluntary charity work, or would it be better to get the government involved? Is the point of charitable aid--from the LDS point-of-view--to ease the suffering of others, or to better one's self through sacrifice? Going to the prophetic standard, should one only donate until all they have left is what the prophet has left asset wise? Is it better to not follow the prophet in this regard?

If the government should not be involved, how can we make sure that aid is provided fairly? Should we even worry about that? Will churches decide to not provide relief to certain classes of sinners they find to be too unrepentant or uncontrite? Can we be sure they'll provide aid to homosexuals, atheists, or other despised groups? should aid be provided for those who could still pay their own bills albeit with much difficulty (maybe they have to sell the car or the house)? How much should we be willing to sacrifice? Are those who wish for governmental aid willing to personally make do with less in other areas (maybe you can't eat out anywhere except Taco Bell anymore)?

[_Scottie]

Are you proposing that the government step in and force religious institutions to donate more, or that US citizens should donate more?

I don't think it's any secret that I'm absolutely disgusted by how little the LDS church provides in the way of financial support compared to what it could offer.

It would rather build lavish temples than help the needy.

However, I don't think the government should step in and force the church to give more.

[_asbestosman]

Are you proposing that the government step in and force religious institutions to donate more, or that US citizens should donate more?

No, I'm proposing that the government might step in and force citizens to pay more taxes to solve a huge problem for which voluntary charitable contributions seems insufficient. Charity isn't always able to provide for the poor. There simply aren't enough funds. Should government step in? Does Mosiah support this view? Would this backfire becase, as you mentioned, the church also finds other things more important at times?

[_Scottie]

There is a fine line between charity and enabling.

I feel like the US enables too many people with its welfare programs.

In a perfect world where nobody would abuse the system, then I might be inclined to say yes, but with the current abuses of the system, I would see more charity as just enabling more people to take advantage of the system.

[_moksha]

There is a fine line between charity and enabling.

I feel like the US enables too many people with its welfare programs.

It does tend to enable them to live, but not too well. True conservatives on the other hand look to the Miracle of Malthus to help rid them of this surplus population.

[_Blixa]

There is a fine line between charity and enabling.

I feel like the US enables too many people with its welfare programs.

It does tend to enable them to live, but not too well. True conservatives on the other hand look to the Miracle of Malthus to help rid them of this surplus population.

Thanks for making that point, moksha.

[_asbestosman]

There is a fine line between charity and enabling.

I feel like the US enables too many people with its welfare programs.

In a perfect world where nobody would abuse the system, then I might be inclined to say yes, but with the current abuses of the system, I would see more charity as just enabling more people to take advantage of the system.

Perhaps so in your POV, but what about from an LDS point of view? King Benjamin said that we are all beggars and that we should not refuse the beggar's petition. Should LDS simply do that of themselves, or should they support the government doing it? It seems that you would prefer that the LDS leave the government out of it. That's understandable, but what do you think the Book of Mormon implies that the LDS should do, your personal desires aside?

[_Scottie]

There is a fine line between charity and enabling.

I feel like the US enables too many people with its welfare programs.

In a perfect world where nobody would abuse the system, then I might be inclined to say yes, but with the current abuses of the system, I would see more charity as just enabling more people to take advantage of the system.

Perhaps so in your POV, but what about from an LDS point of view? King Benjamin said that we are all beggars and that we should not refuse the beggar's petition. Should LDS simply do that of themselves, or should they support the government doing it? It seems that you would prefer that the LDS leave the government out of it. That's understandable, but what do you think the Book of Mormon implies that the LDS should do, your personal desires aside?

As far as the LDS church goes, I believe they should turn no-one aside.

I am reminded of a girl asked my opinion on a situation she had encountered. A supposedly deaf man was selling small American flags for $2 each to raise money. She told him no, thinking he was just trying to scam people and wondered if this was the right thing to do. Well, this was during my religious days, so my opinion was that she should have given the man $2 and let God take care of it if he were scamming people.

The same principle applies, but on a larger scale when it comes to religion.

[_moksha]

There is a fine line between charity and enabling.

I feel like the US enables too many people with its welfare programs.

In a perfect world where nobody would abuse the system, then I might be inclined to say yes, but with the current abuses of the system, I would see more charity as just enabling more people to take advantage of the system.

Perhaps so in your POV, but what about from an LDS point of view? King Benjamin said that we are all beggars and that we should not refuse the beggar's petition. Should LDS simply do that of themselves, or should they support the government doing it? It seems that you would prefer that the LDS leave the government out of it. That's understandable, but what do you think the Book of Mormon implies that the LDS should do, your personal desires aside?

How could the government be left out when they are the one entity that can cope with problems on a nationwide scale? Advocating for the welfare and health care of all, in partnership with the government helps fullfill the religious mandate to do so as outlined in the scriptures.

[_Scottie]

There is a fine line between charity and enabling.

I feel like the US enables too many people with its welfare programs.

In a perfect world where nobody would abuse the system, then I might be inclined to say yes, but with the current abuses of the system, I would see more charity as just enabling more people to take advantage of the system.

Perhaps so in your POV, but what about from an LDS point of view? King Benjamin said that we are all beggars and that we should not refuse the beggar's petition. Should LDS simply do that of themselves, or should they support the government doing it? It seems that you would prefer that the LDS leave the government out of it. That's understandable, but what do you think the Book of Mormon implies that the LDS should do, your personal desires aside?

How could the government be left out when they are the one entity that can cope with problems on a nationwide scale? Advocating for the welfare and health care of all, in partnership with the government helps fullfill the religious mandate to do so as outlined in the scriptures.

There is a difference between working with the government and government mandated charity.