A Real Christian.

[Nienna]

I don't know whether it's oxymoronic, Jeff, but I do know that looking out for your neighbor is the Christian thing to do. I also know that being a citizen of a nation entails certain responsibilities, just like being a member of a club does. You need to be willing to pay your dues if you want to be a member in good standing, and paying part of your taxes to help those less fortunate than yourself is part of paying those dues.

Your Favorite Leftist

Gem

Those LESS fortunate? I am willing that there should be a few government aid programs. However, many programs give aid to those who simply refuse to do for themselves. If a good Christian is supposed to look out for his neighbor, then HE should do that, not the government, claiming his name.

[Gem]

Those LESS fortunate? I am willing that there should be a few government aid programs. However, many programs give aid to those who simply refuse to do for themselves. If a good Christian is supposed to look out for his neighbor, then HE should do that, not the government, claiming his name.

Not necessarily true, Nienna. I worked for two years at a homeless shelter, and I agree there were those that simply, out of laziness, wanted and expected the world to take care of them. I agree those individuals need a good kick-start in the ass to get them moving. But I also know, from that experience, that they really are in the minority. Most of those that came through the shelter were those who had serious mental and addiction problems- and those who were working full-time for wages that would barely cover their rent. In the crowd I run with we recognize that these people are indeed mentally and spiritually ill and we recognize that these people do need help. But we also realize that a sane and caring person does not hurt sick people either, or cast them out into the cold and/or let them die.

And, yes, when I was working (I'm on disability now) I did- willingly- give the government my permission to use part of my taxes to help others less fortunate than myself. If I knew for certain that all Americans would be willing to give up ten or fifteen percent of their income to help others I would certainly support that. Unfortunately, my experience is that, mostly due to the self-centeredness of human nature, we cannot depend on that happening. Because of that we do need to enforce, at the government level, some level of basic human responsibility in that regard.

Gem

[Abbey Marie]

Many of us do give 10-15% to our churches, which in turn do much charitable work with the money. And that way we at least know that our $$ won't go to funding abortions, for example.

[Gem]

Many of us do give 10-15% to our churches, which in turn do much charitable work with the money. And that way we at least know that our $$ won't go to funding abortions, for example.

I had a suspicion you'd be here shortly! I'm glad to hear you give your ten and fifteen percent to the church. But I also know that it isn't always distributed equitably. It's been more than once where I've gone to a church for emergency help only to be told that because I didn't "belong" to their church they couldn't- or wouldn't- help me. More than once I've also heard the refrain "We take care of our own" from those churches. The needs of the poor and sick will never be adequately addressed with that kind of attitude.

Gem

[Mr. P]

This isn't the GEM I know.

[shattered]

This isn't the GEM I know.

Uh uh. Not even close.

[Mr. P]

Uh uh. Not even close.

More like a gabby, don't ya think?

[shattered]

More like a gabby, don't ya think?

Believe it or not, I was thinking that exact same thing... If not, very similar TO...

[Gem]

Uh uh. Not even close.

Interesting!
What is the "Gem" that you know and love like, since I'm apparently not the Gem you know and love?

Gem

[Gem]

More like a gabby, don't ya think?

Wotsa mattah? You're not trying to tell me that I don't have the right to speak my mind now, are ya?

Gem

[shattered]

Interesting!
What is the "Gem" that you know and love like, since I'm apparently not the Gem you know and love?

Gem

Well, not deceitful, for one... It's wrong of you to come on to a board where everyone knows each other, with a name that's well known to all, and then not bother to tell anyone that you're not who/what they think you are.

If you're going to pretend to be someone you're not, at least get the posting style down pat, first.

Either that, or kindly change your name to avoid any further "confusion", if in fact it was an "accident".

[Mr. P]

Yup, it's a gabby.

[Gem]

Well, not deceitful, for one... It's wrong of you to come on to a board where everyone knows each other, with a name that's well known to all, and then not bother to tell anyone that you're not who/what they think you are.

If you're going to pretend to be someone you're not, at least get the posting style down pat, first.

Either that, or kindly change your name to avoid any further "confusion", if in fact it was an "accident".

I've been using the moniker "Gem" for almost three years now, Shattered.

Please C&P where you think I've been deceitful, will you?

BTW, does the word 'gypsies' have any special meaning for you? If it does maybe I'll send some folks thatta way! Could be fun if you know what I mean!

Now, can we get back to the import of the opening post and what it means to be a "real" Christian?

Gem

[Abbey Marie]

I had a suspicion you'd be here shortly!
...
Gem

Why is that?

[Abbey Marie]

I've been using the moniker "Gem" for almost three years now, Shattered.

Please C&P where you think I've been deceitful, will you?

BTW, does the word 'gypsies' have any special meaning for you? If it does maybe I'll send some folks thatta way! Could be fun if you know what I mean!

Now, can we get back to the import of the opening post and what it means to be a "real" Christian?

Gem

Gem, I think there has been a misunderstanding. We all knew another Gem, and when you first came on and some said they were glad to see you, they were talking about the other Gem. You probably thought they were talking about you. It seems like an honest mistake by all.

So, anyway,

Hello Gem2, and welcome!