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Cutting Assistance Programs Undermines the Church's Work

By Sandi Villarreal
SNAP stats illustration. Sandi Villarreal / Sojourners
SNAP stats illustration. Sandi Villarreal / Sojourners
Jul 12, 2012
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A common rationalization those in religious circles make for cutting social programs that help the poor is that church should be the one helping “the least of these,” not the government. But if we know that’s not possible given the church’s means, that millions will get left behind because our efforts fall far too short, is that still a logical line of defense? Jesus told us to care for the poor, sick, and vulnerable—he didn’t prescribe how.

Sometimes Jesus healed people one-on-one. Sometimes he addressed the needs of a multitude by providing enough food to feed them all. Sometimes he sent others in his stead to provide healing. 

If we ignore the needy in our midst by getting rid of one huge way to address that need, we are not following Jesus’ example.

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SNAP stats illustration. Sandi Villarreal / Sojourners
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