MSNBC’s Scarborough: Conservatives Who ‘Wave…Bibles Around the Most‘ Miss Jesus’ Message About the Poor
- Posted on October 11, 2011 at 2:47pm by
Billy Hallowell
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Joe Scarborough, host of MSNBC’s “Morning Joe,” called out conservatives this morning for allegedly missing Jesus’ central message about helping the poor. Despite waving “their bibles around the most,“ Scarborough charged that ”many on the right” simply don’t get what Jesus commands of them in regards to helping those in need.
While interviewing Tavis Smiley and Cornell West about the Occupy Wall Street movement, among other subjects, Scarborough decided to weigh in on partisan politics and poverty. He said:
I don’t usually do this but I am going to do it now because it seems that Christianity is constantly being thrown into primary debates. It happened again this past weekend. How fascinating that, despite the fact that many on the right have brought religion up over the past 30, 40 years, they somehow missed the core of Jesus’ message?
Jesus was asked by his disciples, who is getting to heaven? How do we sit on the right hand of the father? This is what Jesus Christ said. By the way, Pastor Jeffress, if you open your Bible to Matthew, it is in red letters. That means Jesus said it. Then, the King will say to those on the right, come you who are blessed by my Father, take your inheritance. For I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat. I was thirsty, and you gave me something to drink. I was a stranger and you invited me in. I needed clothes and you clothed me. I was sick and you looked after me. I was in prison and you came to visit me.
And that was not Jesus talking about some side issue, some side board to his ministry. That was Jesus talking about, when asked, what His ministry was about. It was about taking care of the poor. We don’t see that from the very people who wave their bibles around the most.
Below, watch his comments (around 8:50):
What is most curious about this commentary is that is lacks a proper framework and setting. While Scarborough is certainly correct that Jesus commanded his followers to care for the poor, the debate that is happening right now in this country centers upon the government’s role in paying for various services (of course there’s also a newfound focus upon “corporate greed” as well).
But despite Scarborough’s anti-conservative slam, research has consistently shown that those on the right tend to donate more to charity than their liberal counterparts. Independently-registered researcher and author Arthur Brooks has tackled the issue of political ideology as it pertains to giving. According to a 2006 ABC News piece by John Stossel and Kristina Kendall, Brooks’ research showed that conservatives donate about 30 percent more than do liberals. Interestingly, on average, conservatives also earn less than liberals.
In 2008, George Will covered some of Brooks’ other findings. As it turns out, in 2004, George W. Bush carried 24 out of 25 of the states in which charitable giving exceeded the national average — simply an interesting tidbit to add intrigue to the debate.
The point here is not to slam conservatives or liberals for their giving patterns. However, the research does seem to call into question Scarborough’s claims. It’s not that conservatives disagree with helping the poor; many on the right simply believe that this help should come more from organizations and individuals than from the government.
(H/T: Mediaite)
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Comments (337)
Lloyd Drako
Posted on October 11, 2011 at 3:10pmJesus’ message about the poor is that they should be submissive, humble and obedient, and expect an eternal reward for their faith in Him.
Where do liberals get all this anti-elite crap from?
Report Post »its_time_to_arrest_our_government
Posted on October 11, 2011 at 3:14pmits not the governments job to take care of the poor its the churches job. your saul alinski crap needs to go along with you to the closest communist country that will take your nasty a$$es
Report Post »Applehead
Posted on October 11, 2011 at 3:41pmThe article is correct that its up to individuals not government! I hope these candidates that claim to be Christian have a good grasp of the Scriptures because I’m tired of the left perverting the Gospels and not being set straight with proper interpretation! Too many times these perversions go unanswered! Republicans need to realize that too many people are influenced by false doctrine and nothing about the Bible or politics! Thats the reason for so many problems with deception in our country! Idiots that vote and negate informed voters ballet!
Report Post »The10thAmendment
Posted on October 11, 2011 at 3:41pmJoe wouldn’t know a Christian theology if it smacked him in the teeth. We ALWAYS have the poor with us, but Christ comes first. Charity comes from the individual, not government. It’s immoral for a government to take money from anyone and give it to another for any reason. As GOD directs my charity and the Spirit leads to that need, then will I act.
These MORONS in their protests are nothing but entitlement creeps who believe it’s their right to have what I have. Giving to them isn’t charity, it’s casting pearls before the swine. Every American has a right to succeed, but it comes by way of personal responsibility, and being wise with the things you acquire through doing what it takes to succeed. There is NO right for social justice, but there is a right to EQUAL Justice. Equal justice demands equal effort.
Report Post »obama-mecca-me-sick
Posted on October 11, 2011 at 3:44pmHelping the poor does not mean subsidizing crack addicts , paying to raise children of irresponsible lazy parents ,or giving our hard earned money to those who refuse to earn their own.
Report Post »techengineer11
Posted on October 11, 2011 at 3:51pmBack during his time in Congress Scarborough was more of the most conservative right wing candidates there were but now that the Jewish executives at NBC are signing his check he’s become just another run of the mill commie. Interesting how that works. We got to feeds the family though don’t we Joe? You are a whore Joe.
Report Post »lodgerat
Posted on October 11, 2011 at 3:53pmThey twist it to fit their own view. It is our duty to do those things. Not the governments.
Report Post »LibertyGoddess
Posted on October 11, 2011 at 3:53pmI think Joe needs to be given a list of the charitable organizations who work tirelessly actually helping the poor, not just throwing money at them. Catholic Charities, LDS Humanitarian Services, and many local food pantries, soup kitchens, doctor services, etc.,….he really got this one wrong.
Report Post »Thomas
Posted on October 11, 2011 at 3:59pmJesus didn’t say that Government should take money from one and give it to another. Compassion can never be out of compulsion. This Government has become tyrannical over the past 100 yrs and not they are trying to finish our freedom off completely.
Report Post »Dustyluv
Posted on October 11, 2011 at 4:08pmThe POOR Joe…NOT THE LAZY DRUG INDUCED MORONS!!!
Report Post »motonutt
Posted on October 11, 2011 at 4:17pmWhat would “luke warm” Joe know about the bible. I‘d bet it ain’t much. Joe is a hybred, a cross between a weasal and a RINO.
Report Post »Exrepublisheep
Posted on October 11, 2011 at 4:31pmOur government IS the people who elect them. To say its the peoples job but not the govts is just silly.
Report Post »symphonic
Posted on October 11, 2011 at 4:35pmThe PROBLEM with all of the statements above, is that they are just PLATITUDES. Being a Christian myself, I identify with the words of Jesus no matter who quotes them. You can’t dismiss the Bible just because Joe quoted it. Fact is, there IS hypocrisy, great hypocrisy among those who identify with Christianity because the poor are GROWING, problem is NOT getting solved. Don‘t condemn any other methods of helping the poor if you can’t do it right your own way. Until Christianity gives more, a whole LOT more to the poor, they need to stop being self righteous and talking of these platitudes of “forcing” others to have sympathy on the poor and hungry. Let alone other places in the world where people are STARVING. Fact is, people would rather live high than give of their wealth to fix this problem, speaking collectively and not individually.
Report Post »Drives Like Jehu
Posted on October 11, 2011 at 5:01pmJust because someone is poor does not make them a saint. Just because someone is poor does not excuse them from regarding the eternal instead of the temporal. Just because someone is poor does not make them more important than anyone else. Just because someone is poor does not reduce their requirements to obtain salvation.
Ex 23:3 Neither shall you be partial to a poor man in his trial [just because he is poor].
Report Post »JRook
Posted on October 11, 2011 at 5:11pmReally so his overturning tables rejecting the authority of the elders in the Synagogue was humble and obedient. His chastising of those who felt they were better than the sinners and the poor was in support of those who considered themselves elite. It has been my experience that those who profess to be the most devote Christians misuse and abuse his word and message the most.
Report Post »RIGEL_ORION
Posted on October 11, 2011 at 5:30pmYour experience. Thats the key word. Although you paint the vast majority of Christians you don’t know with that same brush.
Report Post »Tim Law
Posted on October 11, 2011 at 5:38pmI read the Bible often, and yes our LORD JESUS does tell us to care for the poor the widow and the fatherless. I have yet to come across any passage that tells us to give it to the tax collector to give to the poor. The Bible also tells us that most tax collectors can not be trusted, they tend to keep a large portion for themselves. The poor see very little of your gift’s. Christian church’s did a much better job of giving the poor a hand up, when government took over the poor get handout’s that keep them poor and dependent on government. Advise to Joe Scarborough and your progressive buddies. DON’T go thumping a Bible you know nothing about.
Report Post »survivorseed
Posted on October 11, 2011 at 5:46pmAgain I tell you, it is easier for a camel to fit through the eye of a needle than a rich man to enter the kingdom of god.
Report Post »Why is this passage conveniently forgotten?
annelouisegelinas
Posted on October 11, 2011 at 6:22pmBoy it gets pretty low when Mr. Scarborough puts himself above all others and tells them how they should believe and how they should take care of the poor. He must think he is Jesus. We don’t take orders or comments from imposters. He truly is an imposter portraying himself as Jesus. What next?
Report Post »RIGEL_ORION
Posted on October 11, 2011 at 6:27pm@SYMPHONIC
Free-will. Jesus was a big advocate. God could force you be perfect, but doesn’t. Why?
Could it be that actually making your own choices is important in the process of becoming more like Jesus? So here’s a thought, make your own choices with your own charity and stop advocating making others choices by force.
Report Post »Thomas
Posted on October 11, 2011 at 7:15pm@rigel_Orion: Right on. You hit the nail right on the head.
Report Post »kmichaels
Posted on October 11, 2011 at 7:24pm[SYMPHONIC
Posted on October 11, 2011 at 4:35pm
The PROBLEM with all of the statements above, is that they are just PLATITUDES. Being a Christian myself, I identify with the words of Jesus no matter who quotes them. You can’t dismiss the Bible just because Joe quoted it. Fact is, there IS hypocrisy, great hypocrisy among those who identify with Christianity because the poor are GROWING, problem is NOT getting solved.]
Joe S talking about the poor takes the standard wrong socialist approach to solving the problem. As Christ realized, “the poor will be with us, always,” implying that the problem would be ongoing. It is ongoing because there will always be a certain percentage of people unwilling to avail themselves to resources that are easily within their grasp. So we need to differentiate between the poor incapable of helping themselves (a very small number) and the people refusing to help themselves when they are capable (the growing number). The number that refuse to help themselves will naturally grown when moronic leaders cater to them, usually in order to get power over them. So the answer is not as simple as you make it sound. And you have offered nothing that will solve the problem. In fact, you don’t seem to know how to identify the problem. It is not there because of lack of good Christians willing to help.
Report Post »rangerp
Posted on October 11, 2011 at 7:47pmNotice how fools like this that want to use Bible, generally never actually quote it to you.
Report Post »Viet Vet
Posted on October 11, 2011 at 9:08pmEvery poll, survey, and study, both anecdotal and scientific, have shown that conservatives are profoundly more charitable than liberals/leftists. The best and most scientific of these, hi-lited on the TV program 20-20, showed that even the poorest evangelical Christians gave more to charity than the richest liberals. This fact has been borne out time and again, the left is charitable only with other people’s money. Further, there undoubtedly is no single thing that lifts people out of poverty better than the capitalist system of economy and government.
Report Post »Viet Vet
Posted on October 12, 2011 at 12:06amHere’s a link to this study. I’m highly suspicious that the reason conservatives are far more giving than liberals, has to do with religion.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/21/opinion/21kristof.html
Report Post »The10thAmendment
Posted on October 12, 2011 at 12:08am@ Exrepublisheep
Posted on October 11, 2011 at 4:31pm
Our government IS the people who elect them. To say its the peoples job but not the govts is just silly.
————————————————————————————————————————————————-
Do you know how ludicrous that is? They can direct a reasonable amount to develop the Nation. They DO NOT know what the Lord Jesus Christ directs me to do through the Holy Spirit. If they (government) take from me to spare to others because it buys them votes from lazy people, they are not representing charity, they are representing their own self interests.
I take it that you’ve never read the Holy Scriptures.
Report Post »CottonMPG
Posted on October 12, 2011 at 12:13amThat isn’t all the Bible says about the poor you know? We are to care for the,”true,” widows and orphans. We are told in His word that if a person WON‘T work he shouldn’t eat.
There are problems with giving to the poor through the government. It slows down or prevents the help from reaching those who need a hand up, relieves us of the feeling of personal responsibility of caring for others. I already paid for food stamps and welfare etc..We have less money to give. It isn’t efficient, people don‘t feel guilty about taking help they don’t need from the government. Fraud increases. People who work in those social programs often don’t care about those they are supposed to be helping, it’s just a job. Their pay and benefits cut into the assistance, unlock charitable volunteers. I give about 15% to charity not counting casual help to those I know personally that are in need. When you have a choice to give or not and choose to give God blesses you. No choice, no blessing. Like to do more.
The scripture that says it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than a rich person to enter heaven is not forgotten. It is misunderstood. If you are happy and comfortable you don’t realize your need for God as easily. An overall look at the Bible will show that wealth often accompanied God’s people. Abraham, David and Solomon are some of the most well known rich who were pleasing to God. Later on it was oppression and a nomadic life which made personal wealt
Report Post »Viet Vet
Posted on October 12, 2011 at 12:17am@The10thAmendment
And that’s why, despite all the billions spent on the War on Poverty over the years, the poverty rate continues to rise. The same can be said for all the money thrown at education. The key to good education is not money. Studies show that where the most money is being spent per student, the poorer are their test scores. When Jimmah Kaatah politicized education, re: the NEA told him if he would create a cabinet post, they would endorse him, he undercut education. Education, through the NEA (unions), has become just another avenue for the democraps to launder campaign money.
Report Post »CottonMPG
Posted on October 12, 2011 at 12:28amSorry, ran out of room. Personal wealth was impractical and unimportant after Jesus commissioned the disciples to spread the good news of Jesus finished work of redemption. It is not a sin to be rich. It is a sin to love money and things more than God and people. Covetousness is also a sin so if you want to take stuff away from others you are in the wrong.
Report Post »capturedsailor
Posted on October 12, 2011 at 12:29pmYou mean like slaves?
Report Post »old white guy
Posted on October 13, 2011 at 8:48amthere will be poor always.
Report Post »not a liberal
Posted on October 14, 2011 at 10:06pmall people are supposed to be humble and act as servents. However, God also gave us free will, otherwise He would have us all believe in him and not allow us to sin and the world would be a left wing free place.
Report Post »not a liberal
Posted on October 14, 2011 at 10:07pmIt is actually sad that he is so misguided and will end up in hell if he doesnt actually read and understand the Bible.
Report Post »geonj
Posted on October 11, 2011 at 3:09pmscarborough shows his ignorance to all things conservative.
Report Post »encinom
Posted on October 11, 2011 at 3:29pmand Conservatives show their ignorance of Christ. They look for Christ in their Mega-Churches and not in the shanty towns or along skid row.
Report Post »Vechorik
Posted on October 11, 2011 at 3:34pmHe should have said “some Christians”
Report Post »prejudiced against the poor
call for war (aren’t anti-war)
prejudiced against gays
TMink
Posted on October 11, 2011 at 3:42pmIgnorance of Christ as well. He seems to confuse “you” with “your government.” Strange really because Jesus gave me lots to do but never said a WORD about what the government should do. Not. One. Word.
But then how would Scarborough know that. He is not a believer. Maybe he will lecture Cain on how to be black. Oops, he already has.
Trey
Report Post »behonest
Posted on October 11, 2011 at 4:06pmhe works for the Regime
Report Post »RIGEL_ORION
Posted on October 11, 2011 at 4:06pmEncicom is a religious bigot.
Report Post »Rob in Katy
Posted on October 11, 2011 at 4:10pmENCINOM, the the poor won’t get up off their arse and walk to the nearest church, then it is out of God’s hands and fully in theirs. That and I am tired of hearing about the poor that have A/C, Cable and can afford crack on their Texas cards. Poor people in the USA don’t know what poor is, they can walk across almost any border town to Mexico and see poor or they can tune into cable at night and watch the poor in Africa – those are poor. Most of ours, eh, not so much.
Report Post »RIGEL_ORION
Posted on October 11, 2011 at 4:14pmYou can find God everywhere, including a megachurch. How and where a person chooses to rejoice in the Lord is really none of your business. Those very same megachurches have done more to actually help the people in that ‘shantytown’ than all of your precious government programs combined. How many trillions in taxpayer money spent on combating poverty? To what effect? As you step over the man lying in the street and wonder why no program is there to help him, why don’t you consider that charity begins at home
Report Post »expatinontariocanada
Posted on October 11, 2011 at 4:18pmWhen will you lib/marxists give it up. Conservatives give more to CHARITY than you do. You just want us to give more to GOVERNMENT so they can buy more votes. Where in the hell did over $4.8 TRILLION go to eradicate poverty with the Great Society of LBJ? It went to buy more votes. So knock it the hell off.
Report Post »Rbellender
Posted on October 11, 2011 at 4:20pm@encimon- dude, you obviously have NO idea how much these “Mega Churches” do. They are MEGA precisely because many of their members have MEGA hearts for the hurting, and yes, that includes the poor. It’s amazing how Mega a church can grow when many people following the teachings of the one and only Truth, Jesus Christ, assemble together and regularly share their time, talents, and treasures. Maybe you should try it before you knock it! Rob
Report Post »The10thAmendment
Posted on October 11, 2011 at 4:33pm@ encinom
Posted on October 11, 2011 at 3:29pm
and Conservatives show their ignorance of Christ. They look for Christ in their Mega-Churches and not in the shanty towns or along skid row.
Report Post »———————————————————————————————————————————————
Bwahahaha Are you always going to live your life under the nanny state? I’d guess that yes, yes you will, because you are an ignorant, uneducated, false message peddling POS.
encinom
Posted on October 11, 2011 at 5:25pm@The10thAmendment
I take it you enjoy being the house slave for the Koch Brothers and other DC insiders that control the Tea PArty. As long as you get to keep the scrapes off of their table you are happy.
Report Post »michael48
Posted on October 11, 2011 at 6:03pminsanom…a useful idiot…now get back in grannies basement , comrade…lush-dom suits you well…
Report Post »kmichaels
Posted on October 11, 2011 at 7:26pm[ENCINOM
Posted on October 11, 2011 at 3:29pm
and Conservatives show their ignorance of Christ. They look for Christ in their Mega-Churches and not in the shanty towns or along skid row.]
When was the last time you were in a shanty town or skid row you miserable troll? Never you say? Yeah, it figures.
Report Post »rangerp
Posted on October 11, 2011 at 10:57pm@encinom
You do not find Christ in a megga church, nor in a shanty town, nor on skid row. You can find him in the gospels, you can find him in every book of the old testament.
You can see works in real deal christian people, and you can see the change in the lives of those that get saved.
Report Post »Jimbo49
Posted on October 12, 2011 at 6:36pm@encinom
Report Post »Where ever two or more are gathered in my name, I too, am there. Seems like a mega church would work.
BellaMia7
Posted on October 11, 2011 at 3:09pm“The single biggest predictor of someone’s altruism, Willett says, is religion. It increasingly correlates with conservative political affiliations because, as Brooks’ book says, “the percentage of self-described Democrats who say they have ‘no religion’ has more than quadrupled since the early 1970s.” America is largely divided between religious givers and secular nongivers, and the former are disproportionately conservative. One demonstration that religion is a strong determinant of charitable behavior is that the least charitable cohort is a relatively small one — secular conservatives.”
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2008/03/conservatives_more_liberal_giv.html
Report Post »Anonymous T. Irrelevant
Posted on October 11, 2011 at 3:30pmAnd you can bet that the people who need the help are Democrats who say they have ‘no religion’.
Report Post »symphonic
Posted on October 11, 2011 at 4:39pmThere are many poor people in poverty within churches all over, and they are not democrats. They are stuck however in many instances, among a group of people who give a LITTLE of their abundance, and expect that to fix it, and when it doesn’t, they blame the poor and call them lazy. Jesus isn’t going to like this, because where much is given MUCH IS REQUIRED of those who were given more by the Master.
Report Post »RIGEL_ORION
Posted on October 11, 2011 at 5:52pmSyphonic manages to make an error in every sentence. Of all the people on government assistance, a majority ARE democrats. In a lot of cases, it is the scourge of welfare keeping them ‘stuck’ by making them dependent.
Giving a LITTLE? TRILLIONS, that’s right TRILLIONS have been spent on poverty programs, with no effect. ON TOP OF THAT, charitable giving has still managed to remain high. That’s the problem with many Liberals though, they love to look at other people’s money and situations and make snap, limited information judgements on what they should be doing. Albeit at the same time as those Liberals give very little of their own (as shown by various studies).
Much is required. Life is quite a gift. Jesus might not like its utility squandered as government-dole inspired apathy is created and perpetuated.
Much more is required of those who have made more of their gifts. But that’s the point. Much is required of THEM. Jesus didn’t say anything about Much is required to be given to Caesar or for Symphonic to take and redistribute.
Report Post »kmichaels
Posted on October 11, 2011 at 7:52pm[SYMPHONIC
Posted on October 11, 2011 at 4:39pm
There are many poor people in poverty within churches all over, and they are not democrats. They are stuck however in many instances, among a group of people who give a LITTLE of their abundance, and expect that to fix it, and when it doesn’t, they blame the poor and call them lazy. Jesus isn’t going to like this, because where much is given MUCH IS REQUIRED of those who were given more by the Master.]
What utter nonsense and blowhard crap you spewing. As I stated elsewhere, you are too misinformed to understand that the bulk of the “poor” are hardly in the desperate need state that most idiot politicians would like us to believe. The quality of life of today’s poor makes them look like yesterdays middle class. Secondly, good people are correct to reject those that stay “poor” through choice. If you can’t understand the difference then grow the hell up and learn some common sense. And finally, in my experience, people like you that complain in the manner you do rarely end up helping the poor themselves. You just say stupid things to feel warm and fuzzy about yourself but you do jack sht to help others yourself. Most likely you are waiting for some government program to help the poor. So shove off. You show no signs of a person that actually helps others.
Report Post »steveh931
Posted on October 11, 2011 at 3:08pmNo where in my bible does it tell me to help those that will not help themselves. The poor will always be among us. I help the needy who have fallen on hard times, and leave the rest to be judged by Jesus.
Report Post »encinom
Posted on October 11, 2011 at 3:31pmThen, the King will say to those on the right, come you who are blessed by my Father, take your inheritance. For I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat. I was thirsty, and you gave me something to drink. I was a stranger and you invited me in. I needed clothes and you clothed me. I was sick and you looked after me. I was in prison and you came to visit me.
You can claim to be born again all you want, stepping over the poor is look down upon by Christ.
Report Post »BetsyRoss1513
Posted on October 11, 2011 at 4:00pm@encinom – While Jesus may have preached about helping the poor, that is exactly what he wanted us to do. What he DIDN’T want us to do is provide them wi/ cell phones, cars, jewelry, drugs, etc. Nobody has an issue with helping the poor – we have a problem helping the poor who have come to expect not only HELP, but MORE THAN HELP, and we have a problem with the poor who have made taking from others a way of life rather than getting themselves together and improving their lot in life – which many have chosen to ignore, and allowed ample opportunities to help themselves go by without even WAVING at them!
Report Post »RIGEL_ORION
Posted on October 11, 2011 at 4:19pmI’m fairly sure twisting scripture is looked down upon as well.
Report Post »RIGEL_ORION
Posted on October 11, 2011 at 4:25pmEncicom’s Bible would read:
I was hungry, so you took $5 from your neighbors to buy me food.
Report Post »I was thirsty, so you confiscated your neighbors wine
I needed clothes and you lifted them from your neighbors clothesline
I asked you what you were giving to your fellow man, and you said, nothing I’m a 99percenter
Stone Cold Truth
Posted on October 11, 2011 at 4:26pm“A man who will not work should not eat.” You can give a man a fish and he’ll eat for a day, but you can teach a man to fish and he’ll eat for a lifetime. P.S. Encimnom doesn’t even believe in God so why he thinks anyone would listen to him is beyond me. Even the Devil can quote scripture to acheive his deeds. Case in point right there.
Report Post »Forward
Posted on October 11, 2011 at 4:29pm@encinom
I go to a church with less than 100 members and our facility has just 12 rows of pews. Most of our membership is working class or less. Even amongst these there is concern that the resources we provide to the poor are spent well. Throwing support to all who ask is a given but once some experience is gained with those individuals we can see who is using it as a springboard and who is using it to support their lifestyle. As others have mentioned, the poor in the US would be considered insanely rich in most of the countries in the world based on their lifestyle.
If I would rather give to a well drilling program in Africa so villagers can get clean water without walking 3 miles in each direction 2-3 times a day than give to someone on welfare who wants a little more to pay the cable bill I believe I AM following Jesus’ direction.
You obviously think that Christians have missed the point. I would suggest that this is indicative of a lack of experience with the poor in this country. Believe it or not, there are individuals who “church shop” for money just like those junkies who “doctor shop” in order to get more oxycodone. It is not against Jesus’ teaching to be wary of the claims of others who seek support from you.
Report Post »The Truth Will Set You Free
Posted on October 11, 2011 at 4:32pm@Encinom – Jesus gave us a CHOICE to follow His commandment. It will be upon our heads if we do or do not follow it. Jesus did not say that He was going to force us give to the poor and needy. He never can or will force man to do anything. It is against His nature of being God to force man to obey. Therefore, our government must also not force us to give unto others. That is an individual choice and responsibility. I will choose to give to a person/organization if I want to assist someone. That’s how I learn how to be like God. To do as he does. When I am selfless and give to others, then we both gain valuable experience.
If people don’t have, then they need to keep the commandments and work as hard as they can to get. If they do all that they can do, then they will be blessed by the Lord. The Lord usually does that through us who choose to give.
Maybe the liberal, progressive, anti-liberty, anti-choice believing people need to do a little more studying of the truth instead of spewing their lies. Seems all they really want is power to control, not what assistance is really given anyway…hmmm, I wonder who is the father of deceit and wants to have all power…
Report Post »symphonic
Posted on October 11, 2011 at 4:42pmNo, it seems you JUDGE the poor first to determine, in YOUR mind, if that poor person is WORTHY of your charity. God condemned that, don’t you know that? You can’t judge other people. Just give and shut up about it? Jesus said let not left hand know what right hand does. Don’t sound off about it. Keep it secret, and the Father which seeth in secret will reward openly. But don’t put yourself into the middle of it by judging the character of anyone, because man judges by the outer appearance, but the Lord looks on the HEART. You can’t do that.
Report Post »Blackhawk1
Posted on October 11, 2011 at 5:06pmencinom
Then, the King will say to those on the right, come you who are blessed by my Father, take your inheritance. For I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat. I was thirsty, and you gave me something to drink. I was a stranger and you invited me in. I needed clothes and you clothed me. I was sick and you looked after me. I was in prison and you came to visit me.
So point out in your post here exactly where the Government’s role is? Looks like individual charity to me. Only a delusional liberal could read into the bible and come up with entitlement programs.
Report Post »encinom
Posted on October 11, 2011 at 5:29pm@Blackhawk
And only a greedy conservative more concerned about gold can argue that cutting social welfare programs and lowering the tax burden for the rich is what Christ would do.
Report Post »el thinko
Posted on October 11, 2011 at 5:49pmSymphonic:
Report Post »Wow, that was quite judgemental of you.
MidWestMom
Posted on October 11, 2011 at 5:49pm@encinom
What exactly is your definition of poor?
There is a big difference between those in need and those who believe they are entitled to someone else supporting them.
Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.
Report Post »football lady
Posted on October 11, 2011 at 5:53pmIgnor ENCINOM who is a bitter person who cannot live a day without envy or hatred in his heart. Encinom has no idea what real charity is but does. So much bitterness must mean much loneliness. Pretty sad.
Report Post »RIGEL_ORION
Posted on October 11, 2011 at 5:59pmWhat is it with people misquoting scripture about judging actions and situations.
Report Post »kmichaels
Posted on October 11, 2011 at 7:55pmThen the master will say, go to hell encinom since you did not give of your own substance but instead drooled freely from your flapping lips and decided you would wait for the next government program to make you feel good. You idiot troll.
Report Post »Annie Fields
Posted on October 11, 2011 at 3:07pm1. Jesus didn’t advocate a MIDDLEMAN for charity Joe. Especially when the middleman can IMPRISON YOU if you don’t give. The Home for Little Wanderers, or the local women‘s shelter won’t be coming to my house, confiscating my hard drives, rifling through my papers, then imprisoning me while I await charges for evasion if I come up a little short, you know?
2. This is why C-H-A-R-I-T-Y isn’t spelled T-A-X-A-T-I-O-N. Kinda nifty, huh? Two whole separate words with two WHOLE SEPARATE MEANINGS!
http://www.anniefields.com/blog
PLEASE SUPPORT HERMAN CAIN 2012! You can make a recurring donation to his campaign via a link at my blog. Maybe $20 out of every paycheck? PLEASE? Romney’s got deep pockets!!!!!!
Report Post »leftcoastrightwinger
Posted on October 11, 2011 at 3:30pmwell said!
Report Post »Al J Zira
Posted on October 11, 2011 at 3:36pmI like what you said. Amen.
Report Post »Stone Cold Truth
Posted on October 11, 2011 at 4:28pmYes!
Report Post »symphonic
Posted on October 11, 2011 at 5:26pmJesus didn’t advocate PUBLIC SCHOOL either, but I can’t get my neighbors and friends to give up on it because it is a huge waste of money, they keep wanting to try and fix it, both liberal AND conservative. What’s up with that selective socialism? How come its OK to use my money to educate kids, but its NOT OK to use my money to feed poor people?
Oh, I know. Because when you give to the poor you don’t get anything in return. I get it. Socialism is OK as long as we get a RETURN on our money paid in. I see. Fact is, Public School is STILL socialism.
Report Post »symphonic
Posted on October 11, 2011 at 5:29pmYour charity argument falls apart when you think of the vast public school system in place, versus what could ideally just be private schools. What gives? That’s FREE education for those who pay little to no taxes because of low income. Rich pay the freight for public schools, and we all go along with that. But feed the poor and that’s where we collectively stay our hand. Makes no sense to me…
Report Post »RIGEL_ORION
Posted on October 11, 2011 at 6:20pmSymphonic, you severely miss the point that people are upset because Joe and other Liberals constantly try to paint conservative Christians as selfish and unChrist-like because they won’t accept the premise that giving to the government is the same thing as being charitable. ITS NOT
In fact, these same ‘heartless’ Christians already give a lot to charity and would probably give more if their taxes were lower. Add in the fact that everyone knows Obama is lying about where the money is going, and the whole ‘charitable government giving’ thing becomes a little hard to swallow.
Your public school argument is bunk because its available to all, rich or poor. We all have had the option of its services. Just like roads, bridges, military. Try another straw man. That one burned down.
Although as its become more and more of a teacher welfare system, we’ve tried and tried to change it. But, you get the same similar ‘heartless’ or ‘don’t care about children’ lies from the Teachers Union whenever one tries.
Report Post »JD Carp
Posted on October 11, 2011 at 3:07pmCornel West using the name of MLK borders on blasphemy!
Report Post »BellaMia7
Posted on October 11, 2011 at 3:06pmIn the article by George Will mentioned above, George says – Facts are hostile witnesses.
Report Post »GetRealThinker
Posted on October 11, 2011 at 3:06pmJoe, tell us the other things Jesus said. It’s good to hear you bring him up in a positive word. Don’t stop, just please do not quote bits and pieces, read the whole bible and then start living by it!
Report Post »MidWestMom
Posted on October 11, 2011 at 3:06pmIf the progressive left get their way, we’ll all be poor (that includes you Joe). Except the ones calling the shots.
What will you have to say then? IF you’re allowed to remain on the air, you’ll say exactly what they tell you to say – or else.
Report Post »RLTW
Posted on October 11, 2011 at 3:05pmMy theory at this point is msnbc is replacing former flesh and blood humans with robots or Pod people.
Report Post »MidWestMom
Posted on October 11, 2011 at 3:14pmLet’s hope his robot-double doesn’t sing…
Report Post »BetterDays
Posted on October 11, 2011 at 3:04pmI wonder how my Lord Jesus feels about being used in such a manipulative manner?
Report Post »I guess I’ll see how he feels at some point in the future, we all will.
symphonic
Posted on October 11, 2011 at 5:31pmI wonder much more about how Jesus feels about the job Christians are doing to eliminate the poor among us? Just think, if everyone gave just 10% to do that, the problem would be completely solved. But that might mean what to your lifestyle?
Report Post »RIGEL_ORION
Posted on October 11, 2011 at 6:37pmThat’s hilarious. A huge majority of the LDS Church members give 10%, yet there are still poor people in Utah. Next straw man please.
This massive charity system is run through their clergy. It’s only about 300% more effective than government programs because the local clergy knows you and your situation. There’s always a lot less abuse when you have to look a man of God in the eye.
You‘d probably prefer the LDS Church just pass that money directly to the government since that’s where charity starts and ends.
I‘m also guessing you must be advocating taxing the poor because the ’rich’ already pay a lot more than 10 percent in taxes.
Report Post »RIGEL_ORION
Posted on October 11, 2011 at 6:39pmSymphonic,
I‘m also guessing he’d probably remember he said there would always be poor.
Report Post »Encihammer
Posted on October 11, 2011 at 10:11pmCome on guys, everyone knows that the poor are just waiting around (while simultaneously existing on a plane of existence where they are all above any sort of reproach for whatever actions they may or may not have taken to alleviate their condition) for your 10%. Seriously, just give 10% of your income and that plane of existence will explode (without harming any of those blameless poor people, natch) and those downtrodden members of society will magically grow money trees in their backyard, find business suits and job postings in decent-paying jobs underneath the pillows in their new suburban 3 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath houses, and whatever reason that had prevented them from integrating into the workforce before has now magically disappeared! The best part? Since that unreachable (for anyone earning over the poverty line) plane has been destroyed, there will never be any more poor people ever!
Seriously Symphonic? You’re really trying to tell us that tithing 10% is going to magically banish the poor from the Earth…for good? Well why not stop there, let’s tithe 20% and end all wars! Say, let’s even throw in 30% and get a cure for cancer. Or, you know, we could just accept the fact that yes, the poor are here to stay and no, a magic percent of money will solve the problem. What will? Volunteering, local outreach groups, and giving what you can to charities. Wait a tic, what’s that you say? That’s already being done? Well alrighty then.
Report Post »Elena2010
Posted on October 11, 2011 at 3:04pmJesus’ concern for the poor is why Christians run soup kitchens, thrift stores, free medical clinics, and literacy programs. Hospitals and universities all came out of the Church in the West. Christians give more to individual charities than the pagans among us.
We just don’t blow our own horns very often.
Report Post »BellaMia7
Posted on October 11, 2011 at 3:13pmThe Shriners run 22 free hospitals for patients. It’s astounding.
Report Post »GhostOfJefferson
Posted on October 11, 2011 at 3:15pmPlus you do it by following God’s other commandments, like for example, not stealing nor coveting the posessions of others.
Report Post »encinom
Posted on October 11, 2011 at 3:33pmThe Shriners are a sect of Free Masons, they include jews and muslims, mormons and catholics and every other religion that makes up Free Masonary.
Report Post »RIGEL_ORION
Posted on October 11, 2011 at 4:27pmAnd what aren’t they made up of?
The Government!!!
Report Post »Stone Cold Truth
Posted on October 11, 2011 at 4:30pmencinom
Posted on October 11, 2011 at 3:33pm
The Shriners are a sect of Free Masons, they include jews and muslims, mormons and catholics and every other religion that makes up Free Masonary.
Report Post »——————————————————————————————-
And?………
Report Post »Forward
Posted on October 11, 2011 at 4:33pm@encinom
When the Shriners hospitals were established they actively shunned Catholics (thus the existence of the Knights of Columbus), Muslims and Jews. Now they include pretty much all faiths but not that long ago they did not.
Report Post »Wayne
Posted on October 11, 2011 at 8:37pmMyself and my wife went to Africa and worked as Missionaries in Somalia,Uganda, Kenya, and other parts of Africa. But I refuse to help the low life trash that will not work and want half of what I have worked for for 50 Yrs for. Let them get a job and earn their own way. Take a hike Joe you don’t know what you are talking about, as always.
Report Post »LadyLibertykicksASS
Posted on October 11, 2011 at 3:04pmIt is a known fact that Conservatives are much more generous in their Charitable givings.
Report Post »riverdog1
Posted on October 11, 2011 at 3:16pmnope, joe is right. the proof is right here with the posts on the blaze.
Report Post »RIGEL_ORION
Posted on October 11, 2011 at 4:01pmI’m going to be charitable now and tell you to stop drinking before posting. That last response made zero sense.
Report Post »Danzig
Posted on October 11, 2011 at 3:04pmScarborough should read the part in the Bible about “do not judge” and “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye” Matt 7:3
I will let prayer and my walk with the Lord decide how to properly interpret the Bible instead of having Scarborough do so for me.
Report Post »FaithfulFriend
Posted on October 11, 2011 at 3:49pmThe Scriptures don’t say “do not judge” (period).
Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you (Matthew 7:12).
Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.
We are each either a child of God or a child of the devil. We can’t be both. Overcome sin as The Commandments reveal what sin is and make judgements of others to know whose child you are dealing with and welcome the same judgement upon yourself, for it will happen and the scriptures are clear. Don‘t judge and you’ll simply find yourself surrounded by sin and influenced by sin and the perversion of His Word. To overcome sin don’t buy into any dogma which defines sin other than how God defined sin. YES, we can each overcome sin fully, otherwise God placed an impossible standard. It’s a simple message with a simple outcome:
10 Commandments define sin.
Forgiveness of sin and of our sinful nature is found though Christ Jesus and begins with a repentant heart.
sin = death
Forgiveness & Overcoming sin = Eternal Life
In this world we aren’t called to perfection and will never achieve it, but we are called to overcome sin and in overcoming sin don’t let our imperfections lead us into sin and death. Judge sin as sin, and welcome the same standard of judgement upon us. Don’t judge imperfection. Imperfect Christians trying to be perfect while continuing to sin is a
Report Post »BellaMia7
Posted on October 11, 2011 at 3:03pmHe alleges facts without any proof. Why? He has none. Lazy, sloppy. Problem is those church ladies have STANDARDS. They used to know who was hitting the sauce, who was screwing around, and they weren’t about give away church money to the drunk. To his family yes, but not to the drunk.
It was a better system.
Report Post »Plan B
Posted on October 11, 2011 at 3:03pmI do not remember Jesus saying to give 50% to the Government so they could decide who was going to be helped.
I believe we are taught charity never faileth. So He wanted us to always be charitable, not have our money stolen and dibbied up between the friends and aquaintanes of who ever is in power.
For most right wing christian bible thumping gun carrying folks, charity is a way of life.
Report Post »BellaMia7
Posted on October 11, 2011 at 3:05pmWe do not give to the government; the government puts a gun to our heads and threatens us with force to hand over our money. Government is force.
Report Post »sWampy
Posted on October 11, 2011 at 3:03pmConservatives, give to others asking nothing in return, while liberals take from all, handing back a small percentage, keeping most for themselves.
Report Post »Steve
Posted on October 11, 2011 at 3:01pmWhat a fool. Give to charities and church………Where the heck does it say give to the goverment so they can give to the poor. That isn’t Christian thats socialism/communism.
Fools and distorter’s of truth every single one of them
Report Post »vastrightwinger
Posted on October 11, 2011 at 3:01pmHey Joe! You better talk about someone who knows you!
Report Post »gramma b
Posted on October 11, 2011 at 2:59pmThere is a difference between freely given charity, and the forcible confiscation of one man’s earnings to bestow them on another, who may be “poor” only because of his own miserable choices.
Report Post »gramma b
Posted on October 11, 2011 at 5:11pmFurthermore, the very passage cited by Scarborough presupposes that there was a choice to give charity, or not. With socialism, you have no choice.
Report Post »nacilbuper
Posted on October 11, 2011 at 2:56pmThat Cornel West is one weird looking dude.
Report Post »expatinontariocanada
Posted on October 11, 2011 at 3:12pmWhether it’s Reverends Wright or Wallis, Occupy Wall Street freakazoids, or just about any lib, when you can agree with much, you will disagree with little but it’s the devil in the details that bites down hard. So too is it with helping the poor. Who can say we shouldn’t do more? But it should be with a hand up, never a hand out. And no where can any of these purported bible-knowers point to where in and in which gospel Jesus commands us to give more to Caesar so Caesar can better help the poor. This has always been and will always be about us, as individuals first and foremost, then combining our talents, doing more for the least of us. Just try to see the world, and any situation, through God’s eyes. What is He seeing? What would He do? There you will find all the answers. Try it Joe!
Report Post »Sirfoldallot
Posted on October 11, 2011 at 3:15pmThats because he smokes crack.
Report Post »GhostOfJefferson
Posted on October 11, 2011 at 2:54pmMost actual true Christians I know give not only money to charity, but of themselves, their time and compassion.
Of course that’s not what she means. What she means is that they don’t support collective salvation and instead go by the notion that salvation is between a man and God, and that each man is only saved by grace alone by accepting Jesus Christ as his lord and saviour.
It’s right there, in that Bible that these highly chartible yet anti-socialist Christians wave around.
I wonder how much she’s given of her own money and personal off-the-clock time to “the poor”?
Report Post »Chuck Stein
Posted on October 11, 2011 at 3:04pmYou nailed it! Secular state-enforced collectivism is Satan’s counterfeit for charity.
Report Post »Locked
Posted on October 11, 2011 at 3:05pmI think I’m misunderstanding something; who is the “she” you’re referring to? Joe Scarborough?
Report Post »momprayn
Posted on October 11, 2011 at 3:36pmGHOST – Oh, you were probably thinking of that other Christian woman, Pelosi — you know, how she said her favorite “word” was “The Word”……..
Report Post »grudgywoof
Posted on October 11, 2011 at 3:39pmAmen……people like Jim Walace really give me the creeps.
Report Post »grudgywoof
Posted on October 11, 2011 at 2:54pmI grow sooooooo weary of all this drivel. Calgon take me away!
Report Post »Sirfoldallot
Posted on October 11, 2011 at 2:54pmCaplist have taken care of more poor than maxis, socialist, & dic tat ors combine.
Report Post »Al J Zira
Posted on October 11, 2011 at 2:54pmAnd where would anyone go to hear what Jesus thought about anything? Joe Scarborough. He’s the leading authority on the bible and all things Jesus.
Moron!
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