Faith

Obama Spiritual Adviser: It‘s Impossible for the Church to Replace Gov’t in Feeding the Poor

Pastor Joel Hunter: Churches Cant Replace Govt In Feeding the Poor

Pastor Joel Hunter (Image Credit: AP)

Pastor Joel Hunter, the senior pastor at Northland in Longwood, Florida, and a spiritual adviser to President Barack Obama, has a message that some small-government conservatives may not take too kindly to: It’s impossible for the church to replace the government in feeding the poor and taking on other essential issues.

Hunter, who took the stage to deliver a short talk at the Q Conference this week entitled, “Government Is Not the Enemy,” tackled the notion that the church could — if stretched to its capacity — meet all societal needs.

“Look at the math. It is ridiculous to even, just look at the SNAP – Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, the old Food Stamps program – it has been estimated by I think the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities that the average church in America would literally have to double its budget and just take that extra budget and give to hungry people,” Hunter proclaimed. “And that is just one government program. So let’s not fool ourselves.”

Pastor Joel Hunter: Churches Cant Replace Govt In Feeding the Poor

The pastor, though, did admit that the government doesn‘t have the ability to transform individuals’ lives and to create the lasting change that is needed to lift people out of poverty.

“Government can’t change lives, but they have resources we don’t have. We can change lives with those resources,” Hunter continued. “The point is government isn’t the enemy, and government isn’t the answer. But government is the potential partner that we look for, that we might need.”

Pastor Joel Hunter: Churches Cant Replace Govt In Feeding the Poor

The role of government is currently a centerpiece in the debate over the 2012 presidential election, as conservatives generally maintain that the federal bureaucracy has grown too large; liberals largely defend massive federal programs and dismiss the notion that smaller government would operate more effectively.

As The Christian Post notes, Hunter also talked about the Bible’s take on the role of government during his speech:

…Hunter discussed what the biblical view of government is. He said the biblical view of government is it is an instrument of God. Pointing to the Bible, the Florida pastor said there are two types of relationships that God’s people had with the government: the outsider – a prophet that would rebuke those in authority, such as Jeremiah, Amos, or John the Baptist; and the inside adviser – a person who would speak and guide the unbelieving government, such as Joseph, Nehemiah, Esther, Daniel, and even Paul who used the judicial system of his time to give a witness of what Christ had done for him.

According to Hunter, God has always created scenarios in which believers have some role in government.

(H/T: Christian Post)

Comments (154)

  • ChildofJesus
    Posted on April 12, 2012 at 10:17am

    For all the government has done I wouldn’t trust them w/ a ten foot pole. Travel light and live generously that’s what Jesus told his followers he said nothing about the government.

    Report Post »  
    • Better Dead Than Red
      Posted on April 12, 2012 at 10:24am

      how do you trust someone with a ten foot pole, anyway?

      Report Post » Better Dead Than Red  
    • SheriS
      Posted on April 12, 2012 at 10:32am

      I have no respect for mr. Farrakan because I lived the major part of my life in the Chicago area. The man was nothing more then a useful Liberal spewing his venom on TV all the time. I was grateful to leave the state and move to Indiana where sanity was alive and well and the government wasn’t corrupt like it was in Illinois. Surpised to learn recently that Louie had built a hugh temple not to far from where I lived which I’m sure the people in that town must love–NOT! Louie’s minions were on the streets of Chicago trying to get people to come to his church—doesn’t make any sense since his new temple is out in the country where the people are Chirstians! Don’t trust the man for one moment!

      Report Post »  
    • Locked
      Posted on April 12, 2012 at 10:45am

      @Sheris

      “I have no respect for mr. Farrakan because I lived the major part of my life in the Chicago area.”

      Wrong article?

      Report Post »  
    • sawbuck
      Posted on April 12, 2012 at 10:49am

      I’m noticing a trend here..
      I saw GB promoting his book the other day on James Robison.. And Glenn made a point ..
      That James Is a Capitalist..That HIT me ..James ..You are Not suppose to be a Capitalist..

      You are NOT suppose to use “The Pulpit” to acquire a
      Richer “monetary” lifestyle .

      What’s the point of giving money to a church if they
      don’t care for the poor.. To …feed /clothe and protect them

      No wonder we are having a “falling away” in the church.

      Who enters the ministry ,so they can be wealthy, in the secular sense.?

      All these pastor’s are involved in storing their treasures here on earth .

      Report Post » sawbuck  
    • booger71
      Posted on April 12, 2012 at 11:24am

      Well since many churches build mufti-million dollar sanctuaries, those churches may not be able to help much, but most churches do help the poor on a daily basis.

      Report Post » booger71  
    • Dismayed Veteran
      Posted on April 12, 2012 at 11:27am

      @Better Dead Than Red

      10 foot poles were used on riverboats to measure depth in shallow waters and to fend off other riverboats and wharfs. The “not trusting” part means that he riverboat captain wouldn’t trust someone with the pole who allowed the riverboat to ground in shallow water or hit a wharf or another boat.

      Report Post » Dismayed Veteran  
    • kaydeebeau
      Posted on April 12, 2012 at 11:32am

      You must not be familar with the ministry of James Robison. For the better part of my life, he has been the deep south equivalent of Billy Graham, holding revivals and leading thousands and thousands to the saving grace of God through Jesus Christ.

      Might I suggest, a deep dive into the Old Testament to discover God’s outline and plan for civil societies and work ethics. You might find a usefull tool here http://www.torahclass.com

      Report Post » kaydeebeau  
    • lbyrd26
      Posted on April 12, 2012 at 11:41am

      The Obama regime has created far more debt trying to help the poor that they created, than any church would create doing the same thing. You can’t tell me that a government who has created more debt than all the U.S. governments before it-combined and created more poor people than ANY government since the Great Depression (With a tip of the hat to another Socialist by the name of Jimmy Carter. Fair is fair. He did try his best to collapse the system.) isn’t the enemy.

      Prime Minister Obama’s Lack Of Spiritual leader is just wrong-again!

      Report Post »  
    • Xyskalla
      Posted on April 12, 2012 at 11:47am

      He’s right. The Church lacks the inefficiency, waste, bloated bureaucracy and corruption that are needed to replace the government.

      On the other hand, it’s also impossible for government to replace the Church in feeding for the poor, because the government lacks the compassion, it doesn‘t work after hours getting to know the poor as individuals and learning people’s unique needs, it makes no effort to get people back on their feet toward self-sufficiency, but instead keeps them in a system of dependency, it wastes 80% of the resources given to it and creates a massive bureaucratic structure whose sole purpose is to sustain itself so they don’t lose their jobs.

      So the Church can’t replace the government, and the government can’t replace the Church. Shall we call it a draw?

      Report Post »  
    • Buck Shane
      Posted on April 12, 2012 at 12:13pm

      “Government Is Not the Enemy,”

      Actually, it IS.

      Report Post » Buck Shane  
    • Ded-Bred
      Posted on April 12, 2012 at 12:16pm

      When asked by lawyers & religious counselors, “Should we pay taxes or no”? Seeing through the trap they set for Him, Jesus asked for a Roman coin. He asked,”Whose likeness is on this coin?“ ”Caesar’s”, they said. “Then give to Caesar that which is Caesar’s, & that which is God’s, give to God.” Amazed @ the wisdom of His reply, they asked Him no more questions.
      BUT Obama’s got the perfect spiritual adviser: One who has exchanged Jesus the Messiah for Communist Government as his god & Obama as his priest/prophet.. Obama does more for us than the living God

      Report Post » Ded-Bred  
    • lbyrd26
      Posted on April 12, 2012 at 12:42pm

      I live in Anderson, In. Alittle background, here. The state is in the bottom of national education ratings, so much so that in Anderson, the Democrats who rule here with an iron tongue have said for 40 yrs. that it’s going to get better any minute now, are now saying how happy they are that our youth are finally graduating at a rate of just about 65% We did have the national pride of being the “most reduced” value of our homes but we still have the pride of knowing that your house won’t be worth as much when U close on the property as it was when U made the offer. We have the honor of having the states 5th. highest property taxes (with police, fire, ambulances and busses breaking down frequently} and those of us who are not good Americans are wondering where the government is putting all this money.

      My point is that this is what happens when you depend on the gov. from the cradle to the grave and with all the people here who are on food stamps, The Salvation Army (Christian), The Christian Center (christan} TheHomeless shelter (christian) local food banks (all but one are christian- jthere are more than 20 that are} and The Mission (yea, you guessed it, christian) still have an awful lot of customers. It takes over a half an hour to get through the food line at the Mission, if you don’t get there an hour early.

      Point is this is what U get when U depend on the government to take care of U. Those evil “Christians” ARE looked to, to feed the poor.

      Report Post »  
    • hereandnow
      Posted on April 12, 2012 at 12:52pm

      Spiritual advisor to obama…. fitting. Did Joe miss the point of “give a man a fish, feed him for a day, teach a man to fish, feed him for a lifetime”?

      Report Post »  
    • IndyGuy
      Posted on April 12, 2012 at 1:04pm

      Sooo…Obama‘s Pastor doesn’t believe that God will provide….

      Report Post » IndyGuy  
    • lbyrd26
      Posted on April 12, 2012 at 1:07pm

      Personally, I think this is just another attack on any competition to socialism.

      Report Post »  
    • Detroit paperboy
      Posted on April 12, 2012 at 1:27pm

      The criminal federal govt. wants as many poor people as possible, they’re much easier to control ……

      Report Post »  
    • sWampy
      Posted on April 12, 2012 at 1:59pm

      The churches were certainly doing a much better job of doing before the government took it over.

      Report Post »  
    • maccow
      Posted on April 12, 2012 at 3:02pm

      I don‘t have the entire transcript for Joel Hunter’s speech but what is posted here suggests he is a disingenuous liberal apologist.
      It may be questionably true that the American people (through the churches) can’t do as much as the government with the measly subsistence the government leaves in our pockets. But with the amount that the government takes from us and waists on food stamps and welfare, if left in our pockets, could do far more good then the government does.
      The other obvious answer is that the American people, if providing out of their own pockets, would demand that recipients of their charity have to implement a plan that would free them from the need for charity. If charity was left at the local community level, the community would see to it that their hard earned charity wasn‘t waisted and most certainly wasn’t thrown back in their faces in the form of the entitlement mentality that assaults our sense of common decency today.
      But the counterfeit christ of government has deceived the luke warm churches into believing that government welfare programs equals Christian charity.
      The false prophets are all stepping up to their microphones and the fat lady is about to sing while she rides the beast.

      Report Post » maccow  
    • sawbuck
      Posted on April 12, 2012 at 3:27pm

      Clarification ..

      OK… I went and re-watched the show (DVR)
      With Glenn as special guest on James Robison show
      And I got to say ..
      I think James Robison was just as shocked by the comment
      Glenn said ..as I was.

      No I don’t know James Robison that well ..
      Or watch his show.
      Glenn ..Not every one is in it ..to make a buck.

      And when it comes to the soul saving business ..
      I’m glad.

      It appears to me ..now…. that James Robison
      was guilty of being a gracious host…
      I think he needs to have a talk with Glenn.. though.

      Report Post » sawbuck  
    • woodyb
      Posted on April 12, 2012 at 4:14pm

      When the churches help the poor, it is done VOLUNTARILY, in a sense of CHARITY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

      When the give-me-ment helps the poor, it is from the same people who gave to the church, only FORCED ON THEM, with a sense of FEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

      Report Post »  
    • TMink
      Posted on April 12, 2012 at 4:47pm

      You have to admit, he has a point. When the Jews were hungry in the wilderness, government meal trucks came every night and delivered manna. Then there were the government ravens that brought Elijah food in the wilderness. And we can’t forget President Obama feeding the 5000 with two loaves and fishes.

      Yeah, that guy really, really knows his Bible!

      Trey

      Report Post »  
  • alrunner58
    Posted on April 12, 2012 at 10:17am

    Churches do way more for the poor than the government. Churches are more compassionate and human that any government. Look how they screwed up our poor with free handouts and they give nothing back to society.

    Report Post » alrunner58  
    • infortheride
      Posted on April 12, 2012 at 12:53pm

      The problem this idiot has is he wants money to feed the poor. Government money, not his own or his congregations.
      The church and it’s followers, all denominations have taken care of their own for hundreds of years. The best part is they help the person lift themselves up, the government helps them stay dependent.

      Report Post »  
  • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
    Posted on April 12, 2012 at 10:11am

    Pastor Hunter is the best example for the worst of humanity and self-professed followers of Christ; the fact is that the Fed’s ARE the enemy and he is preaching about social justice and serfdom once again; the clear and present danger is that this is one more move against the foundation of faith and the freedom of faith here in America.

    The churches are there to help the poor and those in need as they are able to do so; we are told in the bible by Lord Jesus that the poor and needy will always be with us.

    So let the government stay out of our lives.

    Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • johnjamison
      Posted on April 12, 2012 at 10:16am

      Churches do 10 times better job than the government and it doesn’t require 10 different agencies creating 1,000,000 tax payer funded jobs to get it done.

      Report Post »  
  • Abraham Young
    Posted on April 12, 2012 at 10:10am

    Funny how the liberal liars are all about driving the Church OUT of the public square, unless they can find an indoctrinated hypocrite to bolster their shopworn cliches.

    They are screwed any way they go. They may usurp power for a season, but when He whose right it is to rule, returns, they will have some ‘splainin’ to do.

    Report Post »  
  • Abraham Young
    Posted on April 12, 2012 at 10:08am

    Let me get this straight . . .
    We’re going to be “gifted” with a health care
    plan we are forced to purchase and fined if we don’t,
    Which purportedly covers at least ten million more people,
    without adding a single new doctor,
    but provides for 16,000 new IRS agents,
    written by a committee whose chairman
    says he doesn’t understand it,
    passed by a Congress that didn’t read it but
    exempted themselves from it,
    and signed by a Dumbo President who smokes,
    with funding administered by a treasury chief who
    didn’t pay his taxes,
    for which we’ll be taxed for four years before any
    benefits take effect,
    by a government which has
    already bankrupted Social Security and Medicare,
    all to be overseen by a surgeon general who is obese,
    and financed by a country that’s broke!!!!!

    ‘What the hell could possibly go wrong?’

    Report Post »  
  • Gypsy123
    Posted on April 12, 2012 at 10:08am

    For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.
    The minister who follows Obama better know who it is they really follow and what they are following

    Report Post » Gypsy123  
  • Gypsy123
    Posted on April 12, 2012 at 10:07am

    For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.
    The ministers who are part of Obama’s spiritual team better check out who it is they are really following.
    and what it is they are following

    Report Post » Gypsy123  
  • teddrunk
    Posted on April 12, 2012 at 10:05am

    Hey Pastor, you look well fed. Your “Church” looks very modern & new from the picture. I don’t see YOU giving up anything to help the poor. You DO have that liberal mindset regarding government. You’ll be glad to help the poor, with SOMEONE ELSE’S money.

    Report Post »  
  • jungle J
    Posted on April 12, 2012 at 10:04am

    only a fraud Christian would insinuate that the legitimate church, if organized could not do a better job than politicians at anything

    Report Post »  
    • iampraying4u
      Posted on April 12, 2012 at 10:19am

      Amen

      Report Post »  
    • Locked
      Posted on April 12, 2012 at 10:37am

      @Jungle J

      Your statement doesn’t make any sense. Can a single church feed an entire nation? No, but the government can. There are many good churches out there, but their reach is limited compared to a cohesive government.

      That said, my response would be “Those lagging churches need to step up!” And more than just the churches; we as Christian need to do so individually and as a group. If we can feed the hungry, we won’t “need” our bloated government.

      Report Post »  
    • Therightsofbilly
      Posted on April 12, 2012 at 1:55pm

      Hey Locked,

      My response would be for the government to get out of that business entirely.

      Then take all the tax revenues that they currently dole out to government programs for the needy, and spread that wealth out equally to all the churches and charities that help the needy.

      Which way do you think would work more efficiently?

      Report Post » Therightsofbilly  
    • Liberal_Teacher
      Posted on April 12, 2012 at 2:30pm

      @TheRightsofBilly There are different kinds of inefficiency in either model. Since churches have discretion about who to help and who not to help, certain groups could find themselves without any help at all. Since the government has a mandate to help all groups, this kind of inefficiency could be avoided.

      On the other side of the equation, churches are better connected to community, have wellsprings of goodwill and charity that the government does not have.

      This is why the government and churches need to work together, which is, I believe, what Joel Hunter was saying.

      Report Post »  
    • Locked
      Posted on April 12, 2012 at 2:37pm

      @Billy

      “My response would be for the government to get out of that business entirely.

      Then take all the tax revenues that they currently dole out to government programs for the needy, and spread that wealth out equally to all the churches and charities that help the needy.

      Which way do you think would work more efficiently?”

      I think my way is more grounded in reality, frankly :-) If the US gives money to charities, the charities need to abide by the government’s rules. That will lead to all sorts of issues; some faiths won‘t want to give help to those who don’t meet their standards, for example. Others will refuse simply because it is the government. It also doesn’t help in churches that have no basis of distribution lined up; and while they do so, people will starve to death.

      Whereas a grass-roots effort can make a huge difference. If a community’s churches can feed all their hungry and house the homeless, they can refuse government aid; if all the communities in a state do so, the state can refuse the aid. Get enough states doing this, and the state reps and senators can vote to cut budgets for programs.

      Also unrealistic, but more plausible than immediately overthrowing the entire system and letting people starve, no?

      Report Post »  
    • spirited
      Posted on April 12, 2012 at 3:03pm

      @LOCKED: “If we can feed the hungry, we won’t “need” our bloated government”
      ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~>That’s backwards.

      “Government can’t change lives, but they have resources we don’t have. We can change lives with those resources,” -Hunter “WE”?

      A non-grass movement of atheists (see who in politics the lead guys are affiliated with) down-play faith, via the bogus interpretation of the US Constitution etc, to diminish the church’s congregrants. Thus, the church has less contributors to make financial contributions; preventing the church from feeding the hungry.

      NOTE: A bloated government needs the jobless so that it can justify it’s bloating; to feed hungry.

      Report Post » spirited  
    • Therightsofbilly
      Posted on April 12, 2012 at 3:05pm

      @LIB_TEACHER says:

      “Since churches have discretion about who to help and who not to help, certain groups could find themselves without any help at all.”

      First, that’s why I stipulated the “WEALTH” would be “SPREAD AROUND” equally to all churches AND charities that assist the needy.

      Second, what do you mean by “discretion” as to who they do, or do not help?
      I don’t know what kind of church you attend, but the one I attend would not turn anyone away.
      You show up needing help, you are going to get whatever can be given, no matter who you are.

      And yes, the gov and the churches should indeed work together. The gov should give the money to the churches and charities, and let them do what they can do best.

      Report Post » Therightsofbilly  
    • Therightsofbilly
      Posted on April 12, 2012 at 3:41pm

      LOCKED says:

      “If the US gives money to charities, the charities need to abide by the government’s rules.”

      I was waiting for that, and it kind of highlights the bigger problem now doesn’t it?

      Ok, Government should then reduce taxes by an amount equivalent to all that it spends on programs for the needy. Thus freeing up those funds for the now wealthier and benevolent American citizens to donate directly.

      And we know that the kind American citizens will donate much, when they have it to donate, and a need exists.

      There is demonstrated proof of the generosity of the American people.

      And Locked, you seem to also have a strange view about certain faiths deeming who meets their “standards” for charity.

      Strange indeed.

      Report Post » Therightsofbilly  
  • PATRIOTMAMA
    Posted on April 12, 2012 at 10:03am

    Oh ye of little faith.

    Little faith harvests little results. Jesus fed 5000 w/ 5 loaves of bread and 5 fishes. Nothing is impossible with God. The congregation of this pastor should be looking for someone that actually believes in the bible and has enough faith to really walk it out. Instead of caving to the easy way out and the wide path that leads to death and let someone else take your job off your hands!!

    Report Post »  
  • netmail
    Posted on April 12, 2012 at 10:03am

    Marginalize and oppress faith-based organizations and all that’s left is government. Ultimately there will be no ‘help’, just slavery and an early demise. When churches and family won’t be there for you, the government will become very adept at eliminating you when they decide that you have become ‘irrelevant’. (an old Twilight Zone theme) Only one generation away?? Maybe.

    Report Post »  
  • Stoic one
    Posted on April 12, 2012 at 10:02am

    Well here is one for you “pastor”. Before my charity becomes tax deductible, I have to meet a threshold of two grand(I think). So this discourages me from being charitable. Just imagine how much we of the lower middle class would give. The federal system is set up, by it’s rules & regulations, to make it the ‘only’ entity capable of providing help.

    We need a paradigm shift.

    Report Post » Stoic one  
  • possom
    Posted on April 12, 2012 at 10:01am

    Why would king obie “the job killer” need a spiritual adviser when muslim‘s are soulless devil worshipping piece’s of sheite?

    Report Post » possom  
    • LovingAmerica
      Posted on April 12, 2012 at 10:42am

      As the M. terrorists use innocent children for human shields, Obama uses faux pastors and the Holy Bible to hide behind as he commits his dirty deeds.

      Report Post »  
  • sawbuck
    Posted on April 12, 2012 at 10:00am

    I for one am happy to see all these vipers coming out from behind the pulpit and showing their progressive roots…Let them speak.. So we know who they are .

    So Pastor Hunter …Your telling us then ..WE are to render the “Poor” unto Caesar ..?

    Report Post » sawbuck  
  • drbage
    Posted on April 12, 2012 at 9:57am

    Pastor, before the government stepped in, churches and communities took care of those in need. With all the rules and regulations that government has introduced, many churches have been pushed to the sidelines by the same “helpful” government–think Mayor Bloomberg in NYC banning donations from religious organizations to food banks. Over the past 30, 40 years, we have been nudged and nudged again to believe that government is the answer to all the problems.

    Report Post »  
  • kaydeebeau
    Posted on April 12, 2012 at 9:56am

    Well Pastor, let’s think on this for just a moment, what if I didn’t have to have my money confiscated by an entity that actually only spends 30 cents of every dollar on direct assistance and was able to increase my tithe to my church where a dollar of every dollar (when given to the church as a designated offereing) goes to the direct assistance? What if, I have more of my own paycheck to buy more supplies for my church food pantry?

    What if we multiply my example by oh lets say 60 million additional tax payers?

    Seems we had fewer starving Americans before the government got involved when we as individuals were responsible for each other as the Bible actual describes.

    Report Post » kaydeebeau  
    • dnewton
      Posted on April 12, 2012 at 11:06am

      I think you are on to something here. I think what was suggested was that the church membership could not support the government in the manner it wants to be accustom and support the poor at the same time. The church, following the example of Jesus would not dispense charity in a way that rewards bad behavior. (At least not on purpose) The heathens and atheist would have to be continually dependent upon the government because their behavior is part of their problem and they wish no intervention. Although some believe that atheist can be good without God, so let them take care of the heathens and atheist. The idea that the church should be turned into a social agency threatens the primary mission of the Great Commission. A church should only take care of its members who have submitted to church authority. Once the church takes on the primary role of fixing society instead of fixing people as individuals, it will become increasingly political and politically involved.

      Report Post »  
  • bbj1776
    Posted on April 12, 2012 at 9:55am

    Churchs can feed the poor, but not the lazy worthless people that will not work.
    I say get rid of the EBT card and go back to warehouses that give out stable foods.
    No more soda, chips, or other junk food that this people buy with our tax money.

    Report Post »  
    • T-2
      Posted on April 12, 2012 at 10:03am

      I remember being very uncomfortable using foodstamps as a kid. I told myself I will never go back to that place. Ben Franklin was right.

      Report Post »  
    • Darlie
      Posted on April 12, 2012 at 12:45pm

      T-2, I applaud you. God bless you!

      Report Post »  
  • Locked
    Posted on April 12, 2012 at 9:55am

    “It’s impossible for the church to replace the government in feeding the poor”

    Statistically speaking, this is true. If churches could feed the world through charity alone, no one would be hungry. Churches have neither the funding nor the omnipresence to feed all those who cannot provide for themselves (for whatever reason). Of course, on the other hand you have the government which gives out too much by taking from us.

    It’s the classic dilemma. You either have the freedom to donate (money or food), and people will starve; or you have Big Brother taking by force and helping everyone… including those who just leech.

    As a small government proponent and a Christian, I personally believe its our moral duty to step up and donate on our own, to make the implied “need” for big government less. I think almost all of us have more than enough for ourselves and need to care for our fellow man… but out of our knowledge that it’s “right,” and not forced through taxes and inefficient government programs.

    Report Post »  
    • 4truth2all
      Posted on April 12, 2012 at 9:59pm

      This pastor is indeed correct … but only because we are not in completeness a christian people following His rules, but in the book of Acts the community of believers gave to one another as was needed and EVERYBODIES needs were met. So, it indeed can be done.
      Another point would be ALL those government programs like SNAP are funded by TAXES, and the last I heard taxes come from people, though maybe not in a volunteering way. Heck most “christians” probably don’t tithe 10% of their income.

      Report Post »  
  • SpankDaMonkey
    Posted on April 12, 2012 at 9:54am

    .
    Well one thing is for sure if Pastor Joel Hunter, is a spiritual adviser to President Barack “The Black Baby Jesus” Obama. That’s not a Christian Church……

    Report Post » SpankDaMonkey  
  • CatB
    Posted on April 12, 2012 at 9:52am

    If government is doing such a great job .. why are so many people going to food banks? Churches and community can always do a better job than Washington .. always.

    Report Post »  
    • marybethelizabeth
      Posted on April 12, 2012 at 10:01am

      And conversely,

      How many less people would be fed by churches if they no longer received government money. Catholic charities gets $3,000,000,000 from the government each each.

      And how many people would go hungry without food stamps.

      If the churches can manage this then why are they not doing so now.

      Because they can’t, that’s why. They can not even make a small dent to ameliorate the problems our economic system causes.

      Report Post » marybethelizabeth  
    • Abraham Young
      Posted on April 12, 2012 at 10:20am

      Yeah, Mary Beth. Only government can solve our problems. That’s why they take 20 percent of our income, to give it back to us, without any loss of economic efficiency.

      Report Post »  
    • Abraham Young
      Posted on April 12, 2012 at 10:23am

      MaryBeth, your leaders are corrupt liars:

      http://www.newsmax.com/Newsfront/obama-pays-women-less/2012/04/11/id/435600?s=al&promo_code=EA32-1

      Report Post »  
    • marybethelizabeth
      Posted on April 12, 2012 at 10:43am

      Mr. Abraham Young

      My leader is Jesus Christ.

      Report Post » marybethelizabeth  
    • Locked
      Posted on April 12, 2012 at 10:52am

      @Abraham Young

      You’re being disingenuous. MaryElizabeth is right in her facts. Churches may be more efficient than government in their giving, but their reach is limited. The government’s reach is huge and their funding (thanks to our taxes) is enormous; but they are also incredibly inefficient. On the one hand you have the ability for freedom… and people starve. On the other you have mandatory contributions from all, and people leech.

      We can decry the government’s efficiency, but unless we address the other problem (that many Christians do not donate, despite their purported faith), we’re still at an uncomfortable middle. Ideally churches and Christians will step up and provide for their communities; then we can do away with the bloated and inefficient (yet effective) big government programs.

      Report Post »  
  • old white guy
    Posted on April 12, 2012 at 9:52am

    it is impossible for the church to take on the current welfare load. cut off the welfare to all able bodied people and look after only those who really need looking after.

    Report Post »  
  • teddrunk
    Posted on April 12, 2012 at 9:49am

    Well Pastor, if you’re “advising” Obama as a Christian, perhaps the Obama view of destroying babies is not a teaching Our Lord Jesus Christ would approve of. (Seeing that Obama is a Muslim, it really doesn’t matter then, I guess) If you Pastor actually believe in Jesus, as well as His judgement, you may want to tell the President that Jesus isn’t buying that, “It’s above my pay grade” garbage. Pastor, I fear you’re in league with Satan, repent Pastor, repent.

    Report Post »  
  • hi
    Posted on April 12, 2012 at 9:48am

    Beware of False Prophets

    Report Post » hi  
  • T-2
    Posted on April 12, 2012 at 9:47am

    Why don’t these people just move to China?

    Report Post »  
  • Mandors
    Posted on April 12, 2012 at 9:46am

    Not surprised that a “pastor” from a pretend church would have such distorted views of the Bible.

    The tree is known by its fruit.

    Report Post » Mandors  
    • Gonzo
      Posted on April 12, 2012 at 12:42pm

      Do you have a “Spiritual Adviser”? That’s such a P.C., wishy washy, poll tested title isn’t it? I have a pastor and the Bible is my “Spiritual Adviser”. It’s the only “Spiritual Adviser” I need.

      Report Post » Gonzo  

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