Progressive Pastor Jim Wallis Admits: Reducing Deficits Is a ‘Moral Issue’ (But — There’s a Caveat)
- Posted on August 31, 2012 at 7:46am by
Billy Hallowell
- Print »
- Email »
Progressive pastor Jim Wallis appeared this week on HuffPo Live, where he discussed poverty in America and its social and political implications. Aside from addressing its impact on children, the controversial faith leader and Obama administration adviser, delved into some of the reasons he believes millions of Americans are in such great need.
“More children than ever are poor,” he told host Ahmed Shihab-Eldin. “From a religious point of view, that should be a top election issue. The highest poverty rate in half a century should be a fundamental moral issue.”
Jim Wallis (Photo Credit: HuffPo Live)
Wallis said that the poor, “through no fault of their own,” are finding themselves falling below the nation’s poverty level. Rather than random strangers, he said that these people in need are sometimes staples in our communities — that they’re church members, co-workers and other formerly middle class members who simply cannot make their bills. There’s a new, suburban-based poverty that Wallis claims is changing the dynamic.
“People who used to take their clothes to the Salvation Army to drop them off as donations, now are going to the thrift shops to get their own clothes,” Wallis also said. “People who used to give donations to the hungry are now going to the food banks…people who have never been poor are all of a sudden poor.”
While he didn’t go into detail, Wallis seemed to pin the blame on the wealthy and those with immense wealth — an argument that has been highly contested before, during and after one of the nation’s most pronounced recessions.
“People who have done nothing wrong are suffering because other people who did things wrong to make this recession happen are doing very, very well,” he continued.
He also addressed the cultural and structural issues that he believes may be leading to increased poverty. Wallis said that these dynamics pose serious spiritual questions that need to be answered. However, more right-leaning Americans would likely take issue with the faith leader’s claim that many of these problems are systematic and not based, at least in part, upon personal responsibility.
“Well, we have a structure…people whose houses are under water because of bank foreclosure policies, people who are in credit debt because of the abuses of the credit card industry,” he said.
Photo Credit: FILE
In addition to discussing these issues and the need to publicize the nation’s high poverty level so that Americans who are not struggling become more aware of the needs of those around them, Wallis also tackled deficits.
“We want to reduce deficits too — that’s a moral issue,” he said. “I’ve got two kids. I don’t want them shackled with debt. But how you reduce deficits is also a moral issue.”
Wallis’ embrace for the need to cut deficits may serve as a surprise to some, but it is the method through which this is accomplished that becomes more contentious.
“If we’re going to reduce deficits by punishing people who are already poor and suffering, that, from a Christian point of view, is fundamentally immoral and we can’t do that,” the faith leader continued.
Of course, determining what, exactly, he’s referring to here is difficult. In the past, Wallis has embraced “spreading the wealth” and, considering the contentiousness surrounding some welfare programs, the notion that virtually no cuts should be made wouldn’t be palatable to many conservatives.
“Jesus says I‘ve got to love other peoples’ children as much as I love my own. That’s a terribly challenging teaching from Jesus,” Wallis said.
But, despite a monumental poverty rate, Wallis says that he sees a young American generation that is invigorated to help the poor and those in need. He told HuffPo Live that he’s excited to see politicians grow out of this likely more progressive herd.
Watch Wallis’ in-depth interview with HuffPo Live, below:
Popular Stories
Paper Details Obama Admin’s Alleged Secret Note Sent to Iran: If Israel Attacks, We Won’t Get Involved 577 Comments
‘Made Up Religion’: TV Historian Enrages Muslims, Receives Threats After Producing UK Documentary Questioning Islam’s Beginnings 404 Comments
This Is the Creationists‘ Response to Scientist Bill Nye’s Viral Pro-Evolution Video Claiming They Harm Children 403 Comments
Roseanne Barr: Most Billionaires ‘Violent Pedophiles’ & ‘Heartless’ Cocaine Addicts 372 Comments
President Obama Issues Major ‘Green Energy’ Executive Order 345 Comments
Faith
- This Is the Creationists‘ Response to Scientist Bill Nye’s Viral Pro-Evolution Video Claiming They Harm Children 403 Comments
Pakistani Muslim Cleric Accused of Framing Disabled Christian Girl in Koran-Burning Case Read More- ‘Made Up Religion’: TV Historian Enrages Muslims, Receives Threats After Producing UK Documentary Questioning Islam’s Beginnings 404 Comments
Meet the Controversial German Imam Accused of Brutally Beating His Wife & Pushing Sharia Law Read More
‘Self-Proclaimed Messiah’ & Unification Church Leader the Rev. Sun Myung Moon Has Died — Here’s His Life Story Read More
Business
- President Obama Issues Major ‘Green Energy’ Executive Order 345 Comments
- Germany’s Upcoming Court Ruling Will be Huge for the EU Read More
Ford Looks to Beat Toyota for Best-Selling Car in 2012 With This Model 150 Comments
Bernanke & QE3: Here’s What You Need to Know Read More- ‘Extortion’: Why Did the Labor Department ‘Drop the Hammer’ on Oregon Farmers? 302 Comments
Technology
- This Is the Creationists‘ Response to Scientist Bill Nye’s Viral Pro-Evolution Video Claiming They Harm Children 403 Comments
‘TaserDrone’: Hackers Weaponize Quadcopter With Actual ‘Shocking’ Technology Read More
Ever Heard of the Wild ‘Burning Man’ Festival in the Middle of the Nev. Desert? Here’s Your Primer Read More
Stanford Develops Technology ‘Better Than Steroids’ for Athlete Recovery Read More
Have You Pretended to Know What ‘the Cloud’ Is? You’re Not Alone Read More
Submitting your tip... please wait!
Comments (35)
thegreatcarnac
Posted on August 31, 2012 at 3:54pmSorry…Rev Wallis is not available to answer your remarks. He has a lunch coming up in a few minutes with Rev. Wright and then he has to pick up a little boy.
Report Post »steveh931
Posted on August 31, 2012 at 3:52pmMay the Lord have patience with the heart of this Pastor.
Report Post »THERAPTURCOMES
Posted on September 1, 2012 at 10:47amHe is not a Sheppard of God and teaches doctrines of demons. This man is the face of religion after the resurrection/rapture takes place.
He and his kind will be tools of the anti christ and in point of fact, ALREADY IS
http://youtu.be/ahEVxIzlxwo
Report Post »girlnurse
Posted on August 31, 2012 at 2:26pmLike any devil–Wallis speaks a little bit of truth. We have our generational poor whose families have been poor for generations. But now we DO have those who were middle class hard working Americans now falling below poverty levels, but NOT because of the rich! It is mostly to blame on the policies of the politicians who ship our jobs overseas, spend tax dollars like drunken sailors, let illegals and foreigners come over and take the rest, AND let bankers manilpulate housing markets, pick winners and losers and lets big corporations be “bailed out”…makes policies based on chroney Capitalism (Solyndra, et al). Rules, regulations, and beurocracy makes it VERY difficult for the average middle class person to get a job, whereas big companies may be forced to hire minorities is another failed policy.
Yes, Wallis stops short at blamming the GOVERNMENT for the ills–when they ARE to blame for MOST..of the ills we have-(as Ronald Reagan pointed out).
AND for everyone who blames the WOMEN for all the single moms and kids–WHERE ARE THE MEN??? tHE MEN wont STOP spreading their seed either! How bout the guy who had 18 kids? Or cops who throw women to the ground and fist bump? American MORALS are in the TOILET! We Pushed GOD out and THAT Mr. Wallis IS AMERICA’S PROBLEM…which you should know since you are supposedly a man of GOD!
Report Post »winin2012
Posted on August 31, 2012 at 2:25pmJesus tells us what true religion is in James– to take care of widows and orphans. I believe that means to take care of the poor as well, at least those who cannot help themselves or just need a hand to get back on their feet. Notice Jesus said for us, not government, to help the needy.
We know that Republicans and conservatives far out give Democrats/liberals/progressives. I have been poor, and for a time, I depended upon help from me family and church. It took a few months, but I got back on my feet. I believe that if the government stops, cuts back or limits its social give away program, the people will do two things.
First, people will give more to help those in need. Even Democrats will give to organizations that specialize in feeding and clothing the poor. We would see those of us who don’t have a lot, step up and sacrifice for our fellow man.
Second, we would see those that can work, find work. Many of those who have been lulled into the comfort of receiving government benefits would find a strength, so long ago lost , and begin to provide again for themselves and their family. I did, and I am not special.
In the end, there would be fewer poor and needy. There would be greater community for coming together to help others would unite people–people of all colors, religions and incomes. Also, pride of self, community and Nation would increase and yes, we would all get along a little bit better.
Report Post »thegreatcarnac
Posted on August 31, 2012 at 2:22pmThere is no such thing as a ‘progressive’ pastor. Progressives are nothing more than disguised liberals and liberals are nothing more than communists. You are either a progressive or a Pastor. If you say you are both…..you are a lying liberal.
Report Post »roadhog
Posted on August 31, 2012 at 2:02pmSenale Old Fart
Report Post »teddrunk
Posted on August 31, 2012 at 11:56amThere are two different types of poor. There’s the first type that is poor due to a plant shut down, illness, family tragedy. Many of those types are a temporary situation and deserve our help. The second type, the vast majority, are the now inter-generational type. Deadbeats scamming off the productive, for now at least 3 generations thanks to the ultimate failure of Democrat LBJ’s Great Society War on Poverty.
Report Post »The Civil Rights fight in the 60s actually started in the 50s and the GOP was the supporter of the civil rights movement. Same in the 60s when the Civil Rights laws were fought by Democrats like Gov. George Wallace. What married the black man to the slave owners party, was the “War on Poverty” where he could get paid for doing nothing, because after all, liberals expected nothing out of him.
In rushed the Communist like this clown, to as Reagan predicted in 1964, destroy American capitalism from the inside. Slowly tearing apart the fabric of the American family using the idiotic feminist movement. (Women are so stupid they actually believe they’re better off now shoving their kids into horrible day care centers to be raised, rather than staying home & letting their husband work and they raise the kids. The really ignorant actually believe being an unwed mother living around the poverty line, is some kind of improvement over the nuclear family)
SITDOWNANDSHUTUP
Posted on August 31, 2012 at 11:49amI have been monitoring this clown for a long time. He is the quintessential say anything, do anything pastor (if he can be called that). He will drool at the feet of some psycho commie that thinks nothing of killing babies of the rich. Jim Wallis has sold his soul to the progressive/socialist/communist movement and associates himself with the slime of humanity, not to convert them but to profit from them.
Report Post »JBaer
Posted on August 31, 2012 at 11:40amAnd even JESUS said that “there will always be the poor among you”
Report Post »cookcountypatriot
Posted on August 31, 2012 at 11:35amthis guy looks and acts a lil to lgbt to me…
Report Post »Detroit paperboy
Posted on August 31, 2012 at 10:41amYeah, look at what the progressives did to my hometown of Detroit……….that’s why I could not care less about what any progressive has to say, they have left utter and complete destruction in their wake ………..
Report Post »Dano.50
Posted on August 31, 2012 at 10:40amThe vast majority of poor people in this world are that way because of the corrupt wealthy all right; the corrupt wealthy in every communist country and dictatorship.
The world whines and moans about the evil U.S. yet blindly refuse to see that people like Chavez, Achmodidumbdumb, Bashir, and Castro are anything other than the vilest of human beings.
The communist influences of China and Russia are directly responsible for nearly a hundred million deaths in the 20th century alone.
Most of Africa, and every South and Central America are dictatorships because those in power never fought to make things better for their country. They fought for their turn at the trough.
To say the world’s problems are entirely the U.S.’s fault, that countries like Russia and China have minded their own business, is delusional.
Right now, the U.S. is that solitary stubborn little store owner in the neighborhood who refuses to knuckle under to the local gangs because he was smart enough to keep a bigger stick and the gang nations, like all bullies who’ve had their noses bloodied, are doing nothing but sulking and making snide remarks from safe distance.
Report Post »SocialistSlayer
Posted on August 31, 2012 at 10:36amWhat this guy really wants to say is ” How are the Poor going to support my Commie Church if they are too Poor? How will I stay rich by leaching off their ignorance?
Report Post »Mom4Freedom
Posted on August 31, 2012 at 10:30am….. and if I dared to make a huge pot of hearty beef noodle vegetable soup, set up a stand and serve it to local hungry men, women & children, I would be reported, the police would show up, I’d be shut down, and fined thousands of $$$ for not having the paid permits or proper place of preparation and place to serve.
That’s how much this marxist and his marxist spiritual advisor believe in taking care of people.
Report Post »Balpit
Posted on August 31, 2012 at 2:01pmIt’s the progressive laws which keep people from helping the poor.
Wallis is a progressive, who helps create and support these laws, which hurt the poor, which he blames on the rich.
Report Post »JQuentinEvermann
Posted on August 31, 2012 at 10:19amWhen a religious leader advises government to do something, for good or for evil, they are claiming God’s endorsement of punitive action against those who do not conform to that religious belief. Either you believe God wants you to do it this guy’s way, or you end up going to jail for tax evasion.
This man is selling God. If he put it in bottles, they would call it snake oil. Put it in a fool and its called Obama.
Report Post »Carol1955
Posted on August 31, 2012 at 9:36amLiberals like Wallis convince people that poverty is a result of the success of other people, every rich person causes others to be poor. He doesn’t admit that poverty is often a result of individual action or inaction. That has to be addressed. The purposeful poor have to be held accountable so that the truely needy can be helped. In believing that we must help everyone who puts their hands out, we are allowing people who abuse the system to crowd out and overshadow the people who really need help.
Report Post »TEARS FOR AMERICA
Posted on August 31, 2012 at 9:56amWe had what you would call the professional poor who would come by all of the the church offices that had food pantries…it would be aan all-day bruhaha to conjur up free food and then take their food stamps for booze, drugs,pricey Nike’s…the local churches and food banks finally wised up and everyone started keeping up with these looters that took from the honest needy…the feds are promoting unemployment and food stamps! We see it all the time and have had family’s share that with us! This government is prostituting welfare to often innocent people who then get hooked on it and when it cannot any longer give it, how many will die??? They do not care.
Report Post »TreeTrimmerJim
Posted on August 31, 2012 at 9:36amAs the saying goes, if we keep doing what were doing and expect different results… we’re nuts.
After four years what‘s changed in the administration’s plan to solve our weak economy?
Report Post »bruce_baker
Posted on August 31, 2012 at 8:53am[ Wallis said that the poor, “through no fault of their own,” are finding themselves falling below the nation’s poverty level.]
Report Post »Not a word about how most of those poor are media-produced gangsta-clones or single mothers who should have heard, but didn’t hear from Jim Wallis and those like him, about how they should wait ’til they’re married before having sex and children. God condemns those who flaunt disregard of his laws unto the third and fourth generations. So sad to have generations locked into the poverty/government dependence cycle because of our failure to educate them in moral principles. Another service of your Federal Department of Education, which actually forbids teaching young girls that they’re less likely to live in poverty if they get married. We must always tout godless Marxism over Christian principles based on natural law, such as those espoused in the Declaration of Independence. Isn’t that exactly what the first clause of the First Amendment means?
dylan
Posted on August 31, 2012 at 9:25amRight on! I personally know a very young woman who had a child thru casual sex. Father not interested and went on to his next young woman with same results. The 1st person CHOSE to have another child so her children ‘would be close together in age’, and still is not married. She is ‘engaged’ but will have the second child essentially by herself because she CAN DO IT! She has no child support for 1st child and may end up with none for #2. Guess who pays for their fun and games.
Report Post »bruce_baker
Posted on August 31, 2012 at 12:52pmDylan: “who pays for their fun and games”? You imply that we, the taxpayers do.
What is most important and tragic, and what is NOT pointed out, is that the people involved pay the highest price in lessened lives of poverty and despair, as do their children. The long term effects are already being felt by our society, but God help us survive the time when their full effect is felt by our country.
Report Post »AllLost
Posted on August 31, 2012 at 8:50amAnyone making more than $50,000 a year and having assets of more than $250,000 (numbers I pulled out of my butt) and shout for Marxist social justice should be shunned and ridiculed. If they truly believed their own crap they would give their stuff away taking a vow of ‘social, equitable, equality’.
What you see from the likes of Obama, Wallis, Union Heads, and Hollywood is an attempt to control the masses and production. They got theirs and are trying their darnedest to prevent me, my children, and my grandchildren from having an opportunity to get theirs.
Report Post »progressiveslayer
Posted on August 31, 2012 at 8:36amJim’s smug attitude makes me want to vomit on his face,look at that second pic of that tool.
Report Post »TEARS FOR AMERICA
Posted on August 31, 2012 at 8:32amJim Wallis and his Marxist ideologies are what bankrupt the souls of an individual…Marxism bleeds the person and feeds the collective rendering society bankrupt…Jesus Christ frees man and offers the hope that government only offers as an empty promise.
Report Post »Texamazed
Posted on August 31, 2012 at 8:08amAlways be ware of wolves in “shepherds” (Pastors) clothing!
Report Post »Mr.Fitnah
Posted on August 31, 2012 at 8:08amHis eggs are scrambled .
Report Post »Rothbardian_in_the_Cleve
Posted on August 31, 2012 at 8:02amWhy does every picture of this guy look like Do from Heaven’s Gate?
Report Post »progressiveslayer
Posted on August 31, 2012 at 8:34amSo you’re the one who saw that flick.lol Yeah that second pic of the tool really shows how smug he is.
Report Post »Maybe a capitalist should slap some sense into the so called ‘Rev’.
Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
Posted on August 31, 2012 at 7:55amPastor Wallis; you give pastors such as myself a bad name and reputation, much good has been done over the years that one bad apple such as you have undone in a heartbeat.
Report Post »NHwinter
Posted on August 31, 2012 at 8:34amChristian organization like Operation Blessing, Catholic Charities, and individual pastors have done much more for the poor than government will ever do. They just keep pushing socialism. We know Americans can do more to help each other and we do not need government help. They hurt and keep people down. I pray God helps us turn our country around. We have too many telling dripping with honey lies to promote their evil agenda.
Report Post »pdw
Posted on August 31, 2012 at 8:55amNot only have Many different Churches helped the poor but hundreds of thousands of individuals have given of their time and money to try to help solve the poverty problem thru out the world. Yes greedy people have robbed many of their life savings and we hope they all are put away from civilization. When America is given the freedom of earning a living by the removal of restrictive laws that help make the rich rich America will again become a great nation. The reason other countries do not want America going under is they also will go under with them. Our politicians have known this is so for many years and have used this to spend more of our tax dollars without thought of how in the long run we like all who over spend get into financial problems. They then love to blame businesses not their own policies. The housing lending laws were the straw that broke the camels back so to speak. Then the first thing our government does is blame the banks. Line upon line precept upon precept, here a litter there a little they are stealing our liberties.
Report Post »