If we follow the stereotypes, then the right wing - the Republicans, the Christians, the "religious right" often base their beliefs on the Bible. They believe God is the ultimate authority, and it is their duty to enact laws and support policies in line with Biblical teachings.
(I know there are plenty of Christians and religious people who are democrats, but go with me on this for a second.)
Generally speaking - why do the religious right say that gay marriage and abortion are wrong. "Because God said so in the Bible."
I have been reading extensively in the scriptures recently and one things really struck me:
HOW IS IT POSSIBLE THAT THE RELIGIOUS RIGHT ARE NOT THE CHAMPIONS OF THE POOR?!?
I mean seriously? There are hundreds of passages instructing man to care for the poor, look out for the interests of others, sell all they have and give it to the poor, etc...
A quick Google search showed list after list: List #1, List#2, List #3, List #4 etc...
Here are a few of my favorite:
Deuteronomy 15:11 - I command thee, saying, Thou shalt open thine hand wide unto thy brother, to thy poor, and to thy needy, in thy land.
Psalms 82:3,4 -Defend the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and needy. Deliver the poor and needy.
Proverbs 14:31 - He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker: but he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor.
Zechariah 7:10 - And oppress not the widow, nor the fatherless, the stranger, nor the poor.
Matthew 25:40 - Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.
Mark 10:21 - Go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven.
The story of the Good Samaritan alone ought to be enough! There is a reason I left the Republican Party to be an independent. How can the base of a party say that they are anchored in the Bible and God's teachings, yet ignore the poor.
The Christians should be the champions of the poor. No one should be more charitable because Christians see it as their religious duty - they can't get into heaven without helping the poor!
I don't know where the disconnect happened, but it is disgraceful. The poor and needy should know no greater ally than the Christians, the religious right. Christians certainly aren't the only ones who help the poor. There are many religions and many good citizens across the nation and the world who feel and teach that duty. But the fact that the political party representing the Christians and religious right should ever be seen as the enemy of the poor is truly an Epic Failure.
