Faith and the Health Insurance Debate

[Christy]

Here's a clip from a Pennsylvania town hall meeting with Arlen Spector regarding health insurance reform.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/32371735#32371735

A man in attendance has interrupted the format and given himself permission to vent his anger against Spector. What's interesting is that he doesn't address the issue of what we know about the direction of reform so far. Rather he works his way to what is apparently what his real message, which is to threaten the senator with God's condemnation.

Is the real solution to our dysfunctional health care system only going to be found by examing our religious principles? If so -- or even if part of the issue is resolved with guidance from the standpoint of faith -- what does your faith tell you about what the nation should do next? Or should religion even have a prominent public voice in the debate?

[Alexander Fedczuk]

Of course not. Religion has no place in politics, because the two don't mix. Where dipolmacy should be used in regards to the Middle East, religious zealotry would demand an imeadiate and brutal bombing of the "non-believers". Which would, ironically, make us no better than the terroists we seek to destroy. It is the small minority of die-hard ultra, hardcore, conserveitive Christians that bring up "what God wants" in every arguement that make it impossable for religion to be used in public debate, because they have nothing to argue other than faith. Healthcare, is a matter of faith to them. The war, a matter of faith. Going to the bathroom, a matter of faith. And let's face it, strict faith is intollerant.

As for this Numb-skull at the townhall meeting, it's as you say every service, "who to condem?" And really, who is?

[Seth C. Burgess]

@ Alexander Fedczuk

Hmm. If politics are driven by the beliefs of individuals, shouldn't religious beliefs be included if central to a person's being?

I agree that extremism is not what we want.

[Gerry Benedict]

The debate is essential in a democracy, but this guy's claim on knowing what "God's interpretations and judgement will be", is out of place.

Time out for a little "humor" as this guy is too emotionally involved.

I respect Senator Spector's ability to patiently listen.

I'm going for a hike in the woods!

[Chris Wilck]

I just finished listening to the service from Davidson College Presbyterian Church–the church that Cara has started attending while at college. Although this church is on the Davidson campus, it serves 1300 members in the Davidson /Charlotte, NC area. This service is broadcast live via an internet stream.

The sermon was based on Mark 7 :31-37. The pastor used this as a forum to discuss the health care debate. She stated that we have a responsibility as Christians to make health care accessible to everyone, but the way to this reform should be brought about by hearing the voices of all involved–-healthcare providers, politicians, economists, families and individuals with health care coverage, those who may have inadequate coverage , those who have no coverage at all and those whose lives have been greatly affected by health care costs. She further states, one person does not have all the answers to this issue. We need to be open to all perspectives and use our faith to guide us, as individuals, through the process of determining what is best for everyone, not necessarily as the only determining factor.

This is kind of an interesting perspective coming from a church in the Bible Belt Region were conservative evangelical and fundamental influences may be present.