I see now why I couldn't understand the "disdain" my xtian coworkers have for those unemployed

[wavesofeuphoria]

or unable to work. One such coworker posted this as her status this morning on FB.

2 Thessalonians 3:10
"For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat."

I hadn't realized that "work" was viewed in the bible as so tied to "eating/surviving" ... that this seems to be the heart of the arguments against any sort of assistance.

Its made me realize that in trying to bridge some understanding about others views/arguments for or against policies, that part of the problem for me is not being able to see or understand the others fundamental belief when it is so very different from my own. I also think I am "getting" now what is meant by the phrase "Christian Nation". Its not so much a belief in a particular god as it as a collection of fundamental beliefs ("working" = "eating" .. among many others) that need to be codified in laws and policies to reflect this belief system.

There are many times I do indeed feel like a "Stranger in a Strange Land" (a nod to Heinlein). I think my own belief in the intent of a socially constructed system such as outlined in the Constitution, which, counter to some folks interpretation, seemed to place such a high priority (its the 1st one!!) on the separation of government and religion keeps me from wrapping my head around a religious belief system being reflected in a governing belief system.

Seems the only way to come to agreement on issues is to understand the underlying beliefs and then seek some sort of compromise or new agreement. However, the discourse is not like that ... discussion and really coming to understand doesn't seem to exist in governing talk ... and nor even at the pundit level ...

Not sure where I am going with this at the moment ... just thoughts that hit me this morning ... :(

[rfranklin]

1. These are people who have no empathy or compassion...

for whatever reason. Perhaps toilet traingint that was too early and too harsh.

Though as you see so often with the Republicans, when one of their group transgresses it is minimized, forgiven, defended and forgotten. It is a codified hypocrisy that has sense of itself.

[Tunkamerica]

2. obv. would not and not able to are 2 separate things that any english speaker can understand

[DemocratSinceBirth]

8. That's Why Most Churches Have Food Banks And Outreaches To The Poor

The passage is referring to folks who choose not to work, not folks who want to work and can't find any...

Also, the Apostle Paul was referring to a group of Christians in the first century after Christ's crucifixion who were just hanging out and not doing anything as they believed Christ's return was imminent so why bother working. Paul felt this put Christians in a bad light...

[dkf]

3. They also believe God will provide and if you don't have a job, you aren't trying.

[Le Taz Hot]

4. Looking for a job is a full-time job

so his/her premise is flawed from the start (for more than one reason).

[tigereye]

5. that's not what being a Christian is supposed to be about

There are many other Biblical quotations that would support compassion and concern for one's neighbors.

[undeterred]

6. The theology is "I got mine, so to hell with you, and lets all praise the Lord"

[w8liftinglady]

9. And Make sure all see us "Praising The Lord"-- Those are not "Christians"

Jesus would hang his head in shame.

[Le Taz Hot]

22. Who knew the Almighty and Ayn Rand were

in sync? :shrug:

[Mimosa]

7. There are quite a few Christians on D.U. and we don't think like that

What kind of job do you have where you look at co-workers Facebook pages? That's odd.

[w8liftinglady]

11. People need to go to the SoJo website.They will be enlightened.

We are not all Bible-thumping neanderthals.

[wavesofeuphoria]

14. I wasn't referring to all xtians ... I was reflecting on the interactions

with my xtian coworkers. And how this realization ... on reflecting on one coworker's post this morning ... lead me to look at our overall difficulties in reconciling policy differences.

I do not look at FB pages at work. I saw a coworker's status post on FB this morning (I am not at work every moment of the day) ... hardly odd ... many post new statuses daily ... hourly even!!

[w8liftinglady]

16. I work with the same Xtians-they defy Jesus's teachings.

they hate the poor,the sick,the downtrodden...the very ones Jesus wanted all to sacrifice for and help.

[Anakin Skywalker]

10. These people Pick & Choose verses/quotes to suit their political views that.....

ultimately revolve around MONEY! Yes! They are worshippers of MAMMON and don't even realize it.

That's the nicest way I can put it.

[Vinca]

12. As an atheist, I'm not really up on the Bible, but doesn't that other verse,

the "what you have done to the least among us you have done to me" verse count for anything with these people?

[GoCubsGo]

13. Their disdain pales in comparison to mine for them.

Like Woody Allen said, if Jesus came back today and saw what was being done in his name, he'd puke his guts out.

[ThomWV]

15. Everyone who gets unemployment has already done the work

First your work then you eat - biblical or no. In order to draw your - YOUR - unemployment you must first have had a job and paid for YOUR unemployment benefits.

Tell that to the stupid bastards.

[TexasObserver]

17. That wasn't said by Jesus, but by one of the frauds who stole his legacy.

If one really wants to follow the teachings of Jesus, they should tear off the books after the first four of the New Testament and toss them.

Departing from what Jesus taught is what has led to the current state of Christendom, which barely follows any of the actual teachings of Jesus.

[Gman]

18. That verse assumes there is work to do and someone won't do it

versus wanting to work and there is no work, but one still needs to eat.

[guitar man]

19. Malachi 3:5

And I will come near to you to judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, and against the adulterers, and against false swearers, and against those that oppress the hireling in wages, the widow, and the fatherless, and that turn aside the stranger , and fear not me, saith the LORD of hosts.

[hobbit709]

20. These types never read the parts where their actions are condemned.

It would blow their self-righteousness to smithereens.

[Orsino]

21. An awful lot of religious dogma is simply used to justify the cruel shit we were gonna do anyway.

This has nothing much to do with Christianity in particular.

[spanone]

23. oh, i see, the good christian bible says fuck the deadbeats

[hootinholler]

24. But they don't believe the collary

Which is implied, if you work you should be able to eat. I don't see them championing living wage laws.

-Hoot