Jul 5, 2008
Christians and Faith-Based Initiatives
The other day I read about Barack Obama’s plan to support programs run by Christian organizations and churches through government grants. The basic plan is to make money available for faith-based organizations who are addressing the essential needs of people. In other words his grants would help fund programs providing food, shelter, medical care, etc., and not religious outreach or overt “proselytizing”.
I really wrestled with this one. On one hand, once you get government money involved you’re going to make people nervous about using the tax payer’s money to fund a religious programs that aim to convert people. In addition, as a Christian it’s hard to say where this line will be exactly. While delivering food to people, I can’t rule out the possibility of sharing the Gospel. I’m delivering food because they need it, not because it’s a “cover” for sharing the Gospel. However, as a follower of Christ I will share his message of hope if it fits.
The more I think about it, however, the more I’m convinced Obama’s program could be a win-win. Grants are based on rigorous applications, and as the economy tightens, I’ve seen small donors for nonprofits drop off, even if large donors are holding steady. This means grant money could very well fill a funding gap that will keep essential human services going.
In one instance, a friend of our family is a director of a Christian operated shelter in Burlington, VT. Though participation in Bible study is encouraged, the shelter does not make this mandatory. Over the past two years the shelter has run in the red, even though town officials have recognized this shelter and it’s programs as highly successful, especially in keeping ex-convicts from re-offending. I wonder if such a shelter is just the kind of place that would benefit from the grants in Obama’s vision.
The church and state matter can be sticky, and I certainly think it’s bad for both parties involved if the government digs too deeply into the church and vise versa. However, funding effective human services, religious or not, through grants strikes me as a practical and, dare I say, promising plan.
This issue got me to thinking… not necessarily politically. But as Christ followers, where’s the line if the end appears to justify the means?
I suppose the key question is if we’re limiting the Gospel and quenching God’s Spirit. If things can operate as normal with federal funding, then I suppose all is well. However, if federal funding means revising programs, then we need to consider going without it.