Wayne, yes, to your OP.
it's a difficult time (for me) trying to learn about Jesus's way of separation of church from state, yet, i see the state offering all manner subsidies for every "cause" you've named, and more ..
there seems a "frenzy" to jump on bandwagons to display Christ's Love, no matter how it's funded .. for many, conflation of church and government goals+funds makes no matter, whatsoever - the end justifies the means.
many have no notion of CA understanding, so, why not?!
government money-money-money.
there is a profound difference between,
1. abiding by required law in order to serve others ..
2. accepting government subsidies to serve others ..
the latter being an established trap that comes with a high and long-lasting price.
i've spent 6 years learning about these differences on this forum, so, it's all fairly new to me.
but, it's meaningful as i try to navigate the mire.
(i believe) this is a time to exert great caution - as Anabaptists are known for, to do
due digilence in "reading the fine print," to seriously pray on it, to seek the Holy Spirit for answers and guidance.
before the topic of refugee assistance became a
forum frenzy this week, months ago, i'd read of Catholics helping with immigrants in the U.S. - these from Mexico. i have been praying on this, as, from what i read, the U.S. government was/is working with Catholics (i.e. subsidizing) .. of course, to further (liberal) government policies in the process:
this would have to ultimately include such things the poor immigrants would find abhorrent:
abortion, erosion of parents' rights, westernized views on sex and health ed .. no-fault divorce for everyone! .. the list goes on+on.
flashing gov subsidies at social problems is highly seductive - lib activists know all about it!
everyone pays ever-after.
we have Canada to use as a warning on conflation of church+state. i pray we do.
in the U.S., we have "the 60's" to warn! the time when pastors inadvertantly led their flocks to seek after answers from government!
just-say-no.
many in U.S. are from Canada, they are influential on many levels, libs-love-Canada as a convenient model to aspire to, always conveniently promoting
without balanced facts on any issue.
just recently, i was learning from a CA in Georgia about how they respond to disasters .. we were discussing the recent 60 tornadoes that swept across the U.S. Southeast. for example, i was told that CA group would not accept FEMA funds, but they would assist in efforts. i'm certain, for these, "work means work."
so, my head is spinning, with all the
zeal around, i'm trying to keep my feet on the ground that Jesus represents. such as: don't grab money from Caesar.
some thought-provoking words from Peregrino in another thread:
viewtopic.php?f=5&t=299&start=30
Peregrino wrote:Aren't we missing what triggered this whole council in the first place?
It was a response to what had happened earlier when some brothers caused a lot of offense by trying to impose cultural traditions on the church under the guise of religious requirements.
IMO it was the Jerusalem brothers extending the hand of fellowship to the gentile believers, acknowledging God at work among them while pointing out a few areas that would keep the gentiles from in turn becoming an offense to the culturally jewish believers.
soberly read the fine print.
[this is response to the OP. i see others have posted!
this is not in response to those contributions.
now, i will read.]