Claiborne, Poverty and Rest, part II.

Especially being an election year, I've been thinking a lot about the role of government in relationship to addressing poverty. A few weeks back, my good friend Ben Davy challenged me with the thought that it was not primarily the role of the government to relieve poverty. I still have a lot of reading to do on the matter but intuitively I think I understand the dangers of a welfare state where those in need become entirely dependent on the assistance of the state for their sustenance.

Kuyper explains it in this way:

"As for . . . state aid-namely, the distribution of money- it is certain that such intervention is not excluded in Israel's lawgiving, but there it is held to a minimum. Therefore I say that, unless you wish to undermine the position of the laboring class and destroy its natural resilience, the material assistance of the state should be confined to an absolute minimum" (p. 72).

I think Kuyper's point is twofold: 1) that it is not the responsibility of the state primarily to give out material assistance and also that 2) the state is called to uphold fair labor laws so that anyone who wants to work and is willing to do so can in fact do so.

But then the question still remains, who carries the responsibility for addressing poverty? Kuyper helps us in two ways here:

1) he says that we have to be careful that we do not create inordinate lust in the poor with the vision that they might "have what we have," that the Apostle Paul says if we have food and clothing we will be content with that (1 Tim. 6:6-8). So inevitably, this first point turns back on the "haves," to measure our sense of contentment with our material things in light of possessing eternal treasures (and to repent accordingly of our own need to learn gratitude, joy and contentment, things often present in larger measure among those with less, the so-called "have nots"). This first point comes home to me every time I travel to Haiti and see how much I have yet to learn from my Haitian friends.

2) to learn generosity and love of the brethren:

"But at least in the circle of those who confess the Lord, I pray that you will allow a more perfect love to drive out all such fear (Kuyper is speaking here about the fear of losing your wealth should you choose to be generous to the suffering). For those who are diverted by fear for their money box have no place marching in the ranks with us. This is holy ground, and he who would walk on it must first loosen the sandals of his egotism. The only sound permitted here is the stirring and eloquent voice of the merciful Samaritan whispering in our ears. There is suffering round about you, and those who suffer are your brothers, sharers of your nature, your own flesh and blood. You might have been in their place and they in your more pleasant position. The gospel speaks to you of a Redeemer who, although he was rich, became poor for your sake so he might make you rich" (p. 76).

Perhaps the point here is to be more courageous with our generosity? that in light of much suffering all around us among brothers and sisters, we should allow perfect love to cast out fear and step out in love.