Let’s set aside whether or not you like the new health care bill and focus on a fundamental question that is dividing Christians:  Is health care a life issue?

Generally speaking, most Evangelical Christians are pro-life when it comes to unborn children but that’s usually as far as they take their commitment to life and non-violence.  Then there are other Christians who start with the protection of an unborn child and then ask, “What is a consistent life ethic?”  That is, what does it mean to stand for life from womb to the tomb.  Thus, they see life issues as abortion, education, health care, death penalty and euthanasia all as life issues.  (Here’s one example and here’s another)

The simple fact is that there is a vast chasm between Christians who believe we should serve the lease of these and the way that belief works itself out in the commitment of our time and money.
Let’s set aside politics for this discussion (I’m not asking whether or not you believe that government should or should not be involved in this issue or what you think of the health care bill).  What I’m asking is two-fold:  Is health care a life issue? and Why are faithful Christians divided on the answer to that question?
More from Beliefnet and our partners
Close Ad