While I was watching CSPAN "debates" Sunday, i was also reading "Compassion, Justice & the Christian Life: Rethinking Ministry to the Poor" by Robert Lupton. The stark contrast of the arguments moves me to reconsider how I view compassion. I agree with Lupton, that we need to temper what we do to help others by not taking away the initiative and pride of those actually able to help themselves . . .
Truly loving one's neighbor may mean asking them to take part in some way for that assistance. This could revolutionize community service. The “chicken in every pot” mentality may become destructive to the human spirit. In addition, agencies seeking to help others need to rethink personal and community quality of life issues on a higher level. I see a new paradigm approaching.
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