The Supreme Court’s decision to
uphold the Affordable Care Act was monumental not only in the way it
transcended partisan politics to deal with the constitutionality of the matter.
It was also epic in the absurdity of
so-called Christians lying prostrate on the steps outside grieving with bibles
in-hand over the extension of healthcare to millions who would otherwise not have
access to it.
I have studied the bible more than most and cannot find
anywhere in scripture that supports such a stance. Not only that, Jesus
affirmed the importance of wellness to overall wholeness by healing throughout
his ministry. However, this is not about
finding a literary warrant for taking a position.
Disciples are to remain in God’s spirit and allow the risen
Christ to dwell in them. Abide in me, and
I in you (John 15:4a). There is no evidence of God in the mockery of His
name by those on the wrong side of healthcare, support for the poor, and other
forms of social justice. Believers are implored to abandon oneself (f)or you have died and your life is hidden
with Christ in God. (Colossians 3:3). A real life in Christ is so evident
that no bible-thumping or posturing for the cameras is necessary.
It takes a hard heart to promote the extreme commoditization
of healthcare in this country. Or do you
not know that (AI)your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom
you have from God, and that you are not your own? (I Corinthians 6:19). Physical well-being is
sacred.
What kind of person stands in the gate to enforce denials
based on pre-existing conditions? What sense does it make to keep coverage cost
prohibitive for those who do not have employer-based plans? Moreover, why
should those who can afford health insurance continue to get a free ride at the
expense of taxpayers, consumers, and private payors?
Logically speaking, these are arguments that align with
conservative values. Those who are so fervent about defending the abstract life
a fetus should be more so about preserving fully-functional and sentient
beings. (T)he one who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love
God whom he has not seen (1 John 4:20b).
There are no two ways about this. Either one believes in the
sanctity of life enough to fight for its preservation at all stages or those
hypocrites need to go sit down somewhere.
