You are going over the principles again. I said I agree with the theory and is perhaps the most logical in a perfect world where personal responsibility is a given and everybody is able and capable.
But, the reality is that not everybody can elevate themselves to help themselves. Addicts, mentally ill, retards, crippled, orphans, abused et al.
Are those people left to rot, or should they be given helping hands? If so, what kind of help — private charity, religious charity, or government welfare? And who foots the bill? Society as a whole or certain donors?
I’m talking about realistic practicalities, not idealistic principles.
"retards"... haven't seen that used in a non-derogatory manner for quite a while...
I advocate, as does God's Word, that those people be taken care of through voluntary, nay, JOYFUL charity, given privately or through religious institutions.
I'll have to blockquote this, because I found it elsewhere, but it states EXACTLY how I would answer you:
One thing I love about the Bible is that it takes a hard stand on people who try to just "get by" and feed off others without doing a lick of work themselves. Here's my favorite verse on this topic:For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: "If a man will not work, he shall not eat." 2 Thessalonians 3:10
Yep, don't work, don't eat. I think that says it all.
Notice that it doesn't say that those who CAN NOT work should not eat. No, we should have compassion on and help out those people. But if someone can work, yet WILL NOT work, then he's left to the consequences of his actions (or inactions in this case).
Here are a couple other verses on this same line of thinking:
Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth. Proverbs 10:4
How long will you lie there, you sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest -- and poverty will come on you like a bandit and scarcity like an armed man. Proverbs 6:9-11
So get out there and work! Or find a way to survive without eating.
Don't work, don't eat. It's not "mean", it's good for everyone if this is enforced, because it gives incentive to work and build character and not suffer the humiliation of having to live off of others when you can support yourself.