spygeek

Churches should not be the sole outlet for social services. Period. Of course, those who subscribe to a religious dogma that requires them to believe that theirs is the one "true faith" think that churches are the logical places for these services. But that's because that's where they'd go if they needed help. Actually, now that I think about it, they wouldn't go to their own church out of shame. So that's kind of funny - but of course I doubt Kiffmeyer would ever expect that SHE would need social services. Those are only for...the poor.

I just don't think that anyone who needs a meal or a bed or help with addiction should be forced to be the subject of evangelism. You're taking people at their very worst, their very weakest, and attempting to brain-wash them.

"Our god is a good god because he has provided you with a tuna sandwich."

"Our god can save you from all of your troubles."

So 3 days or months later, when that person is back because he didn't receive any lasting assistance, are they going to still think that message rings true?

Besides, shouldn't it be a personal decision which faith, if any, you choose to adopt? If I end up on the street tomorrow should I have to do research to figure out where to get help that doesn't conflict with my personal belief system? Don't you think that if I'm on the street, I need help right away, from wherever I can get it?

Social services need to be faith neutral. Otherwise it's just targetting potential new church members among the needy.