Health Care Reform - the religious leadership?

Given that it’s Sunday, and that I noticed a news item on the clergy’s views/positions on the Health Care Reform initiatives; it seems appropriate that I postpone my discussion of Congress’ and the Government’s own actions and capabilities with regard to Health Care Reform. In general, much of the religious community and leadership supports the goals and principles of the Health Care Reform agenda.

This can hardly be unexpected. The goal of available, low-cost and quality health care for everyone is consistent with the principles and teachings of most religions. Of course, just because religious leaders support the goal of universal health care, there is no universal agreement even among them as to what exactly that means or what is included under “universal” health care. And of course lacking any general agreement, they also either have not or cannot come to a common statement of what they would advise their flocks or their flocks’ representatives about the content and specifics regarding the Health Care Reform bill.

Instead, the clergy places their trust in the politicians to know what is best to do and how to do it. Somewhat strange for a community that has received the inspirations and teachings/instructions of their respective deities: to “beware of false prophets”, or of placing their faith in men. It seems even more irresponsible when you consider how often the religious communities have had no faith in such politicians. Further, in many cases these same religious communities have a great deal of difficulty in accepting and resolving the inherent conflicts between their religious principles from those of a free and democratic secular governmental system. I suspect some of this is due to the fact that solving the riddle of universal health care is not easily penetrated even when you have a firm belief in “God’s Plan” for us all.

We can hope that at least the clergy will advise and council the politicians to remember the tenets of their own respective faiths and seek to do what is both “right” and compassionate. To implore our elected representatives to do their duty, to “establish Justice” and to “promote the General Welfare”; consistent with the tenets of our Democracy.

So, if the spiritual leaders choose to turn to the politicians then it is even more imperative that we consider the knowledge, wisdom and sage understanding that our political leaders posses.
Perhaps this detour to the religious perspective on Health Care Reform was not a minor diversion from the main topic. The more reliance we put upon the legislative effort to get it right; the more the citizenry should be assessing whether they are qualified to do so.