Two lessons from the health care debate

By Matthew Hawkins - Aug 31, 2009 - 1 -

Our nation is presently watching (and participating in) a flurry of debate about health care reform, largely sparked by H.R. 3200. This process–regardless of outcome–holds significant lessons for us as Americans and as people of faith. And those lessons have very little to do with the legislation at hand.

As Americans

It is always encouraging to see citizens expressing their opinions and asking questions of their elected representatives. It’s particularly encouraging to see them do it in such large numbers and with such passion.

Unfortunately, we’ve seen enough workings of the political machinery in the past to question if this outrage is not real but manufactured. But I submit that if conservatives could have “manufactured” this kind of visceral reaction they’d have done it about this time last year.

We’re quite familiar with the “election year” drill: “get out the vote” efforts and push polls and questionable media coverage. In that context it is easy for the emphasis to gravitate to the action of casting the vote or–during this season–expressing your opinion at a town hall, and away from efforts to inform ourselves on the issues prior to the vote. Voting is one part privilege and one part responsibility, and being informed–no matter the year–is a crucial part of our democracy.

The angst we see demonstrated over health care reform appears genuine and is not confined to outbursts in congressional committee rooms or protests at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. Many Americans are deeply concerned over proposals they view as intrusive and ill-designed at best.

Richard Land often reminds his radio audience that American policy decisions are only as final as the next election. This is the reality of the moving target that is American politics. Even if “your side” wins, it’s not that permanent. Decisions made by “supreme” courts have been overturned. Presidents make executive orders only to have them undone by their successor.

Like it or not, conscientious Americans may rest for a time, but they must never disengage.

As people of faith

The present debate on health care should be a reminder that we, as people of faith, are called to raise the bar in our conversation with others, especially those with whom we disagree. This is not to say we shy away from confrontation. It’s also not to say we should “go along to get along.” It is to say that as we evaluate what we hear, we should also evaluate our thoughts before they become our words.

One of the premier apologetics Scriptures of the Christian faith, 1 Peter 3:15-16 reads,

“But set apart the Messiah as Lord in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you” (HCSB).

But in the less-quoted verse 16 Peter goes on to say,

“However, do this with gentleness and respect, keeping your conscience clear…” (emphasis mine).

And if we know anything about Peter, we know he was rather familiar with the human tendency to stick our feet in our mouths, pure intentions notwithstanding.

Clearly, the context of Peter’s prompting here is in presenting the Gospel. However, even in the present context of debating public policy, it’s good advice to follow, particularly for people of faith.

Gentleness. Respect. Clear conscience. Those are decent guidelines for public debate.

It’s rather clear that media reports of “mobs” at town halls are greatly exaggerated. Genuine nationwide concern exists about both the current state of American health care and how current legislative proposals would help or hurt real people. And that concern has sparked legitimately impassioned reactions.

And as the ERLC’s own analysis of HR 3200 concludes, there is reason to be concerned.

But particularly as people of faith, it is prudent for us to temper our arguments to insure that we don’t do disservice to our cause. In a day where “the medium is the message,” we should be careful not to deliver a message of fear.

Rather, when combating legitimately dangerous policy, let us be informed on the issue and ask reasoned and revealing questions of our elected representatives. Their answers–or in many cases their lack of answers–will make our case before the American people.

Further Learning

Learn more about: Faith, Apologetics, Citizenship, Healthcare,

{comment_total} comments

1 On Sep 1st, 2009, at 11:52pm, Bob Robison wrote:

Would appreciate your clearfication of the following statements made in your article.
You stated “when combating legitimately dangerous policy”.  Question: who identifys the “legitimately dangerous policy”?
Also, you stated “make our case”.  Question:  would you identify who is “our case”.  Look forward to your answer. Thanks,
robbie

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