|
Hoster said it was important for people to be charitable, not just avoid sinful behavior.
“Then, as now, charity is discretionary. We can do it or not do it. It’s a luxury we can indulge in ...,” Hoster said of some attitudes.
“The real danger for Christians, in patronizing the poor with charity, is that our actual intent may be to affirm that they are not like us. If they are the people who need charity we must be the people who don’t need charity. We are essential to them but they are not essential to us. The minute you start saying you don’t need members of your family, then you don’t have a family anymore, and you’ve parted company not only with each other but with God, your father, as well.”
|