Biblical guidelines and principles
The concept of general welfare is enshrined in the United States Constitution. However, interpreting this
phrase from a biblical perspective can open various avenues of understanding, as the Bible often
emphasizes caring for the needy, compassion for the stranger, and social justice. Caring for the Needy:
Many passages in the Bible speak directly to the responsibility of individuals and society to care for the
poor and needy. Proverbs 14:21, for example, asserts, "Whoever despises his neighbor is a sinner, but
blessed is he who is generous to the poor" (English Standard Version). From a biblical perspective, a
society's general welfare may be gauged by how it treats its most vulnerable members (Plantinga, 2002).
Compassion for the Stranger: The biblical mandate to show kindness to strangers and foreigners could
be seen as a guideline for a more inclusive understanding of general welfare, including citizens,
immigrants, and refugees. Leviticus 19:34, for instance, commands, "You shall treat the stranger who
sojourns with you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself" (English Standard
Version). This directive has been the basis for numerous faith-based initiatives advocating for immigrant
rights and inclusive welfare policies (Carter, 2018).
Social Justice: The Bible is rich in calls for justice, which can be viewed as a directive for societies to
create just systems that promote the general welfare. For example, Micah 6:8 asks, "What does the Lord
require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?" (English
Standard Version). This call for justice can be seen as encompassing economic justice, healthcare equity,
fair housing, and other social issues central to general welfare (Gushee & Stassen, 2016).
Constitutional guidelines for federal and state involvement
Article I, Section 8 of the United States Constitution enumerates the powers granted to Congress, the
legislative branch of the U.S. government. These powers represent a broad scope of legislative authority,
from collecting taxes to declaring war, and are how Congress can enact laws to address the nation's
needs and maintain the functioning of the government.
"The Congress shall have the Power To lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts, and Excises, to pay the
Debts and provide for the common Defense and general Welfare of the United States" is the very first
clause of this section, emphasizing the importance of fiscal responsibility and provision for the country's
needs.
Power to Tax: Congress's power to tax the population. The main aim of taxation is to collect revenue to
run the government, pay debts, provide public goods and services, and for the general functioning of the
state. It is through taxation that the government can fund such services as education, defense, and
infrastructure.
Paying Debts: Like any other entity, the U.S. government may incur debts to finance its operations. This
clause empowers Congress to raise money to pay off these debts. This is an essential power as it allows
the government to maintain its financial credibility domestically and internationally.
Common Defense: This power refers to the ability of Congress to provide for the nation's defense,
including the establishment and maintenance of the armed forces. It also includes the power to declare
war.
General Welfare: This phrase has been a point of debate, but it is generally interpreted as giving
Congress the power to enact laws promoting the well-being of the people. This can include anything
from laws related to health and safety to economic stability and prosperity.
These powers granted to Congress reflect the Founding Fathers' intentions to create a robust federal
government capable of addressing the nation's needs and maintaining its stability and security.
They should factor is not so much a factor but a must. All children should be protected in all walks of
life. It should not matter of background, race, or location. The children need to make sure the mentors
in their life are the right ones helping. The idea of not supporting a bill for children and natural rights is
absurd and not be in the conversation.
References:
U.S. Congress. House of Representatives. Child Protection Improvements Act of 2017. H.R. 695.
115th Congress, 1st
Session 2017. Accessed April 30, 2023.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/695?q=%7B%22search%22%3A%5B%22H.R.
+695%22%5D%7D&r=1
Eastman. C. E. (2011). Enough Is Enough: Why General Welfare Limits Spending.
https://www.heritage.org/the-constitution/report/enough-enough-why-general-welfare-limits-spending
.Fischer, K. Biblical Principles of Government Lecture Notes Online.
https://learn.liberty.edu/bbcswebdav/pid-16801008-dt-content-
rid147145166_1/courses/PADM550_D03_201720/Biblical%20Principles%20of
%20Government.pdf
Carter, C. (2018). Immigration and the Church: Reflecting the heart of God within the immigration crisis.
Russell Media.
Gushee, D.P., & Stassen, G.H. (2016). Kingdom ethics: Following Jesus in a contemporary context.
Eerdmans.
Plantinga, C. (2002). Engaging God's world: A Christian vision of faith, learning, and living.
Eerdmans.References
U.S. Constitution, Art. I, Sec. 8.
Foner, E. (2017). Give me liberty!: An American History (5th ed.). W.W. Norton & Company.
Gordon, J. (2002). Hamilton's Blessing: The Extraordinary Life and Times of Our National Debt. Walker
Publishing Company.
Kernell, S., Jacobson, G.C., Kousser, T., & Vavreck, L. (2018). The Logic of American Politics (8th ed.). CQ
Press.
U.S. Constitution, Art. I, Sec. 8.
Foner, E. (2017). Give me liberty!: An American history (5th ed.). W.W. Norton & Company.
