In the US state of Tennessee, missionary buses make up for the lack of infrastructure, especially health facilities. It’s welcome help, but it’s preaching the gospel.
In this poor, sparsely populated southern state, medical clinics are closed and dentists or hairdressers are rare in its most remote valleys.
Big buses branded “DUO”, short for “Doing Unto Others”, bring them directly to rural people in need of food or dental care, for example an eye clinic.
A step Article From the Christian site livenet, this is a welcome free local help in this medical and social desert, operating since 2021, but preaching the gospel at the same time.
Assistance on a voluntary basis
Behind the initiative is the mega-church Life Church, an evangelical Christian church whose name is emblazoned on large buses. Thank you for the partnership between this church and the volunteers.
Volunteerism is strongly encouraged with slogans such as “loving your neighbor ensures you a bright future” and honoring “those who put the needs of others above their own.” This unusual type of collaboration is a solution to a public health crisis in this American state.
Disadvantages of the process
But there are drawbacks to exercise. On the one hand, this raises the question of conversion. A Muslim or an Atheist who needs medical attention does not need to be told about Jesus.
On the other hand, there is a real danger in allowing the social safety net to be dismantled in favor of a conservative force. According to Philip Gonzalez, a sociologist of religions, the churches are doing the work of the republican principle common to the American South, which is fighting for the minimum possible state and turning social assistance into charitable activity.
precedentsCaregivers working in Franklin Graham’s medical tents were required to sign an ethical charter condemning abortion, esp. [Vanessa Carvalho – Brazil Photo Press – AFP]
Philip Gonzalez also notes that the effort makes him think of Franklin Graham, son of the famous Baptist preacher Billy Graham. Franklin Graham set up medical tents, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic, which his organization called “Samaritan’s Purse”.
But importantly, carers must sign an ethical charter condemning abortion, for example. This practice created an outcry and clearly reflects the tensions that inevitably exist between unconditional aid and conversion.
Gabrielle Desarzens/edel
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