"evangelicals learn to love big government"

the wall street journal editorial page ran an article on a new breed of evangelicals who seem to embrace big government ideals to accomplish covenantal responsibilities. though it's a bit awkwardly written, the piece raises a good point by quoting a scholar from the Acton Institute:

"You can't be compassionate with other people's money. Even worse, they're not thinking about the consequences of these policies. They're too busy feeling warm and fuzzy and absorbing liberal ideas."

it finishes with a look at the ONE campaign:

Groups representing more than 40 denominations have signed on to the public declaration of the so-called ONE campaign, whose mission is to dedicate 1% of the U.S. budget to foreign aid each year. ONE boasts the support of George Clooney, Naomi Watts and, of course, Bono. It's all very hip, and very vague. "ONE isn't asking for your money," the Web site declares. "We're asking for your voice." Well, actually, ONE is asking for your money, but the checks go to the IRS rather than directly to charity.

i'm as glad as anybody that the evangelical community is trying to seek creative ways to fulfill its perceived responsibility and work for 'common good', whatever that is. but i agree with the columnist that, if it's their responsibility, they should do it... not the government. between friends, i'm a small government guy at heart.