“Time to end government handouts based on religion”

Marci A. Hamilton writing at Patheos: “We face high unemployment, gigantic government overruns, and serious needs among citizens for meaningful and strong social services. If the federal government is going to subsidize social services, it has the obligation to demand the highest quality. And anyone working with those funds should have to be chosen based on credentials and experience, not religious identity. Any argument for a ‘bye’ just because a group is religious is just bad public policy.”

Joseph Knippenberg responds at First Things / First Thoughts: “There are at least four issues here that require more nuance than Professor Hamilton . . . provides. First, the conflict isn’t always between religious affiliation and professional credentials. Most faith-based social service organizations require some credential other than or in addition to faithful adherence to the organization’s mission.”