I think that most regular NPR listeners, including me, are on board with helping “the least of these brothers and sisters”.
The issue I have is when NPR uses sources theoretically representing “the least of these brothers and sisters” who do one or more of the following:
- refuse help
- actively sabotage themselves or their situation
- leave out key details of the story
- lie about key details of the story
It’s these types of folks who both undercut the veracity of NPR coverage and push away moderate listeners (again, most of whom are on board with helping those in need).
I disagree on this viewpoint entirely. You should not help the least, but the most. Collectivism improves society, which also includes individuals. Now, this isn't to say you should never take an individualistic standpoint. But to do so with balance.
>> Matthew 25:40 “The King will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”
ps. re: a bible quote, I am either an atheist or at best a radical agnostic in the James Randi tradition of "I don't know - and you don't know either".