In one of the more creative arguments I’ve seen in a while, William Martin, the Harry and Hazel Chavanne Senior Fellow in Religion and Public Policy at the James A. Baker III Institute at Rice University, argues that needle exchange programs are what Jesus would have advocated for, had they been around in Biblical times.
In an op-ed in the Houston Chronicle, Professor Martin acknowledges that Jesus had nothing to say about needles, but that he looked out for the downtrodden and outcasts in society, which in modern times certainly could include drug addicts, IV drug users, and those who are afflicted with diseases spread by sharing needles. He goes on to argue: ‘Needle-exchange programs save money, demonstrate compassion, preserve lives, and offer a helping hand to people in desperate need. These are criteria for public policy that thoughtful religious people can support with a clear conscience.”
It’s an almost bizarre argument, but oddly, one that I don’t think is wrong. Perhaps social Conservatives, and Christians more broadly, should take another look at their own teachings and consider whether Professor Martin has a point and whether there is room for needle exchange in their world view. It could have a huge impact on public health and public policy.
Summer Johnson, PhD