I think American Christianity has become political rather than Biblical. The spirit of Christianity and its lack of interest in politics is well expressed at James 1:27:

Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their afflictions, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world. 

It's a good question worthy of examination. My conclusion is that in America, being a "Christian" is more of a label some people hang around their neck to indicate they are a "good person". They don't really require themselves to do any of behaviors (or only a bare minimum) Christianity would require of them, but they have their sign indicating their supposed goodness. When they spend their time cheating, backbiting, and judging their neighbors, they can simply refer to their label of being a Christian to prove they are a good person. Then they can sleep at night.

For one thing, the way of life from the social structure stand point has been completely different between US and Europe (In general). Here in the US, kids are pushed out to be on their own when they can pull their own weight ( usually after college ). Distance grow between kids and parents over time. At least used to be that way when this was truly the land of plenty. Not so easy when money is tight. On the other hand, Europeans family nucleus stay based around the old folks for generations by adding rooms to the house or buying next door. They stick together therefore elders are better taken care off. It's a culrural thing. I think both options are viable, it's just a choice.

I think it may come down to oppressive economics. Most people don't, because they can't. Not because they don't want to.

Jenkins, Philip, 'Mystics and Messiah's: Cults and New Religions in American History'

What he says is true.

I can't attach religion to community. Animals care for each other and humans would too, without any religious teachings. We were probably already doing it and someone wrote it down.

IDK but I took care of my Mum until her death so we aren't all like that in the US.
Many of us do care.

I know an awful lot of adult caregivers for this to actually be true in the US.

Fundies believe that people are poor, sick and vulnerable because they are "bad" people, therefore they do not deserve help. They believe in the "just world" philosophy - you get what you deserve and you deserve what you get. Sick. USA has a good supply of Fundamentalists.

i have never found the christian ethic to be to nurture the sick and elderly. i have found the main tenet of christianity generally to be to spread christianity, which then teaches the new christians to spread christianity, striking down the resistant along the way.

i would also like to know how in the world you can "overprotect" the sick and elderly. that concept doesn't make sense to me. people who need protection need protection. is there some line not to cross, some point at which we have to let the elderly be abused or the sick further sickened?

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