Wealth and Poverty

• Christianity:

  B- For religious and non-religious people, poverty is a huge problem and one that could be avoided if people shared wealth more evenly.

  E-"Poverty is not an accident. Like slavery and apartheid, it is man-made and can be removed by the actions of human beings"- Nelson Mandela

  E-Many religious believers therefore feel it is their responsibility to use their wealth and their skills to help those in poverty. This reflects many of the teachings of their holy books and religious leaders.
• Christianity:

  B- Money is neither good nor evil. What matters is the attitude towards it and Christians use their wealth. Christians frown upon greed.

  E- Paul said "For the love of money is the root of all evil"

  E-God provides everything we need. No Christian should worry about money as it shows a lack of faith in God and only makes you selfish and greedy.
• Christianity:

  B- They should avoid making money from activities like gambling because they believe that it encourages a love for money for its own sake and drive greed

  E- "Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income. This is too meaningless"

  E- Makes you become obsessed and greedy with money when in reality whatever you earn will never be enough for satisfaction.
• Christianity:

  B- Wealthy people are likely to be tempted to put their possessions before their spiritual life. This could cause them to struggle to get entry into heaven.

  E- Jesus said "It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of heaven."

  E- The kingdom of heaven is a place where greed and any self-centered gain does not exist.
• Christianity:

  B- Christianity teachings suggest that people should be concerned with developing their faith and relationship with God. Material possessions (wants) are unimportant as you cannot take them with you when you go

  E- Jesus said "Do not store up for yourselves treasure on earth... But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven"

  E- Therefore, being greedy for money in this life will not be rewarded when you die and you will not reach heaven.
• Christianity:

  • Parable of Sheep and the Goats- "I was hungry and you fed me, thirsty and you gave me a drink"= by helping others, they are showing respect to God himself
  • Good Samaritan- "Whoever is generous to the poor, the Lord will repay"
  • Christian Aid puts into practice the teachings of Jesus e.g "Love thy neighbour." They follow the example he set-speaking out against injustice and helping the poor.
• Judaism:

  B-Jews believe that wealth should be gained from honest work and that they should always try to use their money to help others. It is forbidden for Jews to be dishonest in any business deal.

  E- "If you sell land to any of your own people or buy land from them, do not take advantage of each other"

  E- Therefore, Jews believe they will be judged by God if they lie or cheat in order to gain more money.
• Judaism teachings:

  • Compassion- Judaism teaches "Open your hand to the poor and your neighbours in your land who are in need"
  • Tzedakah- taught by the rabbis as a duty that God requires. Jews should give 10% of their income after tax to charity. Maimonides taught about eight levels of charity which ideally should be given anonymously and sensitively in ways which allow the poor to keep their dignity and help themselves.
• Judaism teachings:

  • The Talmud teaches the importance of not being greedy, but having sufficient wealth to survive in comfort.
  • Many Jews believe wealth cannot be taken with you after death so it's importance should be seen in perspective. Also, Jews are taught to be careful that wealth does not become a distraction from their faith.
  • Jews are taught that wealth should be gained from honest work
  • Judaism teaches that everyone has a responsibility to help those suffering from poverty.
• Judaism teachings:

  • Social justice is an important aspect of Jewish communities, where the balance in society between the wealthy and poor can be achieved through helping others
  • Judaism teaches the importance of showing compassion towards others which Jews believe follows the example set by God
• B-The giving of charity is important to many Jews. The commandment of tzedakah encourages them to give to charity.

  E- "Just as God visits the sick, feeds the hungry and clothes the naked, so you do the same"

  E- Emphasises the importance of helping those out who are in need by donating money to charity
• B- Many Jews believe that voluntary work is an important duty since it relates to the commandments to be kind to others

  E-Tikkun Olam (Voluntary service)Many Jews volunteer to take part in the social action programmes abroad in order to help those who are less fortunate.

  E- Since there is lots of suffering, the world needs to be 'repaired' or 'healed' by volunteers to help those in need.