Explain what Christians believe about their responsibility for the poor. Use Bible Passages and Christian Church teaching to support you answer (16 Marks)

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Religious Education GCSE Coursework

Specification A option 2B

The Effects of the Roman Catholic Tradition on Lifestyle and Behaviour

World Poverty

Question 1

Explain what Christians believe about their responsibility for the poor. Use Bible Passages and Christian Church teaching to support you answer (16 Marks)

        

The definition of the word Christian is “to be Christ-like”. Jesus Christ helped those who were poor both physically and spiritually, therefore it is a Christians duty to act like Jesus and feel responsible for and help people who are in need.

There are many accounts in the Bible in which we are told about the importance of helping our neighbours. In Matthew 5 Jesus states “Love thy neighbour as thyself”. For Christians, “our neighbour” means everyone; our friends, enemies and people we don’t even know.  Therefore the poor are our neighbours and we are responsible for them and we should do all that we can for them. Loving one’s neighbour includes ensuring that one’s neighbour has the opportunity to realise their talents, however some people in the third world have been unable to realise their talents due to their extreme poverty. This means it is a Christian’s responsibility to help them.

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Christians believe that they will be judged on their actions on earth. This is evident in Matthew 6 when Jesus says "Do not store up riches for yourself here on earth. Instead store up riches in heaven." This quote shows Christians today that God values spiritual qualities rather than material riches.

The second of the Ten Commandments that were revealed to Moses by God is “You shall not make for yourself any idol, nor bow down to it or worship it.” Christians believe that money is a false idol and therefore distracts people from God.

The Tenth Commandment states “Thou ...

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