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