If we are going to treat people as equals we have to educate ourselves about others culture’s. Knowledge enables a better understanding. This better understanding will prevent fear and without this there is a greater tolerance and respect. People who have respect won’t discriminate or tell racist jokes enabling people to get on with their lives without the worry of prejudice comments.
We should be educating children about the wrongs of racial behaviour to prevent them becoming embroiled in racist behaviour. However children aren’t the only people who should be taught, others need to be dissuaded against this behaviour.
Jesus was anointed in the home of Simon the Leper. Lepers live outside their village or town. They were not allowed to mix with healthy people and had to call out ‘unclean, unclean’ to warn people not to come near them.
At the time of Jesus, many skin diseases were classed as leprosy and the unfortunate sufferer had to move out of his or her home. As many skin conditions weren’t leprosy, they disappeared in time. An individual could return home if declared free of the disease by the Priest.
Matthew Chapter 10 Verse 8:
“Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give. ”
The fact that Simon is home again means he was free of the disease, however he is still called Simon the Leper, and therefore his disability has not been forgotten. By visiting his home, Jesus is showing that he regards disabled people as important as able bodied.
Christians work with many organizations to improve conditions of the disabled. The Shaftesbury Society is an example of one such organization. It provides residential care or support in people’s homes. The Shaftesbury Society believes that it is putting Christian teachings into practice by supporting over 2000 people with a disability in the country and allowing opportunities for the disabled to improve.
Jesus identified himself with the poor, so that caring for the poor is the same as caring Jesus and ignoring the poor is the same as taking no notice of Jesus. Christians believe that caring for the poor is a very important part of their faith. Christian therefore believe that they have a duty to care for those in need. It is an expression of Agape love, reflecting belief that every life is of value as being made ‘in the image of God.’
Luke 6: 20-21
“Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied. Blessed who weep now, for you will laugh. ”
Christian Aid is an agency of churches in the U.K and Ireland, Christian Aid works wherever the need is greatest, irrespective of religion. The organization believes we all have a role to play in ending mass poverty. With the money which is provided they want to be able to strengthen people to find their own solutions to the problems they face. As Jesus wanted and preached, Christian Aid strives for a new world, transformed by an end to poverty and campaigns to change the rules that keep people poor.
Amos described how the people had been so greedy that instead of thinking about God on the Sabbath, they had been wishing that it would soon be over, so that they could get back to making money. The poor were shown to have a special place with God. All of the Gospel writers show that Jesus taught a message of love for others and concern for weak.
Amos 5, 23 – 24 :
“I hate, I despise your religious feasts; I cannot stand your assemblies. Even though you bring me burnt offerings and grain offerings I will not accept them. Though you bring choice fellowship offerings, I will have no regard for them. Let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never – failing stream. ”
In today’s society there are still many who are poor and hungry. Organizations such as CAFOD; which is a major British charity that has been fighting third world poverty since 1962 show that poor have a special place in society by recognising their needs and they turn their concern into actions.
CAFOD believe, as Jesus taught, that caring for the poor is a very important aspect of society. They believe that all human beings have a right to dignity and respect and that the world’s resources are a gift to be shared by all men and women.
Long development programmes with some of the world’s poorest countries include: education, skills training, health care, safe water and agricultural and small business development.
In the Old Testament there are plenty of occasions when the people are given laws by God which make it clear that they are to care for the poor and treat them with justice. Loving God involves keeping the commandments; the people were told time and time again that they should respond to God by caring for each other, especially those on need.
Mark 10, Verse 21:
“Jesus looked at him and loved him. “ One thing you lack,” he said. “ Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. ”
When Jesus told the Rich Man to give to the poor he was using this as one example, this does not necessarily mean that the poor are the only people that need care.
It is wrong for us to live a comfortable lifestyle and enjoy luxuries when there are people around who need help.
We do not necessarily have to give up all our possessions as the Rich Man was asked but we can offer our services by doing voluntary work.
Places such as hospices provide a shelter for patients who have no hope of recovering. The hospices help those who are less fortunate than ourselves by relieving pain and taking care of emotional needs. They are approximately 200 in the country providing care for over 2000 patients.
In Christianity, helping the poor is not just a choice which some people might like to make if they are feeling particularly kind or they have a bit of spare money. It is the duty of the Christians to care for the poor and the weak, it is something which they must do, it is an obligation. They are many ways in which Christians can to do this and mentioned in the previous paragraphs. This enables Christians to follow the teachings of Jesus in the twenty-first century.
Bibliography
‘This is Christianity’ – Michael Keene
‘Christian Responses’ – Libby Ahluwalia
‘The Christian World’ – Alan Brown
‘GCSE R.E for you, Christianity and Moral Issues’ – Anne Jordon
