The above factors pose problems for the developing world, as being already financially weak, they find it hard to overcome these problems and fall further into debt and poverty. All the factors are linked. For example, world debt will mean many poor people who cannot provide an acceptable living standard for themselves as their countries are struggling to repay the borrowed money and the extra interest. They become ill and illiterate and again the country cannot recover as it has a weak workforce.
Trade occurs internationally, between nations whatever their financial status is. Between the developed world and developing world, the trade usually benefits the developed world and is the only way for developing countries to earn some money forcing them to agree to unfair deals. They begin to produce ‘cash crops’ and rather than feed their inhabitants provide the produce for trade with the wealthier nations who gain immensely from overpricing the items they bought at a cheap price. The inhabitants of the producing nation face problems of hunger, which intertwines, with other subsidiary problems. For example malnutrition, which means, the population is unhealthy, as it does not have the right raw essentials for good health. The population can also be illiterate and these factors mean it is an ineffective workforce that forms a weak and unstable economy and a country in poverty.
Other subsidiary factors that affect the livelihood of citizens are lack of clean water and standard education. The problems usually originate from poverty. Lack of medical aid also affects the country negatively. An ill and uneducated workforce forms the basis of a weak, demoralised nation. These factors result in greater poverty and have long-term effects as one problem segues into another.
b) Explain how the teachings of Christianity and one other religion on wealth and poverty could help relieve poverty.
Christianity has several messages it promotes on the issues of wealth and poverty. The churches derive their teachings from the Bible using the Old Testament, the New Testament and the teachings of Jesus during his life. The Old Testament is the source of Christian teachings over equality issues. Christians consider equality an important aspect in considering the issue of wealth and poverty. Genesis 1:27-31 implies all men and women are creates in the image of God and are, therefore equal in his sight. This teaching summarises Christian views on equality. Christians do not discriminate against people for their wealth but do emphasis a person’s wealth does not give them superiority over others.
The Old Testament also emphasises that Christians should not hold money to be of the highest regard and their greed should not force them to steal or cheat their fellow brothers. The teaching Deuteronomy 24:10-15 tells Christians “do not cheat a poor and needy hired servant” whether or not he is of your kin or not. This leads to the general attitude held by Christians that it is their duty to give to the poor willingly and not become greedy. The Old Testament clearly orders men to ”share your homes with the poor” showing the ideas of equality and compassion for your neighbour present in Christianity.
The Testament also warns against the temptation and negative aspects of being rich.1 Timothy 6:9-10 says, ”people who want to get rich fall into temptation” and “many foolish and harmful desires”. For Christians, it reminds them of the worthlessness and snares of money and the need to share to use the money as it was intended.
The teachings of Jesus are explicit and precise. They have definite intentions and messages. Jesus told several parables such as the story of Lazarus and the rich man who ignored him in his last, most desperate moments of poverty. (Luke 16:19-31). The rich man went to hell for his ignorance and nonchalance towards the poor men he could help. Christianity encourages men to share so that everybody is well provided for.
In the New Testament, Jesus tells the story of the good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) who also cared for another. A quote directed to rich men who see “a brother in need”, recorded in 1John 3:17-18 instructs “our love should not be just words and talk; it must be love, which shows itself in action.” This embodies the message that the bible radiates. It urges the rich man to share and look after his brother and avoid greed. It tells “give to the poor and you will have riches in heaven”(Mark10: 21) promising reward for good conduct on earth.
All denominations of Christianity follow the belief that as Christians they have a strong duty to the poor. The Catholic Church believes a majority of difference in wealth within the world are due to our new society has institutions which encourage ‘structures of sin’. The Anglican Church also believes society is biased negatively for the poor and needs to be reformed. The churches support groups like CAFOD and enforce a strong sense of their duty to the poor.
The teachings of Christianity and the Bible help relieve poverty and could in future help even further through new fresh campaigns. Their teachings inspire many people to help in the struggle against poverty and not just Christians. The actions prompted by the churches’ influence over many people and Christian literature have led to organisations like charities that help relieve poverty and improve the lives of many in the developing world.
Islam does not deny wealth and riches in the world. It also does not ignore the significance of money. However, Islam does stress several guidelines in its literature and practice for its followers as regards wealth and poverty issues.
The Qur’an stresses that all items on earth belong to Allah and that you do not really own the money you possess on earth. It also warns of Allah having no love for those” given to excess” (Surah 5:90) and this is a message against greed. It tells Muslims that they entered this world ‘naked’ and will leave in the same condition. The Qur’an emphasises the futility and small worth of things if they are not given away. The tone of the Qur’an suggests that Islam gives significance to donation to the poor.
The Qur’an emphasises the importance of charity. In Surah 2:274 it tells that “those who in charity spend of their goods” “have their reward with their Lord”. This encourages Muslims to help the less financially fortunate.
Mohammad is also clear in the message he delivers regarding wealth. He warns that with great amounts of wealth “you could not buy your place in the Hereafter”. This reinforces the idea that earth wealth has no value in heaven and Allah dislikes excess. Mohammad also warns against lack of compassion in the world saying a man who” eats his fill while his neighbour remains hungry by his side”(Hadith) is not a true believer. Therefore, it is clear to Muslims their duty to the poor and less fortunate is a crucial part of being a diligent believer.
Islam aims for life to be a test for Allah’s vice-regent (men, his representation on earth). Life is Akirah, preparation for life to come. The test for men of riches and poverty are set by the Qur’an and Hadith which calls for the rich man to realise that wealth is a gift decided by Allah. Wealth must be used for good and sharing to prove your belief resisting misusing your wealth. The poor are called upon to have patience and remain within the law.
The teachings of the Hadith and Qur’an have resulted in the practices used in the Muslim community today that means Islam relieves the situation of world poverty. Muslims have developed three main ways of fulfilling their duty to the poor and practising correct use of wealth. The third pillar of Islam is Zakah. It is an act of ibadah (worship) and Muslims annually donate a percentage of their wealth for good causes. The word means ‘growth’ or ‘purification’ which is what is attained for both the recipients of the funds and the givers who show their compassion for brothers within the umma. Zakah rates vary according to wealth but it aims to relieve the inequalities of the international financial situation.
Islam also helps by giving Zakat-ul-fitr. They donate money (gifts) at the end of Ramadan and during Ramadan through fasting attempt to relate with the poor. Muslims give generously to the poor and help once more to relieve world poverty. Muslims also emphasis the importance of Sadaqah. This involves practising a good deed. This helps as many of theses deeds have an indirect or direct affect on poverty.
c) Outline the work of one religious agency working for world development and explain why it does this work.
Christian Aid is an organisation that aims to help people in poverty in the developing world. British churches founded it in 1945. Its criteria focused on aiding European refugees who, at this time point were suffering due to the consequences of World War 2. The group enjoyed some success from their hard work and the aim widened to encompass the large task of helping those, often in absolute or relative poverty worldwide.
The group does not have a project of its own and does support the projects of other groups in its field regardless of its religious leanings. The group puts the ideas of compassion and ‘love for your neighbour’ to practice and uses he teachings of the Bible and churches to drive its work. It remembers, Christian’s vocation to the poor and works using this as its stimulus. Jesus remind us constantly of the reward of “riches in heaven” for fulfilling the duty (Mark 10:45) and this can serve as an inspiration personally for Christian Aid volunteers.
Christian Aid raises its funds through a door-to 0door envelope system in the UK. It holds sponsored events to raise cash flow and receives voluntary public donations and occasionally government grants are awarded to organisations with aims like Christian Aid. It collects mostly in May annually.
Unlike the approach of many governments which is simply to award money to developing countries, Christian Aid work on long term project that will help those in poverty maintain themselves. They work on the policy “Give a man a fish, feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, feed him for life”. Therefore, they teach the local communities how to maintain and use the new systems built for them as well as just providing the essentials. An example of this is the support Christian Aid has given towards constructing wells in the developing world. The wells will mean a safe source of water, which is one of the major causes of death in the developing world. The wells are simple to use and this means they can be maintained.
Christian Aid supports local organisations believing they understand the needs of their community best they support local groups for example rather than individuals. They have offices in the United kingdom, as well as sixteen offices abroad dealing with natural disasters and other problems that can be causes of poverty, for example HIV is a serious illness affecting a population and its productivity, leading to poverty. Christian Aid’s main aims to destroy poverty and work wherever the need is greatest. Therefore, out of every pound they receive only 2 pence goes towards funding the running of their organisation. The rest is spent on the issues regarded most importance, as shown in the pie chart below.
Christian Aid do not import items into countries in need but buy necessities abroad with the funds raised. As the chart shows three –quarters of the money raised is used against poverty. They believe their work will relieve poverty but is not enough to globally end poverty. They do campaign against the roots of poverty feeling this is the solution to ending poverty. Like some churches, they believe the current world structure aids to the growing problems of poverty. They emphasise that it is many decisions that affect the developing world that worsen the situation. They challenge injustice and inequality, the origin for this belief being the Gospel. They also follow to views of Jesus and want everyone to have the decent life and quality of life God invites them to have.
The campaigns of Christian Aid have led to much improvement and many conferences like those held by ‘The Jubilee 2000 Coalition’, founded in1996 campaigning against what they consider major factors in poverty, in this case, the coalition campaigns for the cancellation of all debts. Although, this has not yet occurred the work of this organisation has aided people in poverty within developing world countries like Uganda for example. They have to date been considered a successful group.
d) ‘You cannot be truly religious and rich’. Do you agree? Give reasons showing you have considered other points of view.
A widely discussed topic is the belief that one can have great amounts of wealth and yet be classed as being religious. Some believe they have sufficient reasons to say that one who owns a large sum of money is therefore as a result of this, unable to be considered a faithful follower of any religion. The term ‘rich’ applies to those who are wealthy in comparison to the average wealth of others in the society they live in. To be ‘truly religious’ however means that a person has the beliefs of the religion they choose to follow. They also display and practice their beliefs faithfully. Due to some religious teachings and personal opinions, the statement in question is avidly supported by various people.
Many people in the world are Christians and therefore look to religious institutions and literature for guidance. Currently, Christianity supports the teachings of Jesus
, who encouraged Christians to remember that they are all of equal importance in the eyes of God. Jesus encourages sharing and instructs those considered rich to give to the poor.
