What does Christianity teach about human responsibility for the world?

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Religion, Poverty and Wealth

What does Christianity teach about human responsibility for the world?

Christians believe that they have a wide range of responsibilities towards the world. A level of responsibility towards those less fortunate is very important to Christians. Christians believe that it is their duty to help the poor and those less fortunate. A strong Christian belief is that for all who love god, helping the poor is an obligation, not an option. There are many different sources which point Christians towards this view. The main foundations of these beliefs are the Bible, the Church, a Christian’s personal conscience and Christian leaders.

In the Bible, a lot of the Old Testament law is directed towards protecting the poor. Throughout the Old Testament, the prophets appeal for justice and compassion towards the poor from those around them. The New Testament also shows this message; Jesus loves and cares for the poor and sick, he praises those who help the poor and condemns those who do not show compassion to those in need. The story of the Good Samaritan is an example to Christians of how you should ‘love thy neighbour’, and care for anyone in need, not just those you know. The parable talks of ‘passing by on the other side’, to ignore those in need; the poor and those less fortunate, and to carry on as if they are not there. It is this message that the bible strongly opposes – to pay no attention to those in need and to not show compassion is wrong.

Throughout the New Testament, there are many stories of Jesus showing empathy towards the poor. In the miracle story of the feeding of the five thousand, the disciples tell Jesus to send the multitudes away to go and buy themselves food. Jesus replied;

             “They don't need to go away. You give them something to eat.” (Matthew Ch. 14:16)

Christians believe in a final judgement day when god will judge them upon their actions. If they have led a ‘good’ life they will be rewarded with eternity in heaven with God. Where as those who lead a ‘bad’ life will be punished with an eternity in hell. This is shown through ‘The parable of the Sheep and the Goats’ in Matthews Gospel chapter 25. The parable tells of how God will come down to earth and separate the good from the bad as a Shepard would his sheep from the goats.

In Matthew, Ch. 6, Jesus speaks of helping the poor because it is what god asks of you and not because you want praise from your fellow men. From this Christians are taught that showing charity should come from your love of god and not your desire for status among your fellow man;

“So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honoured by men. I tell you the truth; they have received their reward in full.” (Matthew Ch. 6:1-4)

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Christians believe that they will be judged on how helpful and compassionate they have been towards the poor. This judgement will include their motivation; whether or not their intentions were genuine or merely to be honoured by their fellow men. It is the desire for heavenly rewards, not earthly acclaim that should motivate Christians to help the poor in the eyes of God.  

In the Bible most of the teachings to do with helping those in need is in reference to those among your own community, ‘the widows and the beggars’, who live amongst the more fortunate. ...

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