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Introduction

G.C.S.E. RELIGIOUS STUDIES COURSEWORK 2002 Name: ASWIN ALEXANDER Center Name: HEBRON SCHOOL Candidate Number: Center Number: . TASK: 1. Write an essay of not more than 1500 words on religion, wealth and poverty. In your assignment you should: A. Describe, analyze and explain (1) The need for world development. (2) Christian teachings on wealth and poverty, charitable giving and charity. (3) The work of one Christian agency working for world development. (12 marks) B. ( 8 marks ) (1) Give your own response to the view that: "There should be no rich Christian as long as there is poverty in this world". Give reasons for your answer, showing that you have considered other points of view. TASK: 1 A: (12 marks) (1) Describe, analyze and explain the need for world development. People living in the developing countries often have a very low standard of living and are deprived of modern medical care. There is a need for world development as the quality of life of many people is below the poverty line. Stopping the spread of diseases by sanitizing, immunizing and educating people will produce a much healthier world. Awareness of family planning, increase female literacy and good knowledge of nutrition with easily available local products will enhance a healthy living. Training of available local nurses at the primary health centers of each village using appropriate technology may reduce child (10 million) ...read more.

Middle

Exodus 20:17Christian compassion Many people in the world seem to think that making money is the main purpose of their lives but this goes against Christian teaching: People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. I Timothy 6:9-10 True happiness is not found in riches or well-being, in human fame or power, or in any human achievement... God blesses those who come to the aid of the poor and rebukes those who turn away from them. Rich nations have a grave moral responsibility towards those which are unable to ensure the means of their development by themselves. (3) Describe, analyze and explain how the work of one Christian agency working for world development. Tearfund is an 'evangelical Christian relief and development charity' working to bring help and hope to communities in need around the world. Last year, Tearfund supported over 500 projects in nearly 100 countries. In partnership with other evangelical Christian groups and churches around the world, Tearfund proclaims and demonstrates the gospel. The gospel underpins all our work as we strive for the physical and spiritual well being of people. ...read more.

Conclusion

I would reply to this saying that people need some money to live and so it would be wrong to take away. A lot of rich people give away a lot of money to charity. But we refer to the story of the poor widow who Jesus praised for giving out of her poverty. People argue that here it is clearly shown that people should give out of their poverty not out of their abundance. I would argue that they don't have to give the money in the first place and that whatever they are giving it still contributes. This doesn't mean that poor people need to do anything for Christianity. They shouldn't say we are poor so we can't afford to give anyway there are many other rich people who can give a lot more. Some argue that the Bible teaches that there should be no rich Christians. I would reply saying that the passages refer to the spiritual riches. In that a rich Christian can take part in philanthropic activities rather than selfish, self-gratifying and material acts If there aren't any rich people then the economy will fall and the scope for development will be less. There will also be less competition and motivation to succeed in life. I think that rich people shouldn't give away money just like that. This can lead to corruption and laziness of people. I think they should set up free medical, education and other such facilities for the public. ...read more.

This student written piece of work is one of many that can be found in our GCSE Charities, Poverty and Development section.