Wealth and Poverty

Wealth and Poverty summary notes

Causes of hunger Poverty and disease

Inequality between rich west and poor developing /third world
Developing countries have poor water and food supplies / poor healthcare and education /huge national debts often to western countries / often suffer extreme weather and natural disaster
Many argue that exploitation through colonialism in the past and by multi-national corporations contributes to poverty

Christian teaching about concern for the poor

Care for poor was central to Jesus teaching and his example
His two greatest commandments commanded love for God and love for neighbour
Old Testament law instructed people to leave crops in fields for the poor to gather
Old Testament prophets encouraged justice and fair treatment of poor especially widows and orphans
Jesus claimed he came to bring ‘good news to the poor.’
The Roman Catholic Church teaches Christians to have a ‘bias towards the poor,’ because the Bible seems to show God being on the side of the poor.
Jesus said, ‘Blessed are the poor for yours is the Kingdom of God’
In the parable of the sheep and the goats, the righteous feed the hungry, clothe the naked, visit prisoners. They are rewarded at the judgement.
In the parable of the Good Samaritan, a man is commended for helping out a victim of robbery who would have been his enemy.

Christian teaching about use of wealth

Christians believe money is not sinful but loving it more than God is.
‘The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil’ – A generous attitude prevents love of money
‘It is easier for a camel to get through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter heaven.’
‘A man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.’
The early church sold their possessions and used the money to help the poor and needy
The Tythe Christians are taught to give a tenth ...

Christian teaching about use of wealth

Christians believe money is not sinful but loving it more than God is.
‘The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil’ – A generous attitude prevents love of money
‘It is easier for a camel to get through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter heaven.’
‘A man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.’
The early church sold their possessions and used the money to help the poor and needy
The Tythe Christians are taught to give a tenth of their income to the church which will use that money to help the poor.
Roman Catholic teaching states that ‘God blesses those who come to the aid of the poor.’
‘Rich nations have a moral responsibility to help those who cannot ensure their own development.’
Christians may donate to, join campaigns or volunteer to help Christian aid agencies like Christian Aid, CAFOD, Tearfund
Some Christians may run businesses in order to earn money which they use for the poor, others give large sums away to help the poor.
Some churches like the salvation army make work amongst the poor a key area of their lives.
Jesus taught that charity should be given privately not to impress people.

Christian teaching about moral and immoral occupations

Christianity has no rules on types of acceptable job however:
Christians would avoid making money in ways that exploit the poor or which involve sinful activities
They would avoid investing or working in prostitution, pornography, the tobacco industry and the arms industry.
Doctors and nurses would avoid involvement in abortion
Christians would also avoid gambling and investments which involve excessive risk
Christians often choose caring professions such as teaching, nursing, medicine or those jobs which help others in charities, the environment and social work in order to follow the example of Jesus. In whatever job they do, they will try to be a light representing Jesus. The Bible calls them ambassadors of God.
Liberation theology grew up in S. America and encourages workers to challenge oppression and injustice in the workplace / industry etc. It calls this – structural sin.

Muslim teaching about concern for the poor and use of money

Mohammad taught that spiritual gain was more important than material gain when he challenged the greedy and selfish traders and merchants in Mecca
In Medina he was involved in caring for the poor and the suffering
All riches and wealth are believed to come from Allah
Central to wealth and a response to poverty is Zakah

Zakah and Ramadan

Zakah is a Pillar of Islam requiring Muslims to give a portion of savings to charity
The purpose of Zakah is to purify wealth from greed and selfishness and encourage thought for the less fortunate.
‘Be steadfast in prayer and regular in Zakah’ Surah 2
It is an act of Ibadah (duty and worship to Allah)
Muslims must give 2.5% of savings.
There are various other aspects of wealth which a Muslim must give a part of including produce and livestock from farms, jewelry and income from rent.
Zakah money is used for the poor and needy, for travellers and redemption of slaves and for the sake of Islam.
Extra Zakah may be given at festivals of Id-ul-Fitr and Id-ul-Adha
Additional voluntary charity called Sadaqah may also be given to the poor.
Zakah also purifies the poor because it frees them from the temptation to jealousy.
During Ramadan, when fasting Muslims will think of the poor who don’t have food and will share the feast of Id-ul-Fitr with their neighbours as an act of charity.

Islamic Charities

Islamic Aid seeks to make short and long term improvements in the lives of people affected by poverty, war and disaster.
Islamic Relief Mission aims to end the suffering of the world’s poorest people.
These organisations are motivated by the teaching of the Quran
‘If anyone saves a life it is as if he has saved the whole people.’ Surah 5
Muslims may donate to or campaign for or volunteer for these kinds to charities.
Charity should be given privately not to show off.

Moral and Immoral occupations

Some occupations are forbidden by the Quran
Any activity which involves earning money through interest (riba) is Haram
‘That which ye lay out for increase through the property of others, will have no increase with Allah’ Surah 30
This means involvement with banking and mortgages needs to be done in a way consistent with Shariah
People in debt should be treated sympathetically
All forms of gambling and lotteries are also forbidden
This makes receiving charity raised through lotteries difficult for Muslims
Any work which involves the alcohol or sex industry is forbidden – they are seen as the work of Satan (surah 5)
Muslims are encouraged to put work into perspective by following the pillars of Salah prayer and Sawm – fasting during Ramadan.
Islam does not have a day of rest but Muslims should try to stop work and attend the Mosque for noon prayers on a Friday Salat-ul-Jumu’ah