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Religion and Wealth &amp; Poverty

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INTRODUCTION: My coursework is about 'Religion and Wealth & Poverty'. I chose to write about this title because I believe that I have a broader knowledge of this topic. In this project I am going to describe and analyse the needs of world development, the Christian Teachings on wealth and poverty, the work of Christian Aid towards world development, and finally I am going to give my response to the view that there should be no rich as long as there is poverty in the world. Q a (i) The need for world development: From around 1950 - 1985, it was common to name poor countries as 'the Third World' countries. This was because some thinkers divided the world into three sections: * First World - the west (USA, GB, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan). * Second World - the communist countries (USSR, Eastern Europe, China) - These were regarded as poorer than the first world, but richer than the rest of the world. * Third World - the remaining countries e.g. (Ethiopia, Zaire, Mozambique some South American States), considered as the poorest countries of the world. The Third World: When the term 'Third World' comes to mind we think of images of poverty. We seem to decide which country is poor and which is not according to the wealth of the country. ...read more.


Technology is extremely developed in these countries. For example, America has exceptional transport services from busses to underground trains. Most Diseases are easily treated by medicines or by injections. The average life expectancy in the United Kingdom is 76.2 years. Q a (ii) Christian Teachings on wealth and poverty: Christians believe that wealth is something which can be used for good or evil. Christians also believe that when they have wealth, it's a gift from God, not just theirs alone. Here is a quote from the bible telling that if you have the wrong attitude to possession of money, wealth can keep your mind off God: 'True happiness is not found in riches or well-being, in human fame or power, or in any human achievement.' So Christians believe that they must give money to the poor: 'God blesses those who come to the aid of the poor and rebukes those who turn away from them... Love for the poor is incompatible with immoderate use of riches or their selfish use.' The apostle Paul tells us: "For you know the generous act of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich" (2 Cor 8:9). Then he explains that we should care for the poor: "I do not mean that there should be relief for others and pressure on you, but it ...read more.


In a way of helping others they show appreciation. Christians believe that when a person has wealth, it is a gift from God. Luke 14:12-21 brings home the significance of such a practical approach to the poor in this passage. "When you hold a lunch or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or your wealthy neighbours, in case they may invite you back and you have repayment. Rather, when you hold a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind; blessed indeed will you be because of their inability to repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous." I entirely agree with this passage because by inviting friends or wealthy neighbours is mainly for your and their gratification, in addition they have the means to repay you. However, by providing a feast for the disabled or deprived, you seek not the worthy thankfulness but the gratitude of God. Being wealthy puts a person in a powerful position, to influence and be a good role model to other people i.e. Princess Diana. Their actions can help to provide a better way of life for the people in need. Rather than showing it to be charity they should enable and provide opportunities for these people to work and earn their living in dignity. For this will give them their self esteem and pride. ?? ?? ?? ?? Abdullah Gokce - 1 - ...read more.

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