Religious Attitudes to Poverty LO: To evaluate Christian and Muslim responses to World Poverty Starter: Write down a Christian and Muslim quote which shows how religious believers should help those in need.

Religious Teachings…  Most religions will agree that it is important that we should help and assist those in need. This links to teachings about justice, stewardship and compassion.  Each of these key concepts depend on people actually doing something proactive to combat world poverty.  Both Christians and Muslims believe that God/Allah is kind, merciful, compassionate and just. It is therefore their duty to continue His work through stewardship/the Ummah.

Christianity  Main Christian teachings are taken from parables such as the good Samaritan. The parable teaches Christians that they should help everyone, regardless of their beliefs or background.  Many Christians volunteer or have helped in setting up charities such as Christian Aid, CAFOD, Tearfund and World Vision in order to help reduce poverty.

Islam  Muslims believe wealth is given by Allah and it should be shared for the good of all humanity. One of the Five Pillars (five fundamental beliefs/aims for all Muslims) is Zakah – the giving of 2.5% of earnings to charity. Zakah is given annually to a charity of the person’s choice.  Muslims do not agree in the charging of interest on loans as this could be seen as exploitation. This often helps the poor as it reduces repayments and helps to prevent accumulating debt.  Islamic charities such as Red Crescent and Islamic Relief aim to assist LEDCs reduce their debts and also help people living in deprivation.

Justice  Justice is often portrayed as a set of balanced scales. It is related to fairness. If something is just, it is considered to be fair to all parties. While we often refer to the term ‘justice’ when thinking about crime and punishment; it is also used in reference to the conditions many people in LEDCs have to live in – they do not have access to clean water and they may be dying from starvation. To many this is ‘unjust’.

Stewardship/Ummah  The idea of stewardship comes from the Creation Story in Genesis. God gave Adam stewardship to look over the world and take care of it. Many Christians see this as a direct instruction from God to ensure people are valued and well looked after. They will often work and volunteer to help those in poverty.  Muslims believe in a similar responsibility as being Allah’s Khalifahs (stewards). They also believe in the Ummah, which is the community of Muslims (brotherhood). Muslims feel it is their moral obligation to help each other especially in times of need.

Compassion  Compassion is something that as humans makes us differ from other beings on earth. We have the ability to have strong feelings towards another person due to their unfortunate circumstances.  Christians and Muslims believe God/Allah is compassionate and feels for His creation when He sees them suffering. In order to carry out His work on earth, many religious believers will make donations or volunteer to help those in need.  Christian Aid and Islamic Relief are charitable organisations that use people’s compassion to raise money to help those in need.  Using Page explain the aims and work of Christian Aid and Islamic Relief.

Exam Practice  Explain the meaning of the concept of justice, stewardship and compassion (3)  ‘People were created with compassion so we would care for each other’. What do you think? Give your opinion (4)  ‘People do not have a duty to help others.’ What do you think? Give your opinion showing you have thought of more than one point of view. Refer to religious teachings in your answer (6)

6 marks are never 2 FAR  2 Reasons For  2 Reasons Against  2 Religious