Wealth and Poverty

Christian teachings on wealth Christians believe that wealth can be used for good (charity) or for evil (buying weapons) In the parable of the rich man (Luke 12:13-21), Jesus told the story of a rich man who stored extra grain. He would not share this. He stored the grain so that he could have a good life. However, he died before he could enjoy that wealth. The Christian Church has always taught that Christians have a duty to make money to provide for themselves and their families. They should do this without exploiting and usurping people’s rights.

Muslim teachings on wealth Islam teaches that wealth is a gift from God and is something that should be shared. Islam has always taught that people should provide for themselves and their families. They should do this in a way that is lawful and moral. Islam teaches that Muslims should avoid usury because it is a system that makes the rich, richer and the poor, poorer. The Qur’an says that “God has permitted trade and has forbiddon usury (lending and borrowing at interest).”

Christianity and Stewardship Christianity teaches that God created the universe and everything in it. This means that that Christians should regard the whole of creation as a gift from God. God gave man the Stewardship of the earth and its resources (responsibility to look after so that it can be passed onto the next generation). In the parable of the Talents (Luke 19:11-26), Jesus taught that God expects humans to pass on to the next generation more than they have been given.

Islam and Stewardship Islam teaches that God made Adam his Khalifa (steward) to look after the earth for him. The Prophet Muhammad said that God made Muslims his stewards so that he could test them. These teachings mean that Muslims have to look after the earth and its resources.

Why should Christians Relieve Poverty? Christians believe that all humans are equal in the eyes of God, and that all the good things of the earth have been given to humans by God to use to help each other. Jesus told the Parable of the Sheep and the Goats about the good and bad people being separated at the end of the world, just as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. The good would be sent to heaven because, as Jesus said, “When I was hungry, you fed me …” The good people wanted to know when they had ever done this and Jesus said. “When you did it for the least of my brothers, you did it for me.” This means Christians should look after the poor. In the sermon of the Mount (Mathew 5-7), Jesus taught that Christians should share their time and possessions with those in need.

Why should Muslims relieve Poverty? In Islam sharing wealth is not optional, it is necessary. All wealthy Muslims must give 2.5% of their wealth to charity. This is known as Zakah and is one of the pillars of Islam. In addition to Zakah, Muslims are also encouraged to give Sadaqah (optional alms). Muslims are also encouraged to give people interest-free loans. For these reasons Muslims help to relieve poverty in LEDCs. Muslim charities like Muslim Aid and Islamic Relief support charity work in these countries.

The Causes of World Poverty Wars – Wars destroy crops, homes, schools, hospitals, etc, causing even more poverty. They also force many people to leave their homes and become refugees in safer countries. Natural Disasters – Earthquakes, hurricanes, tsunamis and other natural disasters can result in homelessness, poverty and loss of life. Debt – Most LEDCs have to borrow money from International banks to develop. These are charged at very high interest rates. Unfair Trade – Trade policies mean that poor countries have to sell their crops at very low prices. AIDS/HIV – These diseases are spreading across the LEDCs. The poor cannot afford the medication to control the diseases. Other factors – Lack of education, lack of clean, fresh water, low life expectance all result in poverty for LEDCs.

Explain why there is a need for world development The United Nations made a Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. It specifies that everyone is free and equal. Everyone has the right to a good standard of life. Everyone has a right to education. To fulfil these rights, everyone should be working for world development. We now live in a “Global Village”. This means that the rich countries need the poor countries to provide coffee, copper, uranium and other important resources. If poor countries are left out, they may attack richer countries.

Christian Aid 1) Christian Aid was set up in 1945. It was originally based in Europe. It now works in over 50 countries around the world. 2) Christian Aid raises money through fundraising events. They also receive government grants. 3) The charity provides ‘Emergency Aid’ to deal with emergencies like the recent flooding in Bangladesh. They do this by sending food, medication, blankets and other essentials to the country in need. 4) The charity also offers ‘Long-term Aid’. In these projects they provide people with the means to look after themselves. In Sudan they taught women how to make perfumes so that they could earn a living.