a)Describe Christian teachingChristian teaching about wealth and poverty

Do not steal. Do not kill.

A good man leaves an inheritance for his children’s children.

Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the

Kingdom of God

It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man

to enter the Kingdom of God.

“At the end of every seven years…… every creditor shall release what he has lent to his neighbour…”

The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil.

If one of your countrymen becomes poor and cannot support himself, you must provide for him, so that he can continue to live among you.

You must not sell him food for a profit

They sell into slavery honest men who cannot pay their debts……..they trample the poor, weak and helpless, and push the sick out of the way.

“The Synod believes that, as a matter of common humanity and of our mutual interest in survival, the world requires a new and more equitable system of economic relationships between nations.”

General Synod of the

Church of England, 1981

“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.” Roman Catholic Catechism

You can’t serve both God and money

pray and ask for God’s guidance

listen to their conscience, the ‘voice of God’

try to respond in a Christ-like way, asking “What would Jesus do?”

meet together as a church, offering each other support and

guidance

find a practical way to respond, giving their own time and money

try to raise awareness of the issues within the church, in

schools etc.

campaign about the issues, writing to their MP, local paper etc.

organise an event or a protest

read the Bible and find out what other Christians have written

about it

be obedient to what God is telling them to do

be moved by the Holy Spirit that lives inside them

find out what the church position is on the issue

try to bring about: LOVE

PEACE

JOY

EQUALITY

JUSTICE

try to copy Jesus’ example and show:

MERCY

FAITHFULNESS

HONESTY

COMPASSION

FORGIVENESS