Response+to+Poverty+Ethics+Blog

Because some countries are still developing, __world poverty__ is an issue that many religions face and conclude their own beliefs in how to respond.

Poverty is not a leading issue for Hindus. It does however appear in few texts. In context of //artha//, a Sanskrit term meaning the pursuit of wealth or material, poverty is repugnant and material wealth is important. For example, Gopalan (1977:75) states that the absence of material wealth and well being will most likely hinder moral growth (Morgan). Some Hindus believe that the reason for poverty is due to living badly in another life. (“Hinduism: Concern for Others.”)
 * Hinduism**

In order to build good karma for themselves, Hindus believe that the wealthy should help the poor. (“Hinduism:Concern for Others.”) Furthermore, Gopalan (1977:84) explains that a wealthy conscious should share their wealth with the less fortunate (Morgan). Charities in India such as CAF and and the Bhoodan Movement have been created as a way to give back. Along with these charities, many Hindus give large sums __of money__ to schools and hospitals.

Aside from other Hindus, Gandhi, who led the Indians in a path of nonviolence, had a different opinion toward the poor. Gandhi thought that it was wrong to believe that the poor are getting what they deserved from a previous life. Instead of disregarding that poverty exists, he believed that every person is a part of //Brahman//, the ultimate reality, and reaching //Brahman// can be achieved by helping each other (“Hinduism: Concern for Others.”)

Hindus all in all have a limited view towards starving people, and believe that to destroy poverty altogether is unrealistic (Morgan).

As a member of YHL, and a person who wants and enjoys helping people in other areas or countries, I find it interesting that the Hindu’s do not pay much attention to the issues going on in their own surroundings. Yet even in the United States, I think we fail to recognize issues that may be going on.

**Sources**

Morgan, Peggy, and Clive Lawton, ed. //Ethical Issues in Six Religious Traditions//. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press, 1996. Print.

“Hinduism: Concern for Others.” //BBC News//. BBC. Web. 13 Feb. 2013.

Buddhists believe that poverty is basic to all other problems in society (Morgan 90). The end of the Green Buddhist Declaration presented to the fourteenth General Conference, The western economist E.F. Schumacher continues on this point by saying that this individual simplicity combined with global planning approach is needed not just for famine relief in a certain situation but as a sustained relief. Buddhists want to help those in need, but they also want to totally improved the economic conditions (Morgan 91). Buddhists may have got this view from the Buddha himself. For the Buddha, social class or caste mattered none. Furthermore, although the Buddha was seen upon as the highest, he took part in forms of the lowest such as begging with a bowl in hand walking through the streets (Smith 89). "The venerable Gautama bids everyone welcome, is congenial, conciliatory, not supercilious, accesible to all" (Smith 89). Therefore. Buddhists view poverty as one of the simple issues of society, and like the Buddha, support famine relief and help those in need.
 * Buddhism**
 * "We believe that since world resources and the ecosystem cannot support all peoples at the level of consumption of the advantaged nations, efforts towards global equity must be coupled with efforts towards voluntary simplicity, in one's individual life-style and through democratically-determined policies. The economic structures which encourage consumeritic greed and alienation must be transformed" (Morgan 91).
 * "Regardless of how far individuals had fallen or been rejected by society, they received from the Buddha a respect that stemmed from the simple fact that they were fellow human beings. Thus many an outcaste and derelict, encountering for the first time the experience being understood and accepted, found self-respect emerging and gained status in the community" (Smith 89).

One thing I did not note previously is that Buddhists view material wealth without spirituality unsatisfying. I find this refreshing because although we look towards prosperity and strive for it within our lifetime, it is not everything. I think it goes back to the saying that goes something like "Money does not buy happiness." I also find it admirable that the Buddha, although born of power, ignored it and payed everyone with respect. I think we get caught up in prosperity, and sometimes look down upon those less fortunate, yet we are all beings. And instead of sinking into our own ego, we should stand up and help more.

Very interesting posting, Michelle.

Morgan, Peggy, and Clive Lawton, ed. //Ethical Issues in Six Religious Traditions//. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press, 1996. Print.
 * Sources**

Smith, Huston. //The World's Religions//. New York. Harper Collins, 1991. Print.

Jewish ideas about poverty suggest that the poor are viewed with empathy, and the thought of assisting poverty is rooted in the Bible. There are differences however, between the charity that took place in biblical Israel and the post-biblical era.
 * Judaism**

During the biblical time period, charity was believed to benefit the poor and also the people aiding them. This is explained in the Prophets and the Writings and biblical Wisdom Literature, which states, "Human beings should imitate God in their material beneficence, for which God will reward them in return. Treating the poor with kindness is like lending to God; the giver will receive divine reward for his generosity" (Proverbs 19:17). This shows that aiding the poor is a type of responsibility toward God. Throughout the post-biblical era, laws of the Bible regarding a duty to the poor did not apply, yet charity continued. Public charity was also developed (Cohen).

This compassion not surprising, considering that Jewish peoples had always brought prosperity to their country, and the distribution of wealth was a huge concern to them. And since the world is becoming aware of other countries' societies as well as their own, the Jewish responsibility toward the poor will continue to grow. An example of Jewish ethics occurred in 1956. At this time Israel was still weak, but that did not keep them from establishing a program of aid to Third World Africa.

Although Jews make up only a fraction of the world's population, they have always taken an active role aiding the poor (Morgan).

I think that this last example of Jewish principle stands as an example for other countries. As I stated earlier, in today's society, we are more aware of what is going in other countries, and by Jewish example, when a country is in need, we should not be so hesitant to assist. I also find it interesting that showing assistance toward the poor is not only done for themselves but God.

Morgan, Peggy, and Clive Lawton, ed. // Ethical Issues in Six Religious Traditions //. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press, 1996. Print.
 * Sources**

Cohen, Mark R. "Poverty and Charity in the Jewish Community of Medieval Egypt". //Princeton University Press//. Princeton University. Web. 7 Aug 2007.

**Christianity** Christians feel responsible toward the poor for two reasons. The first one is because there is a teaching of Jesus where the poor are said to be blessed (Luke 6:20) and deserving of concern (Mark 10:21). Secondly, Christians believe that it is their moral responsibility to help make right some of thing wrongs that have been done to Third World countries such as India and Africa.

One way in which Christians give back is by giving money that may provide the needy with a meal or a place to sleep. However, many other religions give back as well, yet this is where Christians may step beyond other religions. Christians are involved in long term projects such as building hospitals or training doctors to aid Third World countries. Some examples of Christian organizations are Christian Aid, Tear Fund and CAFOD (Catholic Fund for Overseas Development). Some other organizations that are not specifically Christian are Oxfam and War on Want (Morgan).

These Christian ideas to help the poor spring from the teachings of Jesus. Here are some examples below: Other ideas come from the Declaration of Human Rights such as:
 * "And Jesus concluded, ‘In your opinion, which one of these three acted like a neighbour towards the man attacked by the robbers?’ The teacher of the Law answered, ‘The one who was kind to him.’ Jesus replied, ‘You go, then, and do the same" (Luke 10:36-37).
 * "For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me" (Matthew 25:35-36).
 * "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed" (Luke 4:18) (Christianity: Concern for Others).
 * "All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood" (Christianity: Poverty and Wealth).

I think the Christian response to poverty can be looked at from other religions as an example of what we should be doing. I really liked the fact that Christians are trying to make up for the wrong that was done to countries such as India and Africa even though the Christians were not the ones who did wrong.

It seems that there is a reoccurring theme here. It seems that these religions aid the poor in respect of their God. For example, in Buddhism, the Buddha himself took part in the lowest forms although he was seen as the highest. And again in Judaism, it is seen. The Jews imitate God hoping that God will reward them in return. And lastly, Christians get their ideas from the texts which support aiding the poor. I think that it is great to notice that all of these religions try and help in some way.

Morgan, Peggy, and Clive Lawton, ed. // Ethical Issues in Six Religious Traditions //. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press, 1996. Print.
 * Sources**

"Christianity: Poverty and Wealth." //BBC News//. BBC. Web. 29 April 2013.

"Christianity: Concern for Others." // BBC News //. BBC. Web. 29 April 2013.

**Islam** Although some Muslims are in fact wealthy, due to the discovery of oil, many still lack the necessities of life. Muslims are responsible for the care of all human beings. And therefore, the welfare of those in need is part of the divine responsibility (Morgan).
 * "The generous man is near God, near Paradise, near men and far from Hell, and the ignorant man who is generous is dearer to God than a worshiper who is miserly" (Hadith).

This is where //zakah// comes in. This is the purification of wealth by payment of a welfare due. This is an act of duty for Muslims, and ensures that no harm can come to them. It is 2.5% of their income after their families are taken care of, and it acts as a form of social security providing food and shelter. //Zakah// is viewed as the poor worshiping //Allah// and accepting His wisdom. The poor, in this case, are also helping the rich to store up true riches with //Allah// (Islam: Concern for Others). Another form of charity is called sadaqah, and other names of charities include Muslim Aid and Islamic Relief.

However, lending money is forbidden of Muslims if the lender is benefiting from interest. Therefore, there are facilities where Muslims are able to borrow money with out the lender making interest. Another rule stated in the Qur' an says that Muslims cannot profit from alcohol, gambling, or burglary (Islam: Poverty and Wealth).
 * "And do not eat up your property among yourselves for vanities, nor use it as bait for the judges, with intent that ye may eat up wrongfully and knowingly a little of (other) peoples' property" (Surah 2:188).

It was interesting to read about //Zakah// in Islam because it was the first time that a religion mentioned a form of social security as a response to poverty. It was also interesting to find out how it is an obligation to be a part of //Zakah//. It seems that Islam is rather strict when it comes to money and poverty. And once again, like in other religions, the Muslims aid the poor in respect of their God. I think this shows how powerful beliefs can be.

Morgan, Peggy, and Clive Lawton, ed. // Ethical Issues in Six Religious Traditions //. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press, 1996. Print.
 * Sources **

"Islam: Poverty and Wealth." // BBC News //. BBC. Web. 20 May 2013

"Islam: Concern for Others." // BBC News //. BBC. Web. 20 May 2013.