Religious Views on Poverty

Aim: to understand what Christians and Buddhists

believe about helping the poor

Starter: name 5 causes of poverty

• Natural disasters – floods, earthquakes

• Politics and corruption• Population growth• World trade• Low wages• Debt• Wasteful spending patterns• Unemployment

Write 5 or more points about what you see/hear.

Mark 6:21'And give to the poor.'

 Luke 6:30'Give to everyone who asks

you.'

The parable of the Sheep and the Goats

Matthew 25 – the Parable of the Sheep and the Goats

Jesus told a parable (story with hidden meaning). When you die, God will decide if you go to Heaven or Hell. “He will separate the people [like a shepherd separates the sheep and the goats].” Jesus said “whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.” This means that people should treat others with care and respect. So, help those in need.

Equality:“God made man in his

own image”

Stewardship:“Let them rule … over

all the earth … to guard it”

Golden Rule:“Treat others as you wish to be treated”

Agape:Unconditional Christian love

Buddhist Teachings

• Metta – loving kindness• Compassion• Eightfold Path – Right Action = being kind to

others is a good action, which also is good karma, which will affect a person's rebirth.

• Buddhists monks live a simple life, accepting alms (charity) from local villagers who provide them with their food (this also gives the villagers good karma). This is not seen as begging but a way of accepting the way of life called the Middle Way (not rich or poor).

How to help – Give to Charity

Some people keep collecting boxes at home or give to charities which make door to door collections.

Christians can help those less fortunate than themselves in a number of ways.

People can give money to charities, give donations to charity shops, or even work for a charity – either full or part-time, paid or voluntarily.

For many Christians prayer is an important part of their support for others, both those who are suffering and those working to help them.

How to help - Prayer

Some people buy products from companies which try to ensure fair trading practices.

Some people get involved in politics to try to change unfair systems.

How to help – Buy Fair Trade

Fair-Trade means… Farmers get a fair price for the crops they produce Farmers have trading contracts, so they can plan for the

future Farmers can join organisations which support them, e.g.

co-operatives Farmers get paid in advance, so they don’t fall into debt

Workers on plantations have decent wages and housing Workers on plantations have decent health and safety standardsSupport is given to provide education and health careNo child labour or forced labour is usedWorker’s rights are respected – men and women are treated equally

How to help – Buy Fair Trade

How does Fair Trade help the FAREMERS and WORKERS?

2 points on each

The Salvation Army: works with people in need. They help in many ways.

It provides a range of programmes and support, including:• 3,000,000 meals served every year at community and residential centres • 79,000 prisoners visited each year in 134 prisons • 3,500 homeless people helped with purpose and relationship as well as housing support every night in 83 LifeHouse centres • 709 local church and community centres • 636 elderly people accommodated every night in 17 residential centres • 300 youth clubs providing a caring environment for young people • 120 drop-in centres offering support and help for people in need • 70 day centres for elderly and disabled people • 50 nurseries and playgroups • 30 Red Shield support centres for military personnel in the UK, Germany and the Falkland Islands • 10 people reunited every working day with their families through the Family Tracing Service

How to help – Work for an Organisation