1. Topic 9.2 Religious views of poverty and wealth Christian teachings on wealth

3. (1) Jesus taught that focusing on wealth can lead people away from God Bible teachings - New Testament - Jesus’ teachings ‘You cannot be the slave both of God and money.’ The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 6) 9.2 Christian teachings on wealth

4. (2) Jesus taught that we should pursue spiritual wealth rather than financial wealth. Bible teachings - New Testament - Jesus’ teachings ‘Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth … but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven’ The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 6) 9.2 Christian teachings on wealth

5. ‘ a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.’ and ‘ anyone who stores up things for himself is not rich toward God.’ (the Parable of the Rich Fool, in Luke 12) Bible teachings - New Testament - Jesus’ teachings 9.2 Christian teachings on wealth

6. ‘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.’ (in Matthew 19) Bible teachings - New Testament - Jesus’ teachings 9.2 Christian teachings on wealth

7. ‘The love of money is the root of all evils.’ 1 Timothy 6 Bible teachings - New Testament - St Paul 9.2 Christian teachings on wealth

8. ‘True happiness is not found in riches or well-being, in human fame or power, or in any human achievement, but in God alone.’ Catechism (no. 1723). Church teachings - Roman Catholicism - Catechism 9.2 Christian teachings on wealth

9. 1. Wealth is not in itself a bad thing. (It can be used for good or evil.) Christian philanthropists (eg Thomas Barnado use money for good). 2. Christians should not seek money for its own sake. 3. Christians have a duty to make money so as to provide for their family. Other Church teachings 9.2 Christian teachings on wealth

10. 4. Money should only be earned in moral & lawful ways (i.e., not from exploitation, sex or gambling industries). 5. Many Christians tend to oppose gambling as it can ruin lives, and winners get something for nothing. 6. In business, Christians should act fairly and properly (e.g., never cheat customers). Other Church teachings 9.2 Christian teachings on wealth

11. 12 marks !! For:Against: ‘There should be no rich Christians.’ Discuss.