Money Use of money from earnings, e.g. tithes How can believers use their money? To know religious teaching and attitudes to the use of money. Investigate religious teachings and attitudes on how believers may use the money they have earned

Christian ideas Money is required to buy food and pay for housing and services. If we are unable to earn money ourselves, other people have to provide these things for us. Christians have a responsibility to take care of themselves and their families They should work to make good use of their talents, contribute to society and help those unable to help themselves.

Moral questions money- wise How much money should a Christian keep and how much should be given away to others? The idea of the tithe? Is it acceptable for a Christian to be rich? “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven” Mark 10:24 Are there right and wrong ways of earning money? How important should money be in the life of a Christian?

Christian teachings about having money The Bible teaches that working hard and earning an honest living is good But it should not be the most important part of life for Christians “ Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions” Luke 12:15 The Parable of the Rich Fool What is the message of the story? Jesus makes a contrast in his teachings between “treasures on earth” – material possessions and “treasures in heaven”, possibly the right relationship with God, a good moral character and loving relationships

Money and wealth… “The love of money is the root of all evil” 1 Timothy 6:10 The “love” of money prevents people from giving it away to help the poor. Its hold is so strong that it will even prevent someone from entering the kingdom of God. They would rather keep their money- and stay outside that kingdom. Money offers people some kind of security, whereas it is very risky for a person to put their faith in God. Monks and nuns take a vow of poverty so that any wealth that they have goes to support the community to which they belong.

Jesus teaches that people can only have one master “ No-one can serve two masters…you cannot serve both God and money” Matthew 6:24 “ Riches… can choke you if you do not use them fairly. Let us remain as empty as possible so that God can fill us up..” Mother Teresa Traditionally people have thought being rich was a sign of God’s blessing, God had rewarded them. Jesus taught the opposite, saying that riches could be an obstacle to faith

How should Christians use their money? It is important to work hard and use the talents that God has given Money earned should be shared with those in need. Some Christians feel that they should lead very simple lives and do without luxuries. They can then give to the poor Others feel that they should try to make regular donations to the poor, even if they do not give up everything.

Question Imagine a Christian has a choice: 1) to work with old people in a care home, not earning very much and living a simple life OR 2) to take a job which pays a lot of money so that the Christian could give a lot to the poor BUT the job is with a tobacco company What do you think the religious believer should do? Give reasons for your answer

Gambling…( relate to Sport and Leisure) Conflicting views in Christianity Christians might hold raffles when they are fundraising, some might buy lottery tickets, some might apply for lottery funding when they want to raise money for a church project Schools can benefit from lottery funding ( IT projects) and governors of church schools do not want their students to miss out However – addiction, inequality, obsess with “get rich quick schemes” and lose sight of what is important

Islam and money Muslims are expected to give zakat, money that is given to the poor, usually set at 2.5% of income and 10% of the value of jewellery owned. It is not paid as a favour to the poor, it is an act of worship for every Muslim. It is a duty to help the poor; the earth and its resources do not belong to humans. Everything belongs to God. Giving zakat also carries its own reward-whoever helps a needy person in this life will be blessed by Allah, both in this life and in the life to come. Muslims can also make a voluntary donation, made in secret to help others” there is a man who gives charity and conceals it so much that his left hand does not know what his right hand spends” (Hadith)

Islam, money and employers Generosity in giving brings true happiness and contentment. “ He is not a believer who eats his fill while his neighbour remains hungry by his side” (Hadith) In business, the ideal wage paid to a worker is that which allows someone to have the same standard of living as his or her employer. this ideal can be used as a starting point for solving world poverty. Muslims should not earn money in a way that hurts someone else or results in a loss to someone (haram – forbidden) If it is fair and good for society, then it is halal(acceptable, allowed) Any occupation involving the exploitation of others is forbidden

Hinduism and money How are the wealthy expected to behave in Hinduism? Pay correct wages Take good care of their servants Maintain a daily account of income and expenditure Be kind and charitable to the deserving ones Serve fellow human beings in their illness and distress Spread the right knowledge on earth.

Lending People may lend money or possessions out of generosity, to help a friend in need. Some religious believers think that it is wrong to lend if you are doing it to make a profit. Some people make a business out of lending money at interest ( payday lenders, usury) This can be seen to be wrong as it is taking advantage of people in need and often when they are at their most vulnerable.