RICH and POOR in SOCIETY

Who are the rich? Ways in which people tend to become wealthy in this country are:- Ways in which people tend to become wealthy in this country are:- 1. The aristocrats – inherited wealth; land 2. Industry and commerce owners – stocks and shares; golden handshakes; fat cats 3. ‘Strike it rich’ – talent or lucky? Or both! – entertainers; sportsman and women; lotto winners

What are the moral issues connected with ‘the rich’? Distribution of wealth is unfair? Distribution of wealth is unfair? Is it right to pay enormous salaries? Is it right to pay enormous salaries? Should we tax the rich more? Should we tax the rich more? Holy books like the Qur’an and the Bible have much to say on this issue e.g. – “It is much harder for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God than for a camel to go through he eye of a needle” (Mark ch.10 v.25) and “Riches are sweet and a source of blessing to those who acquire them by the way; but those who seek them out of greed are like people who eat but are never full” (The Hadith) Holy books like the Qur’an and the Bible have much to say on this issue e.g. – “It is much harder for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God than for a camel to go through he eye of a needle” (Mark ch.10 v.25) and “Riches are sweet and a source of blessing to those who acquire them by the way; but those who seek them out of greed are like people who eat but are never full” (The Hadith)

Who are the Poor? There are two kinds of poverty There are two kinds of poverty 1.Absolute poverty – no income to buy even the basics like shelter, food and warmth 1.Absolute poverty – no income to buy even the basics like shelter, food and warmth 2. Relative poverty – people who are poor compared to others living in the same country 2. Relative poverty – people who are poor compared to others living in the same country

What are the moral issues connected with the poor? Minimum wage – good or bad? Minimum wage – good or bad? Single parents Single parents The unemployed The unemployed The homeless The homeless “A home is more than having a roof over one’s head” Decent housing means a place that is warm and dry and in reasonable repair…” Church of England report 1985 “A home is more than having a roof over one’s head” Decent housing means a place that is warm and dry and in reasonable repair…” Church of England report 1985

The Lotto The principles:- 1) D istribute large sums of money to a wide range of good causes 2) T o give people a chance to win sums of money that are beyond their wildest dreams

The moral cost of the Lotto? Islam bans gambling in any form for its believers because of the moral harm it can do. Islam bans gambling in any form for its believers because of the moral harm it can do. Church leaders are worried that the Lotto might cause divisions in society Church leaders are worried that the Lotto might cause divisions in society People are unable to cope with a big lotto win People are unable to cope with a big lotto win Long term relationships at risk? Long term relationships at risk?

Christianity and wealth “What God the Father considers to be pure and genuine religion is this: to take care of orphans and widows in their suffering and to keep oneself from being corrupted by the world” (James ch.1 v.27 “What God the Father considers to be pure and genuine religion is this: to take care of orphans and widows in their suffering and to keep oneself from being corrupted by the world” (James ch.1 v.27 The needy – Sermon on the Mount The needy – Sermon on the Mount Wealth – Rich young ruler; tithe; covenant; wills; charities Wealth – Rich young ruler; tithe; covenant; wills; charities Cafod; Christian Aid and Tear Fund Cafod; Christian Aid and Tear Fund

Islam and Wealth “Richness does not lie in the abundance of worldly goods, but true richness is the richness of the soul” (Hadith) “Richness does not lie in the abundance of worldly goods, but true richness is the richness of the soul” (Hadith) Zakat Zakat Sadaqah Sadaqah Red Crescent and Islamic Aid Red Crescent and Islamic Aid Judgement day Judgement day

Who should look after the poor? The Government? Families? The Local Community Charities? Help the Aged Special events “Recall the face of the poorest and the most helpless man whom you have seen and ask yourself if the next step you take is going to be of any use to him” (Gandhi)

What do you need to know?  What are the possible causes of wealth and poverty?  What are our attitudes to the minimum wage and ‘fat cat’ salaries?  Who is responsible for the poor?  What is the role of the Lotto?  What is the difference between absolute and relative poverty?  Why is the gap between rich and poor growing?  What are the responsibilities of employers?  Is Britain a materialistic state? What problems might be faced by someone who finds that they are suddenly rich? What problems might be faced by someone who finds that they are suddenly rich? Why is the wealth in this country seemingly unfairly distributed? Why is the wealth in this country seemingly unfairly distributed? What can we do about the above? What can we do about the above? What does Christianity say about wealth? What does Christianity say about wealth? What does Islam say about wealth? What does Islam say about wealth?