Some definitions related to this subject which you will find useful in the exam:
Justice
Stewardship
Compassion
3rd World Debt
Aid agency
Disaster relief
Development aid
Fasting
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Fair treatment
Using money and other resources wisely
Showing care in a practical way
Money owed by poor countries to rich countries
An organisation working to combat poverty
Aid given to meet immediate needs after earthquakes or famines etc...
Help given to enable people to "stand on their own feet" (e.g. Education/Health programmes)
Going without food/drink for a time to become more sympathetic to the poor
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Christian Teachings
- "Do not store up riches for yourself here on earth. Instead store up riches in heaven." (Matthew 6) This shows that God values spiritual qualities over material riches.
- "Let justice flow like a never-failing stream" (Amos 5) This quote shows God wants justice - caring for the hungry and outcast.
- "He has sent me to be good news to the poor." (Luke 4) Jesus shows he wants to help the poor.
- "You cannot serve God and money." (Matthew 6) Shows the priority for believers is God's will.
- The feeding of the 5000 (Matthew 14) shows Jesus' example of caring for practical and spiritual needs.
- "See that justice prevails in the courts." (Amos 5) shows God wants the legal system to be fair and not biased to the rich.
- "Love your neighbour as yourself"
Christian Actions Against Poverty
Organizations include: Christian Aid, CAFOD, Tear Fund
Christian Aid combats poverty by:
- Publicising the plight of the poor, setting up workers cooperatives (e.g. Nicaraguan coffee growers association)
- Promoting health and education programmes among the poor (e.g. Deccan Development agency in S. India, raising money for Development work)
Christians in general may show their beliefs by praying for greater justice in international trade, helping in house to house collections during Christian Aid week, buying "fairly traded" products, writing to their MP to support cancellation of 3rd world debt, or by sponsoring a child's education in the developing world.
Moslem Teachings
- "He is not a believer who eats his fill while his neighbour remains hungry by his side." (Hadith) Shows Allah wants people to care for a neighbour in need.
- "Visit the sick, feed the hungry and release the suffering." (Hadith)
Moslem Actions Against Poverty
Organizations include Islamic Relief.
- Zakkat (one of the 5 Pillars of Islam) is giving to the poor.
- Fasting during the month of Ramadan helps Moslems to sympathise with the poor as they go hungry for the hours of the fast.
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GCSE Religious Education > World Poverty