Rich and Poor in Britain
Wealth and Poverty
Wealth – A large amount of money
Poverty – being without money, food or basic needs
What is poverty? No home? No TV? No food? No Car? No Pets? No heating? No cigarettes?
Top footballer wages …. £250,000 per WEEK!
Religious Views
Religions acknowledge that there will always be rich and poor
However they think that a person should
always be valued and shown respect.
They do not think that people should be
exploited.
Religious views
Religions teach that spiritual reward is more important than riches. Wealth is
not important in the after life.
Christianity: Money should NOT take your attention away from God
Islam: wealth is a blessing from Allah and should be used to help others
Can you be religious and Rich?
Do you think it is possible to be religious and rich? What are some of the issues involved?
Definitions
Fat Cat Salaries / Excessive salaries - Large amount of money earned – bonuses given
Rich? -
MarriageNew product - Microsoft Relatives Talent – football / Actors Lottery Inheritance – left money Shares
Equality?
Do you think its is morally right that some people in Britain earn a "fat cat" salary whilst others live in poverty?
Poverty
Unemployment – some people can not find a job especially in today’s climate where a lot of shops / companies have shut down
2.49 million unemployed in UK some have little education others are too lazy. The homeless can not get a job or people with criminal records
Poverty
Low wages- there is a minimum wage but millions of people still only earn low wages. Partly because some jobs do not require skills.
It can mean people go without things like electricity and heating
Poverty
Wasteful Spending: Some people spend their money on alcohol or gambling
Debt – Credit cards can have high interest rates, mortgages for houses may suddenly rise
What does poor really mean? a) Children – dependant on adults, clothes
different, feel left out, bullied, no sleepovers!
b) Adults – Guilt, helplessness – Christmas
c) Young people, 1/5 unemployed, drug abuse
d) Elderly – State pensions not enough – heating, fuel poverty
Overcome Poverty
Poverty Trap – Not being able to break out of poverty
Education – Qualifications help with jobs
Government Help – Job Seekers, Housing Allowance, Minimum Wage, Tax Relief
Counselling – Help to make Career choices, Citizens Advice
Religious Views
All religions teach that people should use their wealth responsibly. God expects people to use it to help others, as well as themselves.
Everyone has a duty not to be greedy and selfish
Religious Views
Religions teach that
responsible use of money helps a person’s spiritual growth. donate to charity and help the less fortunate.
Christianity and Money
People should use their talents to earn money but money should not take away people’s attention from God.
You cannot serve both God and Money
Christianity and Money
Most church communities, including youth organisations, get involved in raising money to support
charity work.
Christianity and Money
Christians remember Jesus teaching to help the poor - He told rich people, to give their riches to the poor.
He also praised a poor widow for giving a tiny amount to the poor, saying she had in fact given more than the rich who had given larger amounts. He said this is the way to build ‘riches in heaven.’
Islam and Money
Wealth is a blessing from Allah and should be used to help others. True richness is richness of the
soul.
Islam and Money
Islam teaches that the value of money is in what it can do, rather than what it is.
Muslims believe that because
wealth is a blessing from Allah, it should be used wisely for the benefit of the poor, as well as for oneself.
Islam and Money
Often families will help each other to provide assistance with business opportunities and interest-free loans.
Zakah, the third pillar, ensures that all Muslims give 2.5% of their wealth to the poor every year.
Voluntary sadaqah encourages giving extra
Who Cares?
Local authorities – social workers / government help
Charities / Religious organisations – provide food and clothes
Help the aged Salvation Army – Christian charity
Families
Islam and the Lottery
Islamic teachings forbid any form of gambling, including the national lottery
For every person who becomes richer as a result of gambling, many others become poorer.
Muslims will not bid for lottery funding for projects supported by their faith,
Christianity and the Lottery Some Christian denominations (e.g. Methodists)
do not agree with gambling,
but other types (e.g. Church of England, Roman Catholics) whilst not actively encourage gambling, will allow believers to gamble in moderation.
‘Good causes’ funds have been used by some Christian charities has provided finance for the up keep of churches and cathedrals.