PovertyIn the US and AbroadMaterialism & Living Simply

Living SimplyIn what way is God calling you to

simplify your life? For one week, choose to live more

simply◦Focus on needs over wants, time

management, moderation, reasonable expectations of self and others, embracing silence, flexibility, balance, living in the present moment with the people present, be a peacemaker, generosity of spirit, time with God

Living Simply - SGP“The ability to simplify means to

eliminate the unnecessary so that the necessary may speak.” ~Hans Hofmann

“You have succeeded in life when all you really want is only what you really need.” ~Vernon Howard

Matthew 6:25-27,31-33.Dependence on God.*25n “Therefore I tell you, do

not worry about your life, what you will eat [or drink], or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?26Look at the birds in the sky; they do not sow or reap, they gather nothing into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are not you more important than they?o27Can any of you by worrying add a single moment to your life-span?*31 So do not worry and say, ‘What are we to eat?’ or ‘What are we to drink?’ or ‘What are we to wear?’32All these things the pagans seek. Your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.33But seek first the kingdom (of God) and his righteousness,* and all these things will be given you besides.

Living SimplyRead “Simple Living Isn’t So

Simple”Write a ½ page reflection on:

◦Difference between poverty and simple living

◦What is your idea of “enough?”◦What is motivation for you to live

more simply?◦How is God calling you to simplify?

Option for the poor and vulnerablePreferential option for the poor (pg. 64)The choice to put the needs of society’s

most poor and vulnerable members first among social concerns.

Helping those with the greatest need, physically, spiritually, and emotionally.

On both the personal and societal level.Involves building relationships with the

poor and acting to eliminate injustice.

SolidarityConstant commitment to the

common good, based on the belief that we are all really responsible for all (pg. 70)

A spirit of friendship among all is necessary for a just world.

Cooperation over competition.

Poverty in the U.S.35% of youth grow up in povertyRates of poverty are much higher

for African Americans (1 in 4) and Latinos (1 in 5) than whites (1 in 12)

70% of children in poverty live in a household where at least one relative works.

Poverty in the U.S.Hunger

◦Food insecure, chronic hunger, malnutrition, starvation

Homelessness◦Literally homeless◦Hidden homeless - unsafe homes,

live with others, inadequate housing, housing consumes too much of their income (1/3 of income)

Poverty in the U.S.Complex issue that is often

cyclicalInadequate educationStagnant wages, increasing costsPhysical and mental health issuesHopelessness - people tend to

live for the moment rather than work toward a better future

How do we track progress? GDP (Gross Domestic Product)GPI (Genuine Progress Indicator)

◦http://genuineprogress.net/ general introduction◦http://www.dnr.maryland.gov/mdgpi/index.asp

Acknowledges that human progress for a society has more aspects than mere accumulation of wealth.◦Attempt to quantify what is good and bad for

society but does not have direct economic impact.

◦http://genuineprogress.net/genuine-progress-indicator/ - List of indicators used

Poverty Abroad Over ½ of world population live on less than

$2 per day.Lack of adequate food & water

◦ Problem is not production, but distribution.Homelessness: urban slums, refugeesInadequate educationEffects of colonialism

◦ Extraction human & natural resources, artificial borders set up, wealth and power concentrated in a few individuals

Debt crisis - countries using money for interest payments rather than development

Addressing Poverty AbroadMicrofinance

◦ the supply of loans, savings, and other basic financial services to the poor.

◦https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bpSNM625LFU

◦160 million people in developing countries are served by microfinance

Saving and Internal Lending Communities◦CRS program to creating saving

communities to invest then in local businesses. http://multimedia.crs.org/2012/the-silc-road/

Addressing Poverty AbroadHow can I get involved? Kiva

◦http://www.kiva.org/about/how basic intro◦http://www.ted.com/talks/jessica_jackley_

poverty_money_and_love - Ted Talk by co-founder

goodsearch.com H2O Project periodicallyThe fight against injustice will never

be won, but it is only lost when we do nothing.

Liberation TheologyLatin American ContextDevelopment in a purely

economic sense (wealth) is not what the poor need◦Fails because does not hit the root of

problem.◦Rich and powerful are in charge, and

development solidifies their power.

Liberation TheologyEmphasis on acting on faith, not just talking

about faith◦Building solidarity through service.

Emphasis on building community◦Small groups who live, pray, and act for justice

togetherLiberation theology attempts to empower

individuals and communities to shape their own future

Liberation is from social and political forces, personal and systemic sin that keep people from fulfilling their dignity & potential.

Living SimplyLiving simply - living in a way

that values the sacredness of ourselves, others, and God’s creation more than material possessions.◦Focus on essentials of life - loving

relationshipsStuff - necessary but not

sufficient◦Fulfillment cannot be obtained

through material wealth alone

Materialism & Living SimplyStory of Stuff -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9GorqroigqM&list=PL77CE8943362CB9B0

Poverty of BeingValuing having things more than being

true to who we are as images of God◦Emphasizes having over being

Civilization of consumption - attempt to find happiness by buying what we do not really need. ◦“makes people slaves of ‘possession’ and of

immediate gratification” John Paul II◦“the more one possesses the more one wants,

while deeper aspirations remain unsatisfied and perhaps even stifled” John Paul II

Can loose sight of spiritual & social of self

Universal Destination of GoodsAll the resources of the earth are

intended for all people.Right to property is limited by the

basic needs of the larger community.

Managing resources in a way that benefits the common good.

Materialism & Living SimplyStory of Solutions -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cpkRvc-sOKk

Poverty ReviewOption for the Poor and

VulnerableSolidarityCycle of Poverty and

HopelessnessGenuine Progress Indicator (GPI)Poverty of BeingUniversal Destination of GoodsWays to address poverty abroad

(discussed in class)