12-15-04
Is it Christian to help the rich get richer at the expense of the
poor? Jesus teaches generosity to the poor and that we should not refuse "him who would borrow from you.” Jesus taught
us to look constantly for ways to give. “You received without paying, give without pay.”
Jesus taught us not to be focused on wealth, money and the desire
for more and more of at the expense of all else - particularly the poor.
Unlike some radical Christians who have declared the belief these
days, Jesus did not say wealth and prosperity was equal to righteousness while the poor deserve their lot,
"Woe to you, blind guides, who say, `If any one swears by the temple,
it is nothing; but if any one swears by the gold of the temple, he is bound by his oath.' You blind fools! For which is greater,
the gold or the temple that has made the gold sacred?"
Jesus spoke against corruption and greed in government.
"Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint
and dill and cummin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law, justice and mercy and faith; these you ought to
have done, without neglecting the others. “
Jesus condemned caring for only the "worthy poor." The Levite (supposedly
a righteous priest, minister or preacher), walked around the wounded victim on the highway telling himself "My morale values
are not your morale values. Actually your morale values make you unworthy of my charity."
The Samaritan only said, "Here, let me help you and take care of
you."
Jesus said "Go and do likewise."
Jesus warned those who deliberately or casually ignore the poor and
suffering.
"There was a rich man, who was clothed in purple and fine linen and
who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus, full of sores, who desired to be fed with
what fell from the rich man's table; moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. The poor man died and was carried by the
angels to Abraham's bosom. The rich man also died and was buried; and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes, and
saw Abraham far off and Lazarus in his bosom."
Jesus did not say that the health and well-being of children can
be ignored.
“Whoever gives to one of these little ones even a cup of cold
water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he shall not lose his reward."
