poverty
Most of the world’s inhabitants and peoples live in poverty. Why is this? Is it enough to blame it on those who are poor, saying that they’re irresponsible, lazy, and make poor decisions? Are the governments of their countries responsible for the situation? These and other things are undoubtedly real reasons for poverty. Yet deeper and more universal causes of poverty and inequality are less often discussed reasons.
Essays
poverty and religion
“…freedom is not regarded as complete as long as there are others who are in need.” This question was asked by Turnusrufus of Rabbi Akiva: “If your G-d loves the poor, why does he not sustain them?” He answered him, “In order that we be saved from the judgement of purgatory”. (Explanation: after death, each individual is judged
for his deeds on earth. Helping others through giving charity helps us to receive a favorable judgment.) He said to him: On the contrary, it is this that should condemn them to purgatory. I will give you a parable to what this is comparable. A human king got angry at his servant, and put him in prison. He commanded that no one should give him food or drink. One man went and gave him food and drink. When the king heard this, he was angry at that man. And you are called servants, as it is written (Leviticus chapter 25): “For to me are the children of Israel servants”.
for his deeds on earth. Helping others through giving charity helps us to receive a favorable judgment.) He said to him: On the contrary, it is this that should condemn them to purgatory. I will give you a parable to what this is comparable. A human king got angry at his servant, and put him in prison. He commanded that no one should give him food or drink. One man went and gave him food and drink. When the king heard this, he was angry at that man. And you are called servants, as it is written (Leviticus chapter 25): “For to me are the children of Israel servants”.
1/2010
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