Religious Attitudes To Rich And Poor In British Society

Question 1

What is meant by rich?

What is meant by poor?

Answer 1

Rich - having more money than needed for basic necessities (food, home).

Poor - not having enough money for basic necessities (food, home).

Question 2

How do people become rich? (4)

Answer 2

• inheritance money from deceased relatives.
• win the lottery.
• having a talent and being famous (actor, footballer).
• having a well-paid job and saving (doctor, lawyer).

Question 3

Why are some people poor? (4)

Answer 3

• unemployed.
• low-paid job (cleaner, dustbin man).
• wasteful spending (gambling, alcohol).
• in debt (credit cards, mortgage).

Question 4

Christian and Buddhist attitudes to the rich and poor. (2) (2)

Answer 4

Christianity =

• temptation and greed takes peoples attention away from God and should be avoided (“the love of money is the root of all evil”).
• wealth is God-given and Christians should show stewardship.

Buddhism =

• Buddha left a wealthy life for a poorer one because wealth leads to greed and selfishness.
• people are respected for giving up money and possessions.

Question 5

Christian and Buddhist attitudes towards the responsible use of money. (2) (2)

Answer 5

Christianity =

• excess wealth should be shared with the poor (given to charities).
• parables teach about giving riches to the poor.

Buddhism =

• excess wealth should be given to the poor (giver earns good karma).
• excess wealth should be used to help eliminate poverty.

Question 6

How can the poor be helped? (3)

Answer 6

• education and training (courses in maths and English skills / to find work).
• counselling.
• government help (minimum wage, unemployment benefits).

Question 7

The roles of different individuals and organisations in caring for the poor. (2)

Answer 7

• Charities =
  
  • collect and redistribute secondhand clothes to families in need, provide shelter, food and drink to vulnerable (Salvation Army, NSPCC).
• Families / Local Community =
  
  • give up a room for a short while, lend money and clothes.

Question 8

What is the National Lottery?

Answer 8

A programme that gives you a very rare chance of winning a great amount of money.

Question 9

How does the National Lottery benefit people in Britain?

Answer 9

28p out of every £1 is given to good causes - arts (16.67%).

• heritage (16.67%).
• sport (16.67%).
• health/education/environment/charities (50%).

Question 10

Religious attitudes to the National Lottery? (2)/(2)

Answer 10

NEGATIVE =

• all (but Christianity) forbid any form of gambling as it is seen as a way of earning money without doing honest work, promotes greed and laziness).
• risk of an unsuitable winner (rapist, prisoner).

POSITIVE =

• it’s just a bit of fun (money goes to good causes).
• no-one is forced to play the lottery (optional).