Wealth And Possessions Flashcards
What is materialism?
The view that material possessions, wealth and personal comfort is more important than any spiritual beliefs and practices
After the Protestant reformation how did the view on the value of family life change?
- it lead to a reassessment of attitudes to wealth and possessions
- a secure family life depended on possessing worldly goods and enough money to pay for them
What lead to the development of capitalism?
Britain’s power in Africa, the Americas and the Far East
How was capitalism reinforced in the 19th century?
- was reinforced by the industrial revolution
How did capitalism lead to poverty?
The wealth accumulated by banking, business and trading led to terrible poverty and bad living conditions for those families who came to towns and cities to work in factories
What did Karl Marx suggest against capitalism and did the British society accept it?
- Communism
- No, they rejected it
How is materialism seen at every level of British society?
- those who are wealthy tend to see their continued well-being as dependent on acquiring even greater wealth
- those who are poor see the acquisition of money and possessions as the key to happiness
- material possessions are seen as more important then spiritual qualities
How was wealth regarded in the time of Jesus?
It was seen as a good thing as it was a sign of Gods approval
What was Peters response to Jesus’ comment about it being hard for the wealthy to enter the kingdom of God?
“Then who can be saved”
What did Jesus say in Mark 10:17-22?
He told the rich man that if he wishes to gain eternal life, he must give everything to the poor
What was the parable of the rich man and Lazarus?
- contained a warning of dire consequences for that those who enjoyed great wealth but ignored the needs of the poor
- in the parable, the rich man was reminded that caring for the needs of the poor was at the heart of the law and prophetic teachings
What attitude does early New Testament adopt?
- In the early days, Christians shared everything
- when there was a famine in Jerusalem, Christians in Syria collected money to send to those in need
- the possessions of wealth was not seen as wrong in itself; it was the attitude to it that mattered
What are examples of Christians who have adopted early Christian church?
- The Bruderhof
- Prosperity Gospel
What are the 4 key point on the Bruderhof?
- set up in the early 20th century and has many communities in different countries
- members see materialism as one of the main reasons for the problems having the world today
- live in communities, without personal properties
- make certain vows, one of which is to live simply
What is the Bruderhof vow?
“We pledge to give up all property and to live simply, in complete freedom from all possessions.”
What is the Prosperity Gospel?
A form of evangelical Christianity that views wealth, power and status as rewards from God for strong faith and good works
When did that prosperity gospel develop?
Mid 20th century in US within Pentecostal tradition
What does the prosperity gospel teach?
- teaches that Christianity beliefs and practices will be rewarded by god in terms of material prosperity and physical well being
- members are expected to give generously to evangelistic work and some churches are also involved in social projects
What is the mainstream Christian denominations views on prosperity theology?
- denounce prosperity theology
- don’t adopt the Bruderhof approach
- think that there is nothing intrinsically wrong in having wealth but possession of it entails great responsibility for its use
