The Poor Are Always With Us

Over at Get Religion there is an interesting post credited to Mollie, entitled “Blessed Are the Poor”.

Not too surprisingly in these days of financial turmoil, people are flocking to religious groups, and especially houses of worship for help. The results are that while donations are down, the needs of the people, especially the lower and middle classes are mounting. These needs are for financial information and marital counseling, as well as financial assistance.

The truly interesting news is how major news sources reporting on religion are actually including real religion in news stories on the topic, such as when a minister relevantly quotes from the Bible.

Mollie also questions how the newspapers are covering the crisis and religion, saying she is reminded of the, “old saw, I believe coined by Tom Lehrer , about how the New York Times would cover the end of the world: “World Ends: Women, Minorities Hardest Hit.”

Mollie’s article inspired me to comment, which I include below:

“I say the New York Times would not cover the end of the world as everyone associated with it would have run somewhere to try to take cover! Just like most everyone else would do.

In times of crisis we look for safety and security. The religious organizations have people in need (including spiritual need, flocking to them now as these groups are seen as offering safety and security from the cares of the world.

Jesus said “Blessed are the poor in spirit.” That refers to a kind of humility — the kind Moses had, which was submitting to the Will of God.

There is NOTHING scripturally correct about being poor. In fact, throughout the Bible there are promises of the many blessings, both spiritual and worldly that will be given to those who love the Lord with all their heart, mind, soul and might.

That willingness to give up everything (part of one’s might) is a Job like attribute. One could become materially poor like Job. However, at the end, Job’s fortunes were more than fully restored!

So that someone is wealthy, including living in a wealthy community like Greenwich does not immediately indicate that the person does not love the Lord.

However, all Christians and Jews are called upon to give to those who are in physical need. That is lovingkindness . Other religions include this concept also.
Last time i looked we very much had a separation of Church and state, so from a biblical point of view, the government of the USA is not obligated to care for its poor citizens. We have government programs only because citizens, many of whom are Christians or Jews or believe biblical principles, are in favor of such charity programs.

Time when many people are experiencing less financial or material wealth have almost always been times that produced spiritual wealth for the people of the USA. As the financial problems grow, people are flocking together on the Internet into spiritual social networks and groups. Faith and spirituality are flourishing on the web, including through this web site.

If history is an indicator, we can prepare for some new understandings that include the promises and a new outpouring and revelation of The Divine purpose for our lives.

Churches , synagogues, and temples, etc., where people’s spiritual needs are being met will survive — and possibly increase. Perhaps there will be fewer gala events and more pot lucks, but people will support what brings them closer to God.

And giving to those in real need does that.

I wrote the book, The Art of Seeing The Divine to share the new way I have learned to see the world with those who have a “poorer” vision. My purpose its to change the way we actually see the world, to help others see with a new vision that inspires, enlightens, comforts and empowers.

Come and see more at The Art of Seeing The Divine.

Tags: Bible, charity, christianity, churches, donations, financial crisis, Get Religion. Jesus, Job, Lord, lovingkindness, poor, poor always with us, religion