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Concern for the Poor

Wealth and Poverty

Ethical Issues around Concern for the Poor

As discussed in Causes of Poverty, there is disagreement about who is responsible for poverty - whose fault it is. However, even if it was not our fault, there is a question about whether we have a responsibility to help those who are poor, simply because we can.

We have no responsibility to help the poor

Some people argue that we are not naturally responsible for anyone other than ourselves. We choose to live in society, and thereby agree that we will follow the rules, for example, respect other people's property, because we too want our property respected. This would only count within our own society. Out of kindness I might help someone who is starving abroad, but I am not responsible for them and do not have to do this.

In fact, if I felt I was responsible for people who are starving, I ought to sell everything I have and give that money to the poor. I am clearly not required to do this at all, the argument goes - it is entirely up to me who I do and don't help.

We must help the poor

Other people, including most Christians, think that 'with great power comes great responsibility'. Okay, that was just aimed at Spiderman, but the principle is good, and it's based on the Golden rule, which is one of Jesus' key teachings but also comes up in all main religions.

The Golden Rule says I should act in a way that I would want you to act if I was you. To understand this, imagine you were about to go and live in a brand new town with new roles and rules. You are asked "Should some people live as slaves, working hard with no reward, whilst others live in luxury?" You must answer before you know whether you would be a slave or master. In other words, you should ask "What would I want people in the richer countries to do if I was poor"

So, I should help the poor because I would want to be helped if I was poor.

A balanced response

A more informed response would take from both positions above. It is worth noting that 'the poor' don't generally want or need 'handouts'. They want to be able to help themselves, so a lot of emphasis is on making things fairer for everyone.

The wealthy countries can easily afford to help stop poverty from killing millions of people. As it is in their power to easily do so, it seems only right for the developed world to do more to end poverty. However, this can be taken too far. have a clear responsibility towards my own family, and should not sell our home to give the money to those in developing countries.

There is also a lot of concern about how money is used. Aid in emergencies is one thing, but regular aid in other circumstances can lead to corrupt governments spending less on the welfare of their people and more on weapons.

Most Christians set aside a percentage of their income (the Bible suggests 10%) which they give to carefully selected concerns.

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