Theology of Poverty - 3073 Words

Theology of Poverty: Analysis of the Historical Christian Response to Poverty in America, in the Context of our Biblical Calling By Jonathan Yang Professor: Dr. Victor Ezigbo Course: Christian Theology (THE 201) November 21, 2011 Bethel University Table of Content I. Intro A. Statement of problem pg. 1 B. Thesis Statement C. Statement of Relevance II. Two major Opposing View A. Prosperity Gospel 1. Explanation 2. Argument I 3. Weaknesses/critiques B. Holistic Perspective 1. Explanation 2. Argument I 3. Weaknesses/critiques III. Person Position IV. Conclusion I. Introduction Statement of Problem Poverty has always been a very prevalent issue†¦show more content†¦Consequently, this issue urges me to seek a more holistic approach to poverty and spread such understanding to be constantly lived out by followers of Christ; that faith without works is dead, and vice versa (James 2:14-26). Within this paper, I’ll explore and discuss these two opposing perspectives/response to poverty, in doing so I’ll come up with an conclusion that will readily help a Christian to better understand why he/she is responsible to the poor. II. Two Major Opposing Views A. Prosperity Gospel Perhaps one of the most debated â€Å"gospel† within the history of protestant church; is known as the Prosperity Gospel. Believers of such â€Å"gospel† believe in the intertwining of economic and faith. That one who is faithful to God would receive financial and economical â€Å"blessings† upon his/her life, therefore the â€Å"fruits† of one’s faith is widely connected with monetary gains. Consequently, the more faithful one is to God the more abundant of monetary â€Å"blessings† that one would receive. This view connects the concepts of one’s â€Å"faithfulness† with socio-economic status; the idea that one’s current poor socio-economic status is due to the unfaithfulness within or rather the existence of lingering sins within one’s life. In contrast, those who are more â€Å"faithful† and have lessShow MoreRelatedHistory Of South American Poverty And The Development Of Liberation Theology1451 Words   |  6 PagesLiberation Theology â€Å"But the poor person does not exist as an inescapable fact of destiny. His or her existence is not politically neutral, and it is not ethically innocent. The poor are a by-product of the system in which we live and for which we are responsible. They are marginalized by our social and cultural world. They are the oppressed, exploited proletariat, robbed of the fruit of their labor and despoiled of their humanity. 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