Do the teachings of Jesus promote poverty?

[roger1440]

The so called Mother Theresa certainly thought it did.

To the point where she allowed people to suffer when their suffering could have been very easily eased. Then justified it by saying that it bought them closer to god.

That being said in a magnificent case of hypocrisy when she herself was suffering she got was flown all around the world to get the best medical treatment possible.

Do you have a link or a quote?

 

[savagewind]

The so called Mother Theresa certainly thought it did.

To the point where she allowed people to suffer when their suffering could have been very easily eased. Then justified it by saying that it bought them closer to god.

That being said in a magnificent case of hypocrisy when she herself was suffering she got was flown all around the world to get the best medical treatment possible.

This looks like a new pov. I never put her on a pedestal like many people do but I should defend her from that comment. I am sure it is not she who provides her own medical treatment and flights. The church does. Your beef is with the church I think.

 

[outhouse]

This looks like a new pov. I never put her on a pedestal like many people do but I should defend her from that comment. I am sure it is not she who provides her own medical treatment and flights. The church does. Your beef is with the church I think.

In context this thread deals with what is taught and promoted in and by the church.

How does jesus teachings promote poverty, he explained very clearly a credible example.


many people pervert the teachings of others. No religion is founded without perverting a religion before it.

All religions evolve through plagiarization of others.

 

[savagewind]

I think sometimes, but not always, suffering can cause a drawing close to God. I do not believe Mother Theresa had a life free from suffering. I believe she chose to suffer on purpose. I can't imagine she was a hypocrite. The Church is. I am sure every last church and religious organization is hypocritical. It is because they stand righteous. That is what it is about. I shouldn't say because I don't know her, but my guess is Theresa did not stand righteous in her own eyes.

 

[metis]

I think sometimes, but not always, suffering can cause a drawing close to God. I do not believe Mother Theresa had a life free from suffering. I believe she chose to suffer on purpose. I can't imagine she was a hypocrite. The Church is. I am sure every last church and religious organization is hypocritical. It is because they stand righteous. That is what it is about. I shouldn't say because I don't know her, but my guess is Theresa did not stand righteous in her own eyes.

She had some real doubts as to whether there's a God, and yet she was committed to her role in helping the extreme poor. IMO, she was a "saint", but not in the RCC sense of the word.

 

[Sapiens]

Mother Teresa: Anything but a saint…

Researchers dispel the myth of altruism and generosity surrounding Mother Teresa

Mother Teresa: Anything but a saint…

 

[Sha'irullah]

They teach poverty if you ask me but I am not fond of useless allegory so how would I know.

 

[Estro Felino]

Mother Teresa: Anything but a saint…

Researchers dispel the myth of altruism and generosity surrounding Mother Teresa

Mother Teresa: Anything but a saint…

Regardless of what the article says (I did read it), Mother Theresa is an almost perfect example of Christian lifestyle.
If she really said that poverty and suffering are necessary, she's totally wrong.

Christianity is about joy, happiness, welfare. It is certainly not about pain.
It is devilish to think that suffering is necessary to attain perfection, because perfection is reached through freewill.
Altruism is a choice. It doesn't imply any suffering,

 

[Terrywoodenpic]

From another thread two posters are in disagreement.

I have to say there is no way Jesus' teachings promote poverty! The reason why is poverty is a word for shortage and many other negative things.

I think he does promote a simple life. A simple life and a life lacking life's necessities are not the same.

I would suggest his teachings promote suffiency.
He did this at a time when suffiency was not the expectation. And far from certain.

This is true for the majority of the worlds population even today. Even in first world countries personal sufficiency is mostly defined by a continuing pay check.

 

[The Neo Nerd]

Mother Teresa: Anything but a saint…

Researchers dispel the myth of altruism and generosity surrounding Mother Teresa

Mother Teresa: Anything but a saint…

These are definitely the main points of my objections to her.

If you get a chance read Christopher Hitchens' "The Missionary Position" it is a short read and goes further in depth to just how much of a money grabbing sociopath that woman was.

 

[Estro Felino]

She had some real doubts as to whether there's a God, and yet she was committed to her role in helping the extreme poor. IMO, she was a "saint", but not in the RCC sense of the word.

You know...once I talked to the bishop of my town, in private. I asked him: "What is the greatest opponent of the Church?" He replied me: "God. Because we Christians choose to compete with Him. Every day, we priests and Clergymen, we help the people in need to show God that we are better than Him. It is a restless challenge"

That's why the Catholic Church has become rich and powerful. It was to show God that man doesn't need God to do good. and when the Church helps the poor, it's the church who does it...not God, who is worth less than zero-

People think that we Catholics love God more than humans. That's a lie. We are not very fond of God, actually

 

[amo yaw]

I agree because he say seech yee the kingdom of God and all will be added

 

[s2a]

From another thread two posters are in disagreement.

I have to say there is no way Jesus' teachings promote poverty! The reason why is poverty is a word for shortage and many other negative things.

I think he does promote a simple life. A simple life and a life lacking life's necessities are not the same.

The OP question was, " Do the teachings of Jesus promote poverty?".

I would answer, NO.

Jesus was no more an advocate of poverty then He was of promiscuity, debauchery, or disease.

What the "teachings" of Jesus put forward for all that listened to hear, was the simple notion that "poverty" was a lacking of monetary wealth. That's all. NO deficiencies in moral, ethical, or compassionate expressions of basic humanity.

"Wealth (monetary)" was never His message. Numerous passages in Biblical scripture support that premise.

Then again, there is no "promotion of poverty" presented as a "good thing" either, it is instead offered as some "undeniable" aspect of human existence...which is why even Jesus fails in this preached premise. But that is another thread for another day....

 

[jidex]

From another thread two posters are in disagreement.

I have to say there is no way Jesus' teachings promote poverty! The reason why is poverty is a word for shortage and many other negative things.

I think he does promote a simple life. A simple life and a life lacking life's necessities are not the same.

true treasures lie in heaven and are attained by acts one earth during our life.
Primarily by living a Holy Life and being a witness.
In that sense giving is the currency that produces real rewards for us not receiving
Hence be rich in spirit and faith

 

[LightTraveler]

"Jesus said that you should share everything you have and give it to the poor. That promotes poverty."

Not quite. Poverty only exists because of the existence of an elite class of rich aristocrats who seek dominion over everything including Heaven itself.

 

[Renji]

From another thread two posters are in disagreement.

I have to say there is no way Jesus' teachings promote poverty! The reason why is poverty is a word for shortage and many other negative things.

I think he does promote a simple life. A simple life and a life lacking life's necessities are not the same.

Well, if the view came from a pessimistic person, the answer would be yes.

 

[Harikrish]

Jesus was unemployed and at 30 remained unmarried. He talked about the new kingdom to come where man should save his treasures. And of course he would have all authority over heaven and earth.

Hardly a message of poverty but rather a glimpse into the size of his ambition.