This thread is inspired by the conversation in the recently-revived thread on the implications of Christian ethics for designer clothing. It struck me that there were a number of interesting points raised that were not being discussed or even acknowledged; I hope this will present an opportunity to look more closely at theological explanations or explorations of poverty. What is poverty? What does God think of it? Why does God allow us to experience it? Should we embrace it? Struggle against it? What about when others experience it?
There were a lot of interesting little tidbits in the thread, but the one that sticks out to me right now comes from Catholicity:
http://www.theologyweb.com/campus/sh...l=1#post284289
The obvious counterexample is the long tradition of mendicant orders like Franciscans, Dominicans, etc (St. Francis, according to legend, spoke extensively about "lady poverty" as a woman whom he was courting). These religious orders were supposed to own nothing and live only on what others gave them. It would seem odd to say that God would not call people to panhandle (legally or not) when so many people throughout history have felt called by God to enter into vows of poverty and utter dependence on others for their material needs.
One definition of poverty that I find potentially useful comes from liberation theologian Gustavo Guttierez, who allowed several different understandings of poverty, but the understanding that sticks out to me is that poverty, ultimately, means suffering an "unjust and early death".
In case y'all couldn't tell by the time-stamp on this post, it's late at night when I type this, meaning my inhibitions are low enough that I'll post a new thread, but that also means that my capacity to provide useful insights is even more diminished than my inhibitions. I nonetheless hope we can all get some interesting thoughts out there.
There were a lot of interesting little tidbits in the thread, but the one that sticks out to me right now comes from Catholicity:
http://www.theologyweb.com/campus/sh...l=1#post284289
But I can assure you that God would NOT call anyone to be an illegal panhandler.
One definition of poverty that I find potentially useful comes from liberation theologian Gustavo Guttierez, who allowed several different understandings of poverty, but the understanding that sticks out to me is that poverty, ultimately, means suffering an "unjust and early death".
In case y'all couldn't tell by the time-stamp on this post, it's late at night when I type this, meaning my inhibitions are low enough that I'll post a new thread, but that also means that my capacity to provide useful insights is even more diminished than my inhibitions. I nonetheless hope we can all get some interesting thoughts out there.
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