Those are just a few samples of what I think the Bible’s general view of poverty is. Keep in mind that the Bible wasn’t written all at once; even within the same book the context and writer can change quite fundamentally, so you’re better off focusing on an underlying meaning than specific quotes if you’re going to criticize Christianity.
Don’t forget “If a man won’t work, neither shall he eat”*, which, while not a commentary on poverty then, it has it’s applications now.
- I’m at work, if anyone needs proof that this quote is in the Bible, let me know and I’ll dig up the citation when I get home.
Then do you recall begging is work?
Or being in a state of pity is work?
What about if the person is unable to work? Or maybe he has disability, how then he to work? IF he is mentally retarded how he to work?
If the quote is in the bible, certainity the writer does not know the whole truth about things. Things in the bible could be crictizes.
If we take away the bible, still, where do these flock of homeless buffalos migrate? In one sense to me that they are the most free beings, however they don’t know how to be free. So I suppose they contemplate on their past doings, after their meal.
Having been homeless for a time myself, I can tell you that it isn’t easy. I was fortunate because I had friends and did not have to use too many shelter days. How do they survive? By taking it day by day, usually not even that, by living moment-to-moment. It’s all about where the next meal, or sadly, fix or drink is coming from. How do they survive? Barely and usually at the expense of their humanity. That’s why helping the homeless is so important, because they have lost the ability to do it themselves.
What a good rational reponse.
Now I wonder does the homeless has an advantage over the rich?
The advantage who lives better. The rich will have advantage for great wisdom and pleasures and desires, all material luxury.
The homeless , I see, there is some point they cannot be lazy, or else they would died. Laziness is somehow a certain advantage of the poor.
They have the opportunity to really contemplate of nature of things, while the rich, it is optional that they can contemplate of nature of things.
The answer you responded was a lower class person. The homeless people I am talking about are lower then the lower class people. They don’t have a social status. Try Again.
Hello F(r)iends,
This thread belongs in the Social Sciences forum…
-Thirst
Are you talking about religion, talking about a social solution, or just ranting?
One can suppose to talk any matters, and afterwards it can mean anything to anyone. Once an innate idea is placed, he seems to go with that.
Ok, getting back to you question am I talking about a religion, social science or ranting? I felt I had touch all these issues, but I am mostly interested in religious perspective.
These homeless people, they are without any attachment of earthly desires, right? Or what do you call a homeless person? In religious part, Jesus said how can you follow me if you cannot leave behind your earthly desire. Is social science, I would think, can a homeless person will ever remain homeless? Ranting, am I angry on something? I would state I am angry to what people beliefs and persuade them among others.
Are you talking about Fransicans?
As in the fransicans who are like monks, and stay indoors and study?
Then no, for they are not homeless.
As in the fransicans who are like monks, and stay indoors and study?
Then no, for they are not homeless.
To be it more simple, the homeless, is those bums who sits on the corner.
His family abandon him, or he is a runaway, or he is an orphan. This bum is at least 18 yrs or over. He is all alone in this world. Now will his status ever change? If he always remains a bum, can he survive to old age?
Will his intelligence grow? Can this person become a wise man? Can it be due to the detachment of worldly affairs?
Why would religion tell us to renounce our live and become poor?
If it is for karma then I don’t believe it. If it is to be a priest and be converted, what special authority will you gain? Are they no different then us?
Gaining ‘wisdom’ is going to be tough when you’re homeless. Likewise, surviving to old age in a modern society when you’re homeless will be difficult, too. But the situation isn’t static, it’s fluid. People lose their jobs and wealth and can become homeless, and the homelss can sometimes get off the street and find economic and social success.
I’ve never been homeless, but I do know people who have been and have managed to get back on their feet.
What, one measly quote in the Bible that refers to the poor without saying we should turn our pockets inside out giving everything to them, and now the authors don't know what they're talking about, and we should move on? You opened this thread asking about the biblical implications for the poor- the Bible quotes that advice giving to the poor [i]are still there[/i], it's not like I was trying to refute them or something. We just have to sythesize the idea of zest for charity with the idea of disdain for laziness, that's all.
Because wealth brings distraction and decadence, which aren't very compatitible with a proper spiritual lifestyle, that's all.
How do homeless people survive? They do whatever they can… They don’t have time to ponder things. If it’s getting cold… then you gotta crack a cold one.
Morality and necessity to survive are almost diametrically opposed.
I saw on a CNN special a few years back that the average income of a bum, drifter, homeless person, whatever you like to call it, is upwards of 15,000 a year. So, when you don’t have a morgage, car payment, taxes, etc. 15,000 a year isn’t so bad, especially if you’re living on the streets. It will at least afford you a herione addiction, which many homeless people are quite fond of I hear.
How do they earn so much? Or is income inclusive of anything they steal? Maybe panhandling pays well.
True, without taxes, rent or utilities $15k would go a long ways. Plus, you wouldn’t waste money on furniture and stuff like that with no home.
I’ve heard many of the panhandlers are not in fact homeless.
Apparently many feel shamed enough being homeless, without having to beg for money. whereas many just don’t care and ask everyone for cash.
There is a busy intersection in Halifax where these guys and girls ask for money. Now… let’s say the light changes every minute or so. If every time they walk up and down the asisle past all the cars they get on average even a dollar… that taxfree money starts to add up as I’m guessing they’d get at least a buck from every person who bothers to open their window, let alone each trip.
That is one thing I hate people doing. They disguised themselves as being a bum and ask for money.
They have legs, hands, a brain, thay can find a job, yet they ask for our money! These bums are pretty smart, decieving us. Where do they get the confindence and cunningness from?
If this is true what is a true homeless person? i saw a poor old woman in a wheel chair begging for money and exchange it with her peppermint candies.
I see this woman worthy of giving money, I see real pity in her. While comparing those who are young and thought to be classified as homeless. They should be ashamed.
then if this true why aren’y you renoucing your life? A spirtual lifestyle is a hypocrite’s idea.
Its not a hypocrite’s idea.
There are many many people who live non-materialistically, and give everything they have to the poor, including their time.
They give up their time, hoping for rewards and praises from somebody who is higher then him.
This is greed nature which is disguised hy helping.