Abstract:
Poverty is a human condition. Social, economic, psychological and political factors affect
society and can alleviate as well as stimulate poverty. Religion provides a unique perspective
on the phenomenon of poverty. This article suggests three functions of religion regarding
poverty. Firstly, religion can redirect human thought to spiritual concerns, focusing on
spiritual poverty instead of material concerns. Secondly, it can provide the moral fibres
needed in society. Religion can influence the response to poverty by having an ethical impact
when principles benefiting all in society are applied within economic systems. Religion can
also influence the response to poverty by fostering an attitude of willingness to practise
generosity. Religion can educate communities in order for human dignity of all in society to
be restored. Thirdly, religion can be part of the system actively encouraging and participating
in alleviating poverty.
Description:
This article was initially
a presentation to the
Symposium Social Cohesion,
August 07–08, 2013, directed
by Prof. Dr Johann-Albrecht
Meylahn, Department of
Practical Theology, Faculty
of Theology, University of
Pretoria, Pretoria,
South Africa.
