The effect of religion on poverty

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Authors

Beyers, Jaco

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

AOSIS Open Journals

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.

Keywords

Poverty, Religion, Poverty alleviation, Society response to poverty

Sustainable Development Goals

Citation

Beyers, J., 2014, 'The effect of religion on poverty', HTS Teologiese Studies/Theological Studies 70(1), Art. #2614, 8 pages. http://dx.DOI.org/ 10.4102/hts.v70i1.2614.