Almost 1 BILLION Starving - Religions' Responsibilities?

[Comprehender]

Never before in history has there been so many chronically hungry.
The World Health Organization states that almost 1,000,000,000 men, women & children are starving.
http://www.worldhunger.org/articles/Learn/world%20hunger%20facts%202002.htm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=526BTs_DRoE

Deut 14:28-29 states that 1/3 of TITHES are to be given to the poor.
Yet, I don't know of any major religious organization that gives that much.
I wonder why not.

What are religious organizations' responsibilities regarding poverty?
How do you think they're living up to them?
What changes need to happen, if any?

 

[Comprehender]

I'll start by saying, how important it is to properly diagnose the unique causes of poverty in any given location.

Some pin it all on corruption, but neglect to see the implications of foreign-based debt & exploition, war, terrorism, proximity & access to trading ports/transportation, access to education, health issues (AIDS, malaria, TB & many side effects of under nourished chronic hungered bodies).

It is evident that a substantial amount of people in extreme poverty are stuck - without any way out, unless circumstances change. Even if they are relatively minor changes (& minor help ie clean water, schools), economies have shown to be very receptive & have taken it from there without need for more help.

As an individual, I can only do so much.
But together... in religions (legions/many) - we can do a lot of good!
And I think that is the primary purpose of religion as explained by Jesus Christ in the parable of the good Samaritan & that of dividing the goat from sheep...

"Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these, ye have done it unto
Inasmuch as ye have NOT done it unto one of the least of these, ye have NOT done it unto me..." -Matt 25:40,45

 

[Seeker]

Religions' responsibilities? Yes and no!

No, in the sense that every single human being should feel horrified that while we cannot decide what to feed ourselves, there are mothers out there who cannot decide which child to feed. This level of compassion is inherent in humanity.

But yes, it is the responsibility of ALL religions, because for one to claim the baton of morality, one must also act upon it. So we should be leading the way, and we should be passionate about it because we know Almighty God will be pleased with us.

 

[Danus]

I'll start by saying, how important it is to properly diagnose the unique causes of poverty in any given location.

Some pin it all on corruption, but neglect to see the implications of foreign-based debt & exploition, war, terrorism, proximity & access to trading ports/transportation, access to education, health issues (AIDS, malaria, TB & many side effects of under nourished chronic hungered bodies).

It is evident that a substantial amount of people in extreme poverty are stuck - without any way out, unless circumstances change. Even if they are relatively minor changes (& minor help ie clean water, schools), economies have shown to be very receptive & have taken it from there without need for more help.

As an individual, I can only do so much.
But together... in religions (legions/many) - we can do a lot of good!
And I think that is the primary purpose of religion as explained by Jesus Christ in the parable of the good Samaritan & that of dividing the goat from sheep...

"Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these, ye have done it unto
Inasmuch as ye have NOT done it unto one of the least of these, ye have NOT done it unto me..." -Matt 25:40,45

Some good points here, but you may be over simplifying it a bit. The means of feeding the world are within the worlds grasp. We have the manes, and I'd say the willingness, but getting the means to the people who need it is often the issue.

Take North Korea for example. There are tons of starving and suffering reported there, but no way to effectively help them without fighting the powers that be in that country. You'll have to win a war against that government before you can do anything.

Hunger in the world is nothing but a political pawn for power. It's the character of evil, and evil exist in this world, because of man. Jesus was not about "religion". His message was far more than that. In fact "religion" was part of the problem he came to deal with in his time.

If you want to feed the world the best way to accomplish that would be to first kill all the people who don't allow the world to be feed, but your soon have another crop of people not allowing others to be feed, and the whole thing starts over again.

 

[Tina]

Deut 14:28-29 states that 1/3 of TITHES are to be given to the poor.
Yet, I don't know of any major religious organization that gives that much.

Galations 6:10

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.


The Bible says we are to do good to ALL , especially other believers.

I believe the church's primary obligation is to take care of needy people within the "household of faith" i.e. body of Christ, before we venture out to unsaved people.

And just because you do not know of any religious organization or church that is helping the needy by giving 1/3 tithes, it does not mean it is not happening.

Where I live, almost every big church has invested into opening centres for the needy, elderly, retarded and kidney patients, with full financial support from church members. These centres do not restrict services only to Christians but anyone outside of church that need help.

If your church holds an AGM, they will make transparent such plans and be accountable so that you know where tithes and offerings are going to.

 

[Comprehender]

Thank you for your comments.

Religions' responsibilities? Yes and no!

No, in the sense that every single human being should feel horrified that while we cannot decide what to feed ourselves, there are mothers out there who cannot decide which child to feed. This level of compassion is inherent in humanity.

But yes, it is the responsibility of ALL religions, because for one to claim the baton of morality, one must also act upon it. So we should be leading the way, and we should be passionate about it because we know Almighty God will be pleased with us.

I agree, that we shouldn't wait for religions to do anything - we can help ourselves.
And I agree that religions should step up to help those in need, since they "claim the baton of morality." (I like how you put that.)

 

[Comprehender]

Some good points here, but you may be over simplifying it a bit. The means of feeding the world are within the worlds grasp. We have the manes, and I'd say the willingness, but getting the means to the people who need it is often the issue.

Take North Korea for example. There are tons of starving and suffering reported there, but no way to effectively help them without fighting the powers that be in that country. You'll have to win a war against that government before you can do anything.

Hunger in the world is nothing but a political pawn for power. It's the character of evil, and evil exist in this world, because of man. Jesus was not about "religion". His message was far more than that. In fact "religion" was part of the problem he came to deal with in his time.

If you want to feed the world the best way to accomplish that would be to first kill all the people who don't allow the world to be feed, but your soon have another crop of people not allowing others to be feed, and the whole thing starts over again.

Each circumstance of extreme poverty is unique, so as you mentioned, we shouldn't simplify & jump to conclusions that it is all due to corruption, when there are many possible factors involved.
IE:
1. Natural Disasters - wipe out crops, businesses, etc.
2. Debt - most LEDC's- "Lease Economically Developed Country" - have to borrow $ from & pay interest to banks of developed countries to begin their own development. Payments can take most of their income.
3. War - also wipes out crops, businesses etc.
4. Unfair trade - which is dominated by rich countries
5. HIV/AIDS
6. Lack of Education
7. Geography (those who have access to transportation/ports tend to do better)
There are other factors that can influence poverty like country's strained resource base, difficult climate & topography, strained political relations with neighbors, internal ethnic and political divisions, lack of proximity to world markets, which can contribute to poverty.

It is important to gain a good understanding of the particular cause of poverty so a good "diagnosis" can be made for effective treatment.
Still, the bottom line is that it is not for us to condemn, but to love.
In a parable Jesus taught, the good Samaritan did NOT ask why the man got himself in that bad situation, he simply helped him.

 

[Comprehender]

Galations 6:10

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.


The Bible says we are to do good to ALL , especially other believers.

I believe the church's primary obligation is to take care of needy people within the "household of faith" i.e. body of Christ, before we venture out to unsaved people.

And just because you do not know of any religious organization or church that is helping the needy by giving 1/3 tithes, it does not mean it is not happening.

Where I live, almost every big church has invested into opening centres for the needy, elderly, retarded and kidney patients, with full financial support from church members. These centres do not restrict services only to Christians but anyone outside of church that need help.

If your church holds an AGM, they will make transparent such plans and be accountable so that you know where tithes and offerings are going to.

I don't think a believer is more worthy of help than a non-believer.
Consider the parable of the good Samaritan - Samaritans and Jews had prejudice toward each other, but Jesus was trying to teach us to love, no matter what.

Good point about how some religious organizations may be doing a lot for those in need. I also can appreciate what you mentioned about ensuring the organizations we donate to display financial transparency.

I have been raised in the Mormon/LDS church, which leaders' HIDE finances.
They require 10% of all members who want to be considered temple worthy.
They changed the wording from "increase/interest" to... "income."
This way, they demand tithing even from those who are poor and not in the position to help others, let alone themselves. Yet, they tell members they will go to hell if they do not pay tithing, & that it should be paid first, before anything else & then they will be blessed. No suprise how many bankruptcies Mormons experience!

Another problem I've found with the church I've belonged to for so long, is that the leaders have purposefully tried to deceive members by not including Deut 14:28-29 (which states 1/3 of tithers are for the poor) in LDS scripture topical guides & LDS bible dictionaries. Not a penny of tithes go to the poor, which they have reminded members, & have regularly reminded members to not only pay tithes (10% of their income) but also to be generous in other donations.

If I or my child were one of the almost 1,000,000,000 starving, I would want someone standing up for us, to help us so we can help ourselves & eventually even help others. I think about how much just the LDS church could do if they showed integrity by following Jesus' example & Deut 14:28-29 by sharing at least 1/3 with those in need. I doubt they will do it, because they are entrenched in tradition & answer to nobody... LDS leaders are like worshipped gods.
So, I hope & pray LDS members will follow the commandments themselves, especially the 2 greatest commandments, which are to love God (& as we love others we love God) & to love others as ourselves... "on these 2 commandments hang all the law and the prophets." -Matt 22:40

 

[wayseer]

What are religious organizations' responsibilities regarding poverty?
How do you think they're living up to them?
What changes need to happen, if any?

The problem is not the starving millions ...

The problem is not that drought and famine are involved ...

The problem is not that they cannot be fed ...

The problem is not religious ...

The problem is not even that to get aid/food to these people a whole system of bribes must be paid just to get the food in ...

The problem is clan affiliation.

 

[Aardverk]

The problem is not the starving millions ...

The problem is not that drought and famine are involved ...

The problem is not that they cannot be fed ...

The problem is not religious ...

The problem is not even that to get aid/food to these people a whole system of bribes must be paid just to get the food in ...

The problem is clan affiliation.

I would say that the problem is a combination of...

(A).'Acts of God' causing problems that mankind can not quickly overcome and

(B).'Greed' that makes people hang on to what they have rather than sharing it with the needy. In a country with a famine or drought there are still rich people creaming off the top of any aid that gets into that country to help out.

BUT to a lesser extent, ALL of us are far wealthier than we need to be. Everyone reading this is sitting in a warm, dry house with hot and cold running water, a full larder and equipment & luxuries that half the world can only dream about. The sad fact is that we are acquisitive materialists using up far more than our fair share of the earth's resources on luxuries whilst millions starve and die from easily curable diseases.

Is religion responsible? No, we are clearly told in the Bible that the meek shall inherit the earth and rich people will have problems getting into heaven but we ALL ignore it and wash down our steak with another glass of wine. I'm guilty and I have little doubt that you are too. What are we going to do about it? Nothing. All I do is give some money to charities now and again to salve me conscience a little. What does that say about us?

I think we are meant to be living the lifestyle of an Essene, not a Pharisee or Sadducee.

 

[Comprehender]

The problem is not the starving millions ...

The problem is not that drought and famine are involved ...

The problem is not that they cannot be fed ...

The problem is not religious ...

The problem is not even that to get aid/food to these people a whole system of bribes must be paid just to get the food in ...

The problem is clan affiliation.

Clan affiliation - yep - that sums it up.
But I have hope in people to become more aware that we affect each other.
When we allow or support suffering, it will affect us in one way, at one time or another.

I believe that more & more are affiliating themselves with the clan of humanity, not just a section of humanity - but all humanity.

 

[Comprehender]

I would say that the problem is a combination of...

(A).'Acts of God' causing problems that mankind can not quickly overcome and

(B).'Greed' that makes people hang on to what they have rather than sharing it with the needy. In a country with a famine or drought there are still rich people creaming off the top of any aid that gets into that country to help out.

BUT to a lesser extent, ALL of us are far wealthier than we need to be. Everyone reading this is sitting in a warm, dry house with hot and cold running water, a full larder and equipment & luxuries that half the world can only dream about. The sad fact is that we are acquisitive materialists using up far more than our fair share of the earth's resources on luxuries whilst millions starve and die from easily curable diseases.

Is religion responsible? No, we are clearly told in the Bible that the meek shall inherit the earth and rich people will have problems getting into heaven but we ALL ignore it and wash down our steak with another glass of wine. I'm guilty and I have little doubt that you are too. What are we going to do about it? Nothing. All I do is give some money to charities now and again to salve me conscience a little. What does that say about us?

I think we are meant to be living the lifestyle of an Essene, not a Pharisee or Sadducee.

Hi Aardverk,
I agree with you to an extent.
But I believe that religion is partly responsible - 1/3 of tithes should be given to those in need, according to Deut 14:28-29, which many religions include in their doctrine, but some, like the LDS/Mormon church carefully avoid teaching & living it.

There are some charities that have integrity and truly seek to understand the problems and needs before helping a "poor" community to be self-sufficient.
"Charity Navigator" lists hundreds (maybe thousands) of charities - & often displays financial transparency - which some religious organizations (like the LDS/Mormon church) do NOT.

Eventually, if we keep heading the way we are in using up resources, will be forced to live more in harmony with the earth. I like the idea of downsizing - taking little step by little step.