Theology of Poverty
Theology of Poverty: Analysis of the Historical Christian Response to Poverty in America, in the Context of our Biblical Calling
By Jonathan Yang
Professor: Dr. Victor Ezigbo
Course: Christian Theology (THE 201)
November 21, 2011
Bethel University
Table of Content
I. Intro A. Statement of problem pg. 1 B. Thesis Statement C. Statement of Relevance II. Two major Opposing View A. Prosperity Gospel 1. Explanation 2. Argument I 3. Weaknesses/critiques B. Holistic Perspective 1. Explanation 2. Argument I 3. Weaknesses/critiques III. Person Position IV. Conclusion
I. Introduction
Statement of Problem
Poverty has always been a very prevalent issue throughout the history of mankind. Poverty in it of itself has always been rooted in and thrived on the existence of sin; from the sins of our own personal self, from the sins of our family, the sins of institutions and finally the sins of society. As Christians, throughout history there have been many debates and controversies as how to approach such massive and at times overwhelming issue such as poverty. First and foremost, Christians must have a biblically accurate and clear understanding of the definition of “poverty” or “poor” people. Does poverty means the lack of economic and monetary means to adequately self-sustain one or others? Or is poverty the lack of faith in God (poor in Spirit) to provide and sustain one’s self and/or others? Or are these two concepts not mutually exclusive? Many leaders of the Christian faith have provided many different philosophies in dealing with the poor. So by looking back to the historical context of Christian relations in concerns to poverty, we can then see and understand both the effective and unsuccessful/harmful responses and therefore, with that gained knowledge, move forward with confidence and with faith towards living a life that is uplifting to all peoples and empowering the
By Jonathan Yang
Professor: Dr. Victor Ezigbo
Course: Christian Theology (THE 201)
November 21, 2011
Bethel University
Table of Content
I. Intro A. Statement of problem pg. 1 B. Thesis Statement C. Statement of Relevance II. Two major Opposing View A. Prosperity Gospel 1. Explanation 2. Argument I 3. Weaknesses/critiques B. Holistic Perspective 1. Explanation 2. Argument I 3. Weaknesses/critiques III. Person Position IV. Conclusion
I. Introduction
Statement of Problem
Poverty has always been a very prevalent issue throughout the history of mankind. Poverty in it of itself has always been rooted in and thrived on the existence of sin; from the sins of our own personal self, from the sins of our family, the sins of institutions and finally the sins of society. As Christians, throughout history there have been many debates and controversies as how to approach such massive and at times overwhelming issue such as poverty. First and foremost, Christians must have a biblically accurate and clear understanding of the definition of “poverty” or “poor” people. Does poverty means the lack of economic and monetary means to adequately self-sustain one or others? Or is poverty the lack of faith in God (poor in Spirit) to provide and sustain one’s self and/or others? Or are these two concepts not mutually exclusive? Many leaders of the Christian faith have provided many different philosophies in dealing with the poor. So by looking back to the historical context of Christian relations in concerns to poverty, we can then see and understand both the effective and unsuccessful/harmful responses and therefore, with that gained knowledge, move forward with confidence and with faith towards living a life that is uplifting to all peoples and empowering the
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