the role of the lotteries as a source of charity funding and personal wealth; whether or not it is right to take part

• 28% is given to good causes e.g health, education, environment and charity 
• it is seen as a way of earning money without doing work, promoting greed and laziness
• unsuitable people sometimes win e.g criminals, promoting fury and anger 
• money should be used for necessities and not for speculating having more 
• some become addicted and become poorer, going against Christian values 
• ‘Good cause’ funds have been used by some charities 
• the Heritage Fund has provided for the upkeep of some churches etc. 

•people should give to the poor

          •their situation might not be their fault 

          •believe in second chances

          •if people have excess, they should try and help others 

          •morally the right thing to do 

          •feels good and is compassionate 

•people shouldn't give to the poor 

          •it might be their fault

          •we work hard for our own money 

          •they would spend it incorrectly and may be selfish / ungrateful 

          •they may think they don't have to work hard 

the debate about who is responsible for the poor and what they should do to care for the poor, including the roles of the state, the community and the family

•roles of the state 

          •can help through minimum wage and benefit 

          •it provides fairer payment but may push up production costs 

          •social workers help those at risk and some financial advisers help the poor 

          •they provide accommodation however it is limited and their are priority lists

          •however, those in power should follow God’s examples

•charities

          •no government assistance and may provide shelter or assistance 

          •they can redistribute second hand goods e.g NSPCC 

          •they are dependent on donations and volunteers 

          •some receive money from the National Lottery 

          •Christians can demonstrate God’s love through their actions, feeling as though God is calling on them 

•religious groups and communities 

          •some organisations are set up in the parish, this helps those who are in poverty due to ill

           health and provides them with homeless shelters

          •some groups form charities e.g the Salvation Army 

•family 

          •they have a responsibility but family bonds may be questioned 

          •some issues may stem from the family e.g domestic abuse 

          •to Christians, family comes first and is worse than a non-believer

issues such as the minimum wage and excessive salaries

• minimum wage can barely provide enough for standard living 
• cannot really get out of debt easily as the wage is too low 
• excessive salaries mean that wealth is not evenly distributed, leaving others out 
• however many believe that Communism does not provide an adequate solution 
• it will make people not relatable to others and feel no sympathy 
• economic inequality may lead to higher crime rates, social and political unrest and a revolution
• high salaries may spell an end for charities 
• CEO’s are being paid six-figures, undermining the purpose of the charities’ beneficials 

ways of overcoming poverty: what is being done to help people break out of the poverty trap, including counselling, training, education, fund raising and the work of charities and religious organisations

•counselling          

          •people can get financial and career advice and how to make better choices with their cash

          •this may help them to produce a more stable life 

          •but may have a negative attitude to this advice 

•training 

          •this gets young people qualifications but some may have less support at home 

          •those who don't do well are often limited to low paid jobs 

          •but it takes time and is limited by mental capabilities and vocational opportunities

•government 

          •the government can help with benefits

          •they can provide minimum wages to help people stop being exploited

          •they can provide training centres for people to brush up on their skill set 

the possible causes of poverty, including: homelessness, laziness, apathy, gambling, lack of education, family situation, dependency, illness

• serious illness preventing work 
• a lack of education 
• unemployment 
• gambling 
• laziness and apathy 
• debt 
• family situation and the cycle of homelessness

the possible causes and sources of wealth, including business and enterprise, gifts and inheritance, earnings and savings

• some are born into money and gain it through inheritance 
• marrying a rich spouse 
• receiving relative wealth through gifts
• winning the lottery 
• speculating on financial markets / investment 
• inventing products / founding companies 
• talents that receive international recognition

religious attitudes towards the responsible use of money

• Christians believe that wealth is a gift from God and they should not be selfish 
• people may volunteer at charity, giving time and money to support their communities
• family and caring for others should be placed in front of earning money and its obsession   
• responsible use of money helps a person’s spiritual growth, such as sharing wealth
• Jesus told many rich people to give to the poor, giving all that you can e.g the oil widow 
• Jesus said the greatest Commandment was ‘love your neighbour’ 

religious attitudes towards the rich and the poor

• Christians believe that should help them but not act like Jesus, putting ourselves in the trap 
• accept that there will always be rich and poor in the world 
• spiritual wealth is more important - what a person does with their money
• it is important for people with money to earn it ethically, not exploiting other people  
• we should use our talents in order to help others as it’s an opportunity 
• teaches that all things belong to God anyway, and so they should be grateful if they’re rich 
• people should not be obsessed with money and focus on God and creating good karma 
• Christians do not hate rich people however they should be obliged to help out more 

key quotes

• “the love of money is the root of all evil” - 1 Timothy 6v10 
• “you cannot serve both God and money” - Matthew 6:24
• “each of you should give what you have, not reluctantly or under compulsion” - 2 Corinthians 
• “do not be dependant on anybody” - 1 Thessalonians 
• “those who will not work, will not eat” - 2 Thessalonians 
• “life does not consist of possessions” - Luke 12v15
• “some people, eager for money, have wandered from faith” - 1 Tim 6v10