← Unit 5: Christian Approaches to Issues in Society Christian Religious Education · Grade 9 ← Prev1 / 38Next →
Learning to Learn

Christian Response to Wealth, Poverty and Justice

<h3>Wealth, Poverty and the Call to Justice</h3><p>Society faces real problems of <strong>poverty</strong> and unequal access to resources. Christianity offers clear guidance on how believers should respond.</p><p><strong>Wealth</strong> itself is not condemned; many faithful people in the Bible were prosperous. What matters is <strong>how</strong> wealth is gained and used. Christians are taught to earn honestly, avoid <strong>greed</strong>, and share generously. The love of money, and the harm done in chasing it, is what the Bible warns against.</p><p>The Bible repeatedly commands care for the <strong>vulnerable</strong>, the poor, the widow, the orphan, and the stranger. <strong>Justice</strong> means standing up for the oppressed and ensuring resources are shared fairly. <strong>Corruption</strong>, bribery, and exploiting others for personal gain are strongly condemned, because they rob the poor and break trust in the community.</p><ul><li>Giving to the needy through offerings, harambees, and charity.</li><li>Treating workers and customers fairly and honestly.</li><li>Refusing to give or take bribes.</li><li>Speaking up for those who are treated unfairly.</li></ul><div class="callout"><strong>Kenyan context:</strong> Corruption and poverty are widely discussed issues in Kenya. A young person who refuses to cheat for marks, who declines to pay a bribe, or who joins a school club that supports a children's home is putting Christian justice into practice. Churches and faith groups across the country run feeding programmes, bursaries, and harambees that help needy learners stay in school.</div>
Audio narration — reads aloud, works offline

What does Christian teaching say about wealth?