Gustavo Gutiérrez
The causes of poverty are many and complex. The effects of poverty on individuals, communities, social cohesion and government policies also are many and complex. For many trapped in poverty life is difficult beyond the imagination of the better off. Sadly many poor people view their position with resignation and apathy. Some live in fear of bailiffs, loan sharks and social services. Many are depressed.
The overriding problem is that no long-term solutions are on offer. Instead short-term palliatives and relief is provided. Essential as this is, it deflects from campaigning for radical change to the priorities of government in the economic and social spheres. Investment is required to improve education and training, to enhance medical services to tackle the causes of illness, to plan for better housing and environment, to tackle anti-social behaviour, to improve public transport, to provide jobs and increase wage and benefit levels.
Apart from material manifestations of poverty there also are other underlying issues. Racial, ethnic and sexual discrimination has to be combatted if a society is to reduce marginalisation and improve social cohesion.
Followers of the way of Jesus seek his kingdom on earth, one where we love all our neighbours and achieve social justice. It is a call to action. Jürgen Moltmann puts it thus:
"I accept Jesus Christ as my saviour" diminishes the Gospel into an introverted and self-centred individualism.
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