Christianity and the Welfare State The word WELFARE

Christianity and the Welfare State The word WELFARE stirs a lot of emotion. What does it mean to you? http: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=4 Blw. Kge. FHI 4

What is the Welfare State? ¢ Describes government departments and other organizations that take responsibility for the health and wellbeing of the population

Biblical Evidence supporting the Welfare State ¢ 1. Ten Commandments l Most of God widely respected code of laws #1 -4 - covers relationship the worshipper with #5 -10 - covers social relationships between human beings (people believed that support was needed from the government to ensure healthy individuals)

¢ 2. How is the Golden Rule related to the Welfare state? l Welfare state is based on the principle that those who are working and earning should support those who are too old or ill to work

The Parable of the Sheep and the Goats Matthew 25: 31 - 46

¢ 3. Parable of the Sheep and Goats Depicts everyone appearing before Jesus, as their judge, at the end of time l. People are divided into 2 groups: 1. The sheep 2. The goats l. The sheep are invited to enter Gods kingdom because, Jesus tells them, they have fed and clothed him when he needed it l ***This is a responsibility that the Christian Church has taken seriously. It has fed the hungry, given water to the thirsty, befriended the stranger, clothed the naked and nursed the sick***

Jesus and Charity ¢ Many of his sayings and teachings focused on caring for the poor in the Kingdom of God ¢ Matthew 25: 35 -40 says: l Then the King will say to those on his right, `Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me. Then the righteous will answer him, `Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you? ' The King will reply, `I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me. ' ***LESSON: You express love for God by expressing love for the poor and disadvantaged.

Examples: ¢ Matthew 19: 21 Ø l ¢ If you wish to be complete, go and sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me. Luke 19: 8 -9 Ø And Zaccheus stopped and said to the Lord, 'Behold, Lord, half of my possessions I will give to the poor, and if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I will give back four times as much. ' And Jesus said to him, 'Today salvation has come to this house, because he, too, is a son of Abraham Luke 14: 13 -14 Ø But when you give a reception, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed, since they do not have the means to repay you; for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.

Philanthropy ¢ Philanthropy: Defined as “the voluntary effort to increase the wellbeing of humankind”

Tithing ¢ Tithing: Giving a tenth of the yearly crop as an offering to God or to give a tenth of one's income towards supporting the Church or other religious organizations ¢ Jesus was critical of the Scribes and the Pharisees because they tithed but neglected important matters like mercy and justice – giving money is not enough

The Salvation Army • An international Christian church • Its message is based on the Bible; its ministry is motivated by love for God and the needs of humanity

Mission Statement ¢ The Salvation Army exists to share the love of Jesus Christ, meet human needs and be a transforming influence in the communities of our world. Core Values ¢ There are three core values of our faith – Salvation, Holiness and Intimacy with God.

Philanthropic Figures George Clooney-Actor • Known for his humanitarian work in aiding the Darfur conflict, organizing Hope for Haiti Now, his involvement in Not On Our Watch and many other organizations and personal tasks to end oppression and world suffering of many types.

J. K. Rowling-Author • President of One Parent Families, and advocate for social equity

Angelina Jolie-Actress • Well-known for her humanitarian world wide and who is also a Goodwill Ambassador for the UN Refugee Agency

Chris Martin-Musician • Lead singer of British alternative rock band Coldplay. He is known for supporting the Make Trade Fair campaign. He and his band also contribute 15% of their money to charity.

Oprah Winfrey • Estimated donations above $300 million (US), and founder of Oprah's Angel Network

Activity: Step 1 - Think of something that you or your family desperately need that would make a profound difference in you lives. Write this on a piece of paper.

Activity: Step 2 – Ask yourself, if you need it this badly, why don’t you have it already? People are in need of Food, Water, Shelter, Medical Care that do not have it http: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=3 Jj 6 pqajv. B 8