Explain two DIFFERENT religious beliefs about the right attitude towards wealth.

In your answer you must refer to one or more religious traditions. [4 Marks]

Christianity

• Some Christians believe that wealth is not necessarily a bad thing, but that it must be used to help the poor.

• For example, in the story of ‘Lazarus at the Rich Man’s Gate’ (Luke 16. 19–31), Jesus explains that people who use their wealth sefishly will end up in Hell, rather than the Kingdom of God.

Islam

• Many Muslims believe that wealth is a blessing from Allah (swt), and that it should be shared with the community.

• For this reason zakah is one of the Pillars of Islam: this requires that wealthy people share a certain percentage of their wealth with the less fortunate.

Buddhism

• Many Buddhists say that any amount of wealth is dangerous, because it is so easy to become attached to it.

• As a result, a Buddhist bhikkhu (monk) has only a few possessions, and gives away any excess to the needy.