Is it a sin to be a rich wealthy person here on Earth? (America, pray)

[Reverend1111]

Originally Posted by Lamplight

How do we decide what defines the words I highlighted? Should the wealthy person give to the poor until he/she has only enough to live comfortably? After all, many of us have different ideas of what is comfortable living. For some, living comfortably would require only a dry place to sleep, warm clothes, and enough food and water to remain healthy. For others, living comfortably would mean being able to afford to keep the air conditioning set to 68 in the summer, having a reliable car for each adult member of the family, owning a spacious house so that each family member can have his/her own area of solitude, etc. By many standards, those things would be extreme luxury. But for some, they are practically bare necessities. And many wealthy people could easily afford to have those things and still help the needy, but couldn't they do much, much more with the money they used to buy those cars and that large house? Could that standard of "comfort" be considered extravagant?

And that brings us to another thought. How much are we obliged to give to the poor? Do we give to those in need only until they have the necessary means to survive? Or do we give until they can live in their idea of "comfort"? Do we give to someone in need until their lifestyle is roughly equal to our own, or do we make sure we maintain our higher level of comfort?

I only submit these questions because I find the subject fascinating and wish to learn more about us all.

This world has enough money, food and housing for every person in the world to live comfortably. I'm not saying rich, but paying their bills, having food and clothes, shelter and an auto. In my opinion, if you have those, you are rich. No one needs the extravagances but we all need the necessities.

When I say "where they can", I merely mean what is at their disposal. I don't mean that they themselves have to make themselves needy, just spread it around to those they come into contact with. They don't necessarily have to go out looking, just if someone comes to them with something they need help with, they should help. If I were in need of money to help pay for electricity, school books for my children or food for my family, I would want someone to help. I'm not saying I'm lazy and I don't work at that point, just that the money I make isn't enough and I'm willing to do a small job for them in exchange like gardening or something similar.

On the other hand, If I were someone who didn't want to work and I stayed at home expecting handouts from others and the government, you bet your booty I wouldn't expect help because of my own lazyness. And I most certainly wouldn't help those in that situation, although, I would be more than happy to teach them how to earn an honest living.

If people would treat all as one big family and not discriminate because of race, religion, culture or background, peace would come sooner.

[Tricky D]

It is a sin to keep wanting more than you need.

[Submariner]

Originally Posted by Mopac1980

Is it a sin to be a rich wealthy person here on Earth?

I am not aware of any Bible passage that would say that Wealth equals sin.

There are passages that explain it is harder for a wealthy person to refrain from sin.

But there is no clear connection between wealth and sin.

[effie g-tad]

Originally Posted by Tricky D

It is a sin to keep wanting more than you need.

ahhh, Tricky the flying dutchman! we have not recovered from colonialism yet, or have we?

[Stac2007]

Didn't Jesus Christ say it is easier for a camel to fit through the eye of a needle than it is for a rich man to be saved?

[Lamplight]

Thanks for the response, Reverend.

Originally Posted by Reverend1111

If people would treat all as one big family and not discriminate because of race, religion, culture or background, peace would come sooner.

Most definitely.

[calmdude]

Originally Posted by Tricky D

It is a sin to keep wanting more than you need.

Tell that to Jesus - every Sun morning his people are asking for money. Maybe the wealthier donors should ask for a promisorry to be able to pass thru the eye of the needle when needed.

[MontanaGuy]

I don't think it's unethical or sinful for someone to become rich but as others have stated it depends on the circumstances. Bill Gates became a billionaire but he also created some major technological advances which have helped society and he's also given away large amount of money in recent years to worthwhile causes. I do have to say that I'm not at all impressed by people like Paris Hilton who was born into money, contributes nothing to society and lives a life of luxury. I do believe that having alot of money can corrupt someone because having money means having power. There are many rich people whose public persona leads me to believe that they feel entitled to special privileges that us common people don't deserve. Well I know that this particular issue is not one that I'm going to have to address in my lifetime.

[Boxcar Overkill]

The sin, if there were such a thing, is to be jealous of the rich. My opinion.

[Haaziq]

I don't believe in sin as it is a religious concept.


I don't think all rich people are bad, but many are. Especially the ones who make their money off the backs of laborers.