Many eastern religions have a fatalistic approach to things. They do
not provide as much to the poor because that is the way God meant it
to be. Even in Islam they are only to provide alms (I am not sure of
the amount but there is no provision such as in Christianity)
And in Jewish teachings they are always to remember the poor among
them and those who were sojourners. Remembering that once they were
sojourners and God took care of them.
The throwing money lenders out of the temple is not always understood
correctly. First off it was not lenders but exchangers. You could
not use Roman currency in the temple, but only Temple money. (Roman
currency had idols on it, namely pictures of Caesar) Plus people
coming in from outside the area would usually buy the sacrifices
there to give for sacrifice. (Saves the transport, plus if it was
declared not perfect what would you do rush home and get another
one?) So these money exchanging tables were set up to help the
people coming in. Problem was they were relatives of the Priests
running them, plus they ran dishonest tables (Exorbitant rates of
exchange etc.)
All in all a good parallel to todays problems I think.
Stewart
At 05:12 PM 1/31/2009, you wrote:
I think you are agreeing with me, but I'm not sure what countries
you are referring to.
Not that you need my endorsement, but one of the things that the
truly religious have traditionally done is provide help for the poor.
"As You Have Done Unto the Least of These, You Have Done Unto Me"
Then there's the thing about throwing the money lenders out of the temple.
An interesting parallel to our current situation.
Rev. Stewart A. Marshall
mailto:popoz...@earthlink.net
Prince of Peace www.princeofpeaceozark.org
Ozark, AL SL 82
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