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Love God=End Poverty: Why I'm Going to the Mobilization to End Poverty

by Lisa Ho 02-18-2009 | 4:30pm
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A year ago, anyone driving around Columbus, Ohio, was likely to see a billboard with the slogan, "Love God? End Poverty." They were placed throughout the city in promotion of the Columbus Justice Revival, a three-day event to revive Christians toward faith and justice. The connection seems obvious to me now. Do you love God? Then you should work to end poverty. How could I spend so many years in the church and not understand justice?

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I grew up in the church and spent the past 15 years in full time ministry. I am a passionate evangelical. But, until a few years ago there was a clear disconnect between my faith and justice. Through a series of experiences such as Sojourners' conferences, the Justice Revival, Columbus Windchangers, and service mission trips at Ohio Wesleyan University, my faith was confronted by the reality of poverty and the injustice that perpetuates it. As I witnessed poverty first hand, the myths that I had long held about poverty unraveled.

Last year an OWU student approached me about some criticism she received at the suggestion of going to a soup kitchen as an outreach event. One of her co-leaders said, "The point of outreach is to evangelize. Unless we are sharing our faith, we cannot call it outreach." He would only compromise and go to the soup kitchen if they agreed to pass out gospel tracts to each person coming through the line. As we reflected on this conversation using the text found in Matthew 25, we came to the conclusion that giving a gospel tract to the poor is like handing Jesus his own business card. Maybe it's not the poor who need to be introduced to Jesus, but it's through the poor that He is introduced to us.

The Justice Revival was not just a three-day event, but something that continues to happen in Columbus and on Ohio Wesleyan's campus. After the Justice Revival a number of our students attended Sojourners' Pentecost '08 conference. Upon returning to campus in the fall they formed a student group focused on faith and justice, and this spring they are organizing an event called Rock-n-Justice featuring Rev. Steve Stockman and a performance by Derek Webb. They are also planning trips to lobby local state legislators, utilizing the skills they learned at the Pentecost training event last June.

I now understand the mandate given to me in the scriptures to love and serve the poor. The greatest commandment, to love God and love your neighbor, is as important as the great commission! The two are intertwined. Because this has become so real to me, I want to help others make the connection. That is why I am working to bring a delegation to The Mobilization to End Poverty event in April. The Mobilization will provide the perfect environment to inspire, equip, and send Christians to love God, love others, and work toward justice.

portrait-lisa-hoLisa Ho is an assistant chaplain at Ohio Wesleyan University and participates in Sojourners' Windchangers Program.

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by: datroxell

02-19-2009 @ 3:14am

I have a real problem with the Title of this article "Love God = End Poverty". BUt first I must say that I am in no way against mercy ministry, nor do I think that you have to jam Jesus down the throat with every act of kindness.
My problem is this, sin is one of the symptoms of sin - which is why Jesus came - to forgive sin and restore a relationship with God. And though we are to be ambassadors for Christ to everyone we come in contact, we also know that most will not accept him. So to think that we can eliminate a symptom of sin without eliminating the cause is foolish.
That said, I and the church in general fall way short of our duty to help the poor. But to think WE can end poverty without the regeneration of hearts by the Holy Spirit is to deny what the Bible teaches about the condition of the human heart. "the heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?" Jer 17:9
Mercy ministry is indeed a picture of the gospel, meeting a need that the recipient has nothing to offer in return. It is a picture on the material level of what they need on the spiritual level.

by: datroxell

02-26-2009 @ 3:58am

SisterMarie,

I would hope that you would measure the credibility of a comment on whether it aligns with Scripture itself. As the inspired Word of God that's what we should be using as the measuring stick.

Beyond that, I apparently didn't make the point that aiding the poor is important for the church to be doing so that they can also present the gospel. This is a great thing and needs to be done a lot more. What concerns me if our goal is ONLY to help them get out of poverty without concern for their soul.

I hope that helps you understand better.

by: datroxell

02-26-2009 @ 4:19am

I don't know whether you will judge this stance as consistent or not, but I'll give it a shot. Abortion and homosexuality won't end until Christ returns either. But there is a difference here between poverty and these issues. Poverty is a symptom and consequence of sin. Poverty can be caused by oppression (the sin of an outside party), laziness, greed, and I am sure a multitude of other sins of the person who is poor. Abortion is a sin in an of itself (Psalm 139 and Exodus 20 for starters) Just like stealing, rape, murder, assault, etc, we have laws against them. The laws don't stop them, but they do serve as consequences for the actions and sense of justice for the victims But yes, I contribute to a local Crisis Pregnancy Center where material help as well as counseling is offered.

Homosexuality is likewise condemned directly in scripture as is adultery which we can see daily on TV if we desire. Though I don't think outlawing homosexuality is any more feasible than outlawing adultery in our current culture. I am opposed to the desire of the homosexual community to spread the lie that it is "natural" or "normal". And that a union of male to male or female to female is marriage is also offensive because it is the picture that God uses of Christ and the church. Could the church do more to help those who are enslaved by this sin, yes.

And I will just reiterate my concern with the goal of such movements, if it is too create an open door to present the gospel, that is great. If our goal is simply the physical needs, we miss the point of Jesus, just like the Jews of his time did when they wanted deliverance from Rome instead of deliverance from sin.

by: datroxell

02-26-2009 @ 4:25am

Love God = Obey His Commandments (John ?) Love and Aid the Poor is just a piece of that. We need revival that the church would fulfill all that God requires of it in the power that God provides and that the gospel would spread rapidly. Then we would also see a great reduction in poverty.

by: datroxell

04-11-2009 @ 7:29pm

Your assertion that laziness NEVER is a cause of poverty is contrary to scripture. Read through a few chapters of Proverbs and you will see that laziness leads to poverty. But as I stated above it is only one of a many reason a person may be in poverty.
Please don't seek to discredit a post by distorting a word out of context.

by: SisterMarie

02-19-2009 @ 1:33pm

I think I've heard this sermon before from that little square box in the corner of my family room. The preacher, adorned in the finest threads that money can buy, amplified by electronic instruments that costs more than an entire Radio Shack, and surrounded by a choir whose outfits and makeup would feed a small African country for a day, exhorts his congregation and listeners to "plant a seed" by sending him your money.

Now, we will close to that gospel hymn, "Would Jesus Wear a Rolex?"

by: squeaky

02-19-2009 @ 4:58pm

I tend to agree with the assertion that poverty is a symptom of sin and the problem won't truly change unless hearts change. But that is true of everything. I can't help ask, though--do you say the same with regards to other hot-button issues, like homosexuality and abortion? Hopefully your stance is consistent.

I don't think our ability to end poverty is even something that should be considered. Once we start considering it, we start to feel overwhelmed. Jesus wouldn't have given us the example and admonitions to help those in need if He didn't think it was something we were capable of. I think your assumption is that we think we can do this on our own, but in turn, I think Jesus' assumption is that we can't do it on our own--but with Him working through us, anything is possible.

by: DHFabian

04-10-2009 @ 2:32pm

I think anyone who says that poverty is caused by laziness shows a lack of knowledge about poverty. As anyone who has actually experienced it can confirm, poverty is intensely stressful and thoroughly exhausting. It is a hellish struggle to get through each day while working to secure a job, shelter, food, etc. When illness strikes, it is even harder to survive. Today, the poor are America's scapegoats, just like the "Oakies" in the Great Depression. The poor are publicly stereotyped and condemned, sometimes beaten, sometimes killed.

Anyone who has been truly poor knows with certainty that any job is easy in comparison.

by: Eric77

02-23-2009 @ 3:09pm

Perhaps a better title for this piece would have been Love God=Love and Aid the Poor.

by: datroxell

04-11-2009 @ 5:29pm

Your assertion that laziness NEVER is a cause of poverty is contrary to scripture. Read through a few chapters of Proverbs and you will see that laziness leads to poverty. But as I stated above it is only one of a many reason a person may be in poverty.
Please don't seek to discredit a post by distorting a word out of context.

by: DHFabian

04-10-2009 @ 2:32pm

I think anyone who says that poverty is caused by laziness shows a lack of knowledge about poverty. As anyone who has actually experienced it can confirm, poverty is intensely stressful and thoroughly exhausting. It is a hellish struggle to get through each day while working to secure a job, shelter, food, etc. When illness strikes, it is even harder to survive. Today, the poor are America's scapegoats, just like the "Oakies" in the Great Depression. The poor are publicly stereotyped and condemned, sometimes beaten, sometimes killed.

Anyone who has been truly poor knows with certainty that any job is easy in comparison.

by: datroxell

04-11-2009 @ 5:29pm

Your assertion that laziness NEVER is a cause of poverty is contrary to scripture. Read through a few chapters of Proverbs and you will see that laziness leads to poverty. But as I stated above it is only one of a many reason a person may be in poverty.
Please don't seek to discredit a post by distorting a word out of context.

by: Eric77

02-23-2009 @ 3:09pm

Perhaps a better title for this piece would have been Love God=Love and Aid the Poor.

by: datroxell

04-11-2009 @ 7:29pm

Your assertion that laziness NEVER is a cause of poverty is contrary to scripture. Read through a few chapters of Proverbs and you will see that laziness leads to poverty. But as I stated above it is only one of a many reason a person may be in poverty.
Please don't seek to discredit a post by distorting a word out of context.

by: SisterMarie

02-18-2009 @ 5:04pm

Thanks Lisa for your post. I'm glad to hear of how God's children are responding to this urgent need, and I'm praying that your ministry will spread throughout the country.

And by the way, it's "gospel tract" - not "track."

by: duhsciple

02-18-2009 @ 6:23pm

Lisa's post reminds me of the following table prayer.

Lord, to the hungry give bread.
And to those who have bread already, give a hunger for justice. Amen.

It also reminds me of "1 John". You can't say you have the "love of God" and when you say "have a nice day" to a hungry person and don't feed them.

Duh

by: Windchanger

02-18-2009 @ 6:42pm

SisterMarie-

Thanks! I never knew it was "tract" and not "track". It was a word I have always heard and not seen in print. I guess my "mainline" childhood is peeking through. :-)

by: datroxell

02-19-2009 @ 3:14am

I have a real problem with the Title of this article "Love God = End Poverty". BUt first I must say that I am in no way against mercy ministry, nor do I think that you have to jam Jesus down the throat with every act of kindness.
My problem is this, sin is one of the symptoms of sin - which is why Jesus came - to forgive sin and restore a relationship with God. And though we are to be ambassadors for Christ to everyone we come in contact, we also know that most will not accept him. So to think that we can eliminate a symptom of sin without eliminating the cause is foolish.
That said, I and the church in general fall way short of our duty to help the poor. But to think WE can end poverty without the regeneration of hearts by the Holy Spirit is to deny what the Bible teaches about the condition of the human heart. "the heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?" Jer 17:9
Mercy ministry is indeed a picture of the gospel, meeting a need that the recipient has nothing to offer in return. It is a picture on the material level of what they need on the spiritual level.

by: datroxell

02-26-2009 @ 3:58am

SisterMarie,

I would hope that you would measure the credibility of a comment on whether it aligns with Scripture itself. As the inspired Word of God that's what we should be using as the measuring stick.

Beyond that, I apparently didn't make the point that aiding the poor is important for the church to be doing so that they can also present the gospel. This is a great thing and needs to be done a lot more. What concerns me if our goal is ONLY to help them get out of poverty without concern for their soul.

I hope that helps you understand better.

by: datroxell

02-26-2009 @ 4:19am

I don't know whether you will judge this stance as consistent or not, but I'll give it a shot. Abortion and homosexuality won't end until Christ returns either. But there is a difference here between poverty and these issues. Poverty is a symptom and consequence of sin. Poverty can be caused by oppression (the sin of an outside party), laziness, greed, and I am sure a multitude of other sins of the person who is poor. Abortion is a sin in an of itself (Psalm 139 and Exodus 20 for starters) Just like stealing, rape, murder, assault, etc, we have laws against them. The laws don't stop them, but they do serve as consequences for the actions and sense of justice for the victims But yes, I contribute to a local Crisis Pregnancy Center where material help as well as counseling is offered.

Homosexuality is likewise condemned directly in scripture as is adultery which we can see daily on TV if we desire. Though I don't think outlawing homosexuality is any more feasible than outlawing adultery in our current culture. I am opposed to the desire of the homosexual community to spread the lie that it is "natural" or "normal". And that a union of male to male or female to female is marriage is also offensive because it is the picture that God uses of Christ and the church. Could the church do more to help those who are enslaved by this sin, yes.

And I will just reiterate my concern with the goal of such movements, if it is too create an open door to present the gospel, that is great. If our goal is simply the physical needs, we miss the point of Jesus, just like the Jews of his time did when they wanted deliverance from Rome instead of deliverance from sin.

by: datroxell

02-26-2009 @ 4:25am

Love God = Obey His Commandments (John ?) Love and Aid the Poor is just a piece of that. We need revival that the church would fulfill all that God requires of it in the power that God provides and that the gospel would spread rapidly. Then we would also see a great reduction in poverty.

by: SisterMarie

02-19-2009 @ 1:33pm

I think I've heard this sermon before from that little square box in the corner of my family room. The preacher, adorned in the finest threads that money can buy, amplified by electronic instruments that costs more than an entire Radio Shack, and surrounded by a choir whose outfits and makeup would feed a small African country for a day, exhorts his congregation and listeners to "plant a seed" by sending him your money.

Now, we will close to that gospel hymn, "Would Jesus Wear a Rolex?"

by: squeaky

02-19-2009 @ 4:58pm

I tend to agree with the assertion that poverty is a symptom of sin and the problem won't truly change unless hearts change. But that is true of everything. I can't help ask, though--do you say the same with regards to other hot-button issues, like homosexuality and abortion? Hopefully your stance is consistent.

I don't think our ability to end poverty is even something that should be considered. Once we start considering it, we start to feel overwhelmed. Jesus wouldn't have given us the example and admonitions to help those in need if He didn't think it was something we were capable of. I think your assumption is that we think we can do this on our own, but in turn, I think Jesus' assumption is that we can't do it on our own--but with Him working through us, anything is possible.

by: SisterMarie

02-18-2009 @ 5:04pm

Thanks Lisa for your post. I'm glad to hear of how God's children are responding to this urgent need, and I'm praying that your ministry will spread throughout the country.

And by the way, it's "gospel tract" - not "track."

by: duhsciple

02-18-2009 @ 6:23pm

Lisa's post reminds me of the following table prayer.

Lord, to the hungry give bread.
And to those who have bread already, give a hunger for justice. Amen.

It also reminds me of "1 John". You can't say you have the "love of God" and when you say "have a nice day" to a hungry person and don't feed them.

Duh

by: Windchanger

02-18-2009 @ 6:42pm

SisterMarie-

Thanks! I never knew it was "tract" and not "track". It was a word I have always heard and not seen in print. I guess my "mainline" childhood is peeking through. :-)

Comments sorted by highest rated. After voting you must refresh your page to see the sort order change.

by: SisterMarie

02-18-2009 @ 5:04pm

Thanks Lisa for your post. I'm glad to hear of how God's children are responding to this urgent need, and I'm praying that your ministry will spread throughout the country.

And by the way, it's "gospel tract" - not "track."

by: SisterMarie

02-18-2009 @ 5:04pm

Thanks Lisa for your post. I'm glad to hear of how God's children are responding to this urgent need, and I'm praying that your ministry will spread throughout the country.

And by the way, it's "gospel tract" - not "track."

by: duhsciple

02-18-2009 @ 6:23pm

Lisa's post reminds me of the following table prayer.

Lord, to the hungry give bread.
And to those who have bread already, give a hunger for justice. Amen.

It also reminds me of "1 John". You can't say you have the "love of God" and when you say "have a nice day" to a hungry person and don't feed them.

Duh

by: duhsciple

02-18-2009 @ 6:23pm

Lisa's post reminds me of the following table prayer.

Lord, to the hungry give bread.
And to those who have bread already, give a hunger for justice. Amen.

It also reminds me of "1 John". You can't say you have the "love of God" and when you say "have a nice day" to a hungry person and don't feed them.

Duh

by: Windchanger

02-18-2009 @ 6:42pm

SisterMarie-

Thanks! I never knew it was "tract" and not "track". It was a word I have always heard and not seen in print. I guess my "mainline" childhood is peeking through. :-)

by: Windchanger

02-18-2009 @ 6:42pm

SisterMarie-

Thanks! I never knew it was "tract" and not "track". It was a word I have always heard and not seen in print. I guess my "mainline" childhood is peeking through. :-)

by: datroxell

02-19-2009 @ 3:14am

I have a real problem with the Title of this article "Love God = End Poverty". BUt first I must say that I am in no way against mercy ministry, nor do I think that you have to jam Jesus down the throat with every act of kindness.
My problem is this, sin is one of the symptoms of sin - which is why Jesus came - to forgive sin and restore a relationship with God. And though we are to be ambassadors for Christ to everyone we come in contact, we also know that most will not accept him. So to think that we can eliminate a symptom of sin without eliminating the cause is foolish.
That said, I and the church in general fall way short of our duty to help the poor. But to think WE can end poverty without the regeneration of hearts by the Holy Spirit is to deny what the Bible teaches about the condition of the human heart. "the heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?" Jer 17:9
Mercy ministry is indeed a picture of the gospel, meeting a need that the recipient has nothing to offer in return. It is a picture on the material level of what they need on the spiritual level.

by: datroxell

02-19-2009 @ 3:14am

I have a real problem with the Title of this article "Love God = End Poverty". BUt first I must say that I am in no way against mercy ministry, nor do I think that you have to jam Jesus down the throat with every act of kindness.
My problem is this, sin is one of the symptoms of sin - which is why Jesus came - to forgive sin and restore a relationship with God. And though we are to be ambassadors for Christ to everyone we come in contact, we also know that most will not accept him. So to think that we can eliminate a symptom of sin without eliminating the cause is foolish.
That said, I and the church in general fall way short of our duty to help the poor. But to think WE can end poverty without the regeneration of hearts by the Holy Spirit is to deny what the Bible teaches about the condition of the human heart. "the heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?" Jer 17:9
Mercy ministry is indeed a picture of the gospel, meeting a need that the recipient has nothing to offer in return. It is a picture on the material level of what they need on the spiritual level.

by: SisterMarie

02-19-2009 @ 1:33pm

I think I've heard this sermon before from that little square box in the corner of my family room. The preacher, adorned in the finest threads that money can buy, amplified by electronic instruments that costs more than an entire Radio Shack, and surrounded by a choir whose outfits and makeup would feed a small African country for a day, exhorts his congregation and listeners to "plant a seed" by sending him your money.

Now, we will close to that gospel hymn, "Would Jesus Wear a Rolex?"

by: SisterMarie

02-19-2009 @ 1:33pm

I think I've heard this sermon before from that little square box in the corner of my family room. The preacher, adorned in the finest threads that money can buy, amplified by electronic instruments that costs more than an entire Radio Shack, and surrounded by a choir whose outfits and makeup would feed a small African country for a day, exhorts his congregation and listeners to "plant a seed" by sending him your money.

Now, we will close to that gospel hymn, "Would Jesus Wear a Rolex?"

by: squeaky

02-19-2009 @ 4:58pm

I tend to agree with the assertion that poverty is a symptom of sin and the problem won't truly change unless hearts change. But that is true of everything. I can't help ask, though--do you say the same with regards to other hot-button issues, like homosexuality and abortion? Hopefully your stance is consistent.

I don't think our ability to end poverty is even something that should be considered. Once we start considering it, we start to feel overwhelmed. Jesus wouldn't have given us the example and admonitions to help those in need if He didn't think it was something we were capable of. I think your assumption is that we think we can do this on our own, but in turn, I think Jesus' assumption is that we can't do it on our own--but with Him working through us, anything is possible.

by: squeaky

02-19-2009 @ 4:58pm

I tend to agree with the assertion that poverty is a symptom of sin and the problem won't truly change unless hearts change. But that is true of everything. I can't help ask, though--do you say the same with regards to other hot-button issues, like homosexuality and abortion? Hopefully your stance is consistent.

I don't think our ability to end poverty is even something that should be considered. Once we start considering it, we start to feel overwhelmed. Jesus wouldn't have given us the example and admonitions to help those in need if He didn't think it was something we were capable of. I think your assumption is that we think we can do this on our own, but in turn, I think Jesus' assumption is that we can't do it on our own--but with Him working through us, anything is possible.

by: Eric77

02-23-2009 @ 3:09pm

Perhaps a better title for this piece would have been Love God=Love and Aid the Poor.

by: Eric77

02-23-2009 @ 3:09pm

Perhaps a better title for this piece would have been Love God=Love and Aid the Poor.

by: datroxell

02-26-2009 @ 3:58am

SisterMarie,

I would hope that you would measure the credibility of a comment on whether it aligns with Scripture itself. As the inspired Word of God that's what we should be using as the measuring stick.

Beyond that, I apparently didn't make the point that aiding the poor is important for the church to be doing so that they can also present the gospel. This is a great thing and needs to be done a lot more. What concerns me if our goal is ONLY to help them get out of poverty without concern for their soul.

I hope that helps you understand better.

by: datroxell

02-26-2009 @ 3:58am

SisterMarie,

I would hope that you would measure the credibility of a comment on whether it aligns with Scripture itself. As the inspired Word of God that's what we should be using as the measuring stick.

Beyond that, I apparently didn't make the point that aiding the poor is important for the church to be doing so that they can also present the gospel. This is a great thing and needs to be done a lot more. What concerns me if our goal is ONLY to help them get out of poverty without concern for their soul.

I hope that helps you understand better.

by: datroxell

02-26-2009 @ 4:19am

I don't know whether you will judge this stance as consistent or not, but I'll give it a shot. Abortion and homosexuality won't end until Christ returns either. But there is a difference here between poverty and these issues. Poverty is a symptom and consequence of sin. Poverty can be caused by oppression (the sin of an outside party), laziness, greed, and I am sure a multitude of other sins of the person who is poor. Abortion is a sin in an of itself (Psalm 139 and Exodus 20 for starters) Just like stealing, rape, murder, assault, etc, we have laws against them. The laws don't stop them, but they do serve as consequences for the actions and sense of justice for the victims But yes, I contribute to a local Crisis Pregnancy Center where material help as well as counseling is offered.

Homosexuality is likewise condemned directly in scripture as is adultery which we can see daily on TV if we desire. Though I don't think outlawing homosexuality is any more feasible than outlawing adultery in our current culture. I am opposed to the desire of the homosexual community to spread the lie that it is "natural" or "normal". And that a union of male to male or female to female is marriage is also offensive because it is the picture that God uses of Christ and the church. Could the church do more to help those who are enslaved by this sin, yes.

And I will just reiterate my concern with the goal of such movements, if it is too create an open door to present the gospel, that is great. If our goal is simply the physical needs, we miss the point of Jesus, just like the Jews of his time did when they wanted deliverance from Rome instead of deliverance from sin.

by: datroxell

02-26-2009 @ 4:19am

I don't know whether you will judge this stance as consistent or not, but I'll give it a shot. Abortion and homosexuality won't end until Christ returns either. But there is a difference here between poverty and these issues. Poverty is a symptom and consequence of sin. Poverty can be caused by oppression (the sin of an outside party), laziness, greed, and I am sure a multitude of other sins of the person who is poor. Abortion is a sin in an of itself (Psalm 139 and Exodus 20 for starters) Just like stealing, rape, murder, assault, etc, we have laws against them. The laws don't stop them, but they do serve as consequences for the actions and sense of justice for the victims But yes, I contribute to a local Crisis Pregnancy Center where material help as well as counseling is offered.

Homosexuality is likewise condemned directly in scripture as is adultery which we can see daily on TV if we desire. Though I don't think outlawing homosexuality is any more feasible than outlawing adultery in our current culture. I am opposed to the desire of the homosexual community to spread the lie that it is "natural" or "normal". And that a union of male to male or female to female is marriage is also offensive because it is the picture that God uses of Christ and the church. Could the church do more to help those who are enslaved by this sin, yes.

And I will just reiterate my concern with the goal of such movements, if it is too create an open door to present the gospel, that is great. If our goal is simply the physical needs, we miss the point of Jesus, just like the Jews of his time did when they wanted deliverance from Rome instead of deliverance from sin.

by: datroxell

02-26-2009 @ 4:25am

Love God = Obey His Commandments (John ?) Love and Aid the Poor is just a piece of that. We need revival that the church would fulfill all that God requires of it in the power that God provides and that the gospel would spread rapidly. Then we would also see a great reduction in poverty.

by: datroxell

02-26-2009 @ 4:25am

Love God = Obey His Commandments (John ?) Love and Aid the Poor is just a piece of that. We need revival that the church would fulfill all that God requires of it in the power that God provides and that the gospel would spread rapidly. Then we would also see a great reduction in poverty.

by: DHFabian

04-10-2009 @ 2:32pm

I think anyone who says that poverty is caused by laziness shows a lack of knowledge about poverty. As anyone who has actually experienced it can confirm, poverty is intensely stressful and thoroughly exhausting. It is a hellish struggle to get through each day while working to secure a job, shelter, food, etc. When illness strikes, it is even harder to survive. Today, the poor are America's scapegoats, just like the "Oakies" in the Great Depression. The poor are publicly stereotyped and condemned, sometimes beaten, sometimes killed.

Anyone who has been truly poor knows with certainty that any job is easy in comparison.

by: DHFabian

04-10-2009 @ 2:32pm

I think anyone who says that poverty is caused by laziness shows a lack of knowledge about poverty. As anyone who has actually experienced it can confirm, poverty is intensely stressful and thoroughly exhausting. It is a hellish struggle to get through each day while working to secure a job, shelter, food, etc. When illness strikes, it is even harder to survive. Today, the poor are America's scapegoats, just like the "Oakies" in the Great Depression. The poor are publicly stereotyped and condemned, sometimes beaten, sometimes killed.

Anyone who has been truly poor knows with certainty that any job is easy in comparison.

by: datroxell

04-11-2009 @ 5:29pm

Your assertion that laziness NEVER is a cause of poverty is contrary to scripture. Read through a few chapters of Proverbs and you will see that laziness leads to poverty. But as I stated above it is only one of a many reason a person may be in poverty.
Please don't seek to discredit a post by distorting a word out of context.

by: datroxell

04-11-2009 @ 5:29pm

Your assertion that laziness NEVER is a cause of poverty is contrary to scripture. Read through a few chapters of Proverbs and you will see that laziness leads to poverty. But as I stated above it is only one of a many reason a person may be in poverty.
Please don't seek to discredit a post by distorting a word out of context.

by: datroxell

04-11-2009 @ 7:29pm

Your assertion that laziness NEVER is a cause of poverty is contrary to scripture. Read through a few chapters of Proverbs and you will see that laziness leads to poverty. But as I stated above it is only one of a many reason a person may be in poverty.
Please don't seek to discredit a post by distorting a word out of context.

by: datroxell

04-11-2009 @ 7:29pm

Your assertion that laziness NEVER is a cause of poverty is contrary to scripture. Read through a few chapters of Proverbs and you will see that laziness leads to poverty. But as I stated above it is only one of a many reason a person may be in poverty.
Please don't seek to discredit a post by distorting a word out of context.