Why are there homeless, hungry, deserted, poor in Christian Communities?

[Guyonthestreet]

It’s way over simplistic I know, but Ive been reading some Bible verses and got to wondering, why, in a predominantly Christian society, do we see homeless people sleeping on the streets, hungry people begging, and so on?

Surely, if everyone lived as the Bible commanded, these social phenomena would simply not exist.

 

[wardrandolph]

I remember when the question,Why is there Poverty in the World was given to Blessed Mother Teresa,Her responce was:There is poverty in the world because people don’t know how to share.There are many good Catholic, and other Christians,That do care and share what and when they can,sadly,there are others,christian and non-christians who blame the poor for their condition.May our Lord Jesus grant us a giving heart.

 

[AJTheMan]

It all depends on how you view it, I would say. Jesus himself was a homeless beggar, going from city to city, depending on citizens to feed him and allow them into their home. Interestingly, Siddhattha Gotama, the Buddha, was also a homeless beggar. It’s an interesting story, to say the least. Buddha was born as a prince in a palace in Northern India. His father was a great king who ruled the land around the Capital City. Anyways, to oversimplify the situation, Buddha eventually left the palace and saw all of the sickness and illness. (His father never had him see this, he wanted the young prince to live like royalty) After this Buddha leaves and becomes a simple beggar, going from city to city, asking for food. He advised all of his followers to do the same. His disciples even established communities (Monasteries) which to this day still practice some form of beggary.

Many religious figures saw poverty of spirit and of life as a good thing. I’ve heard that some Christian saints decided to live the life of a beggar as well. In an ideal Christian society, my guess is that everyone would be homeless beggars!

I understand what you mean though, OP. You’d be amazed at what Christians can do when they unite. Look at all the anti-abortion rallies! Wow, is that some display of faith or what! Now what if all those people rallied for handouts to the poor? Think on it.

 

[twopekinguys]

Part of it is society. The rich get richer, and the poor get poorer, along with people living their lives with blinders on, not caring about fellow human beings.

Another part of it is the individual(s) themselves. Some people get too wrapped up in their “favorite sin”. Alcohol, drugs, prostitution, etc. etc.

There is an old saying. “People who don’t want help, can’t be helped.” We can offer it by providing food, shelter, etc. but we can’t force them to take it. We can’t force someone to improve their place in this world, we can only encourge it, and help with it.

The important thing to remember is when we encounter people in these situations is to do our best. After all, Christ’s own words were…“What you do to the least of my bretheren, you do to me.”

Me personally, I don’t have alot of extra money to help people, but I do have extra time.

One of the hardest things for people to do is to give of their time, and of themselves.

I volunteer at a Federal penitentary, I lead RCIA, I volunteer for a local AIDS organization.

Hope this helps.

 

[emeraldcoast]

It’s way over simplistic I know, but Ive been reading some Bible verses and got to wondering, why, in a predominantly Christian society, do we see homeless people sleeping on the streets, hungry people begging, and so on?

Surely, if everyone lived as the Bible commanded, these social phenomena would simply not exist.

Something that I was reminded of when asking the same question were the following Bible verses.

Mark 14:77
For you always have the poor with you, and you can show kindness to them whenever you wish; but you will not always have me.

Matthew 26:11
For you always have the poor with you, but you will not always have me.

John 12:88
You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.

God Bless!