We hear a lot lately about “income inequality.” The implication is that the rich are forcing everyone else to live in poverty.
Several Bible passages appear to support an anti-wealth bias. A closer reading, however, shows that it is the misuse of wealth that brings condemnation, not its possession. Indeed, other verses suggest that God wants us all to be rich. I believe this “prosperity gospel” is also a misreading of Scripture.
We say that God has blessed us with health, prosperity, talent or a loving family. Indeed, some Protestants see these blessings as proof of God’s approval. I have trouble with that view. I think worldly success is mostly luck. After all, if being rich were proof of God’s favor, the saints would all be wealthy. The sick and suffering would all be greater sinners than their happy, healthy brothers and sisters.
I believe that God blesses us in happy circumstances (not by them) just as he blesses us in hard times. I’m horrified by the suggestion that we can get what we want by “naming and claiming” it. Some sermons on tithing also make me nervous, especially the promise that, “You can’t out-give God.” Putting $100 in the collection plate doesn’t obligate God in any way. That’s why it’s called “sacrificial giving.”
The Bible appreciates wealth enough to use symbols like lavish banquets, gorgeous clothing and precious metals to describe our eternal life. Passages criticizing wealth express two concerns. How did you get this money, and what are you doing with it? Dishonesty and selfishness are what condemn the wealthy, not their bank balance.
For example, Jesus tells the story of two men in the afterlife (Luke 16). The poor man rests peacefully with the patriarch Abraham. The rich man is tormented, not because he was rich, but because he didn’t give even his leftovers to the homeless man outside his door.
In Luke 22, Jesus meets a rich young man who proudly claims that he keeps every commandment. Jesus tells him to give away all his money. I see no evidence, though, that Christ expected everyone to embrace poverty. The early church in Jerusalem pooled their resources (Acts 2:44). There’s no indication, though, that their sister churches copied that practice.
I usually picture early Christians as poor. However, Zebedee had enough money to hire help for his fishing business. Matthew and Zacchaeus had the despised, but lucrative, job of tax collector. Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus paid for Jesus’ burial. Several business and trades people gave St. Paul hospitality and financial assistance. The Letter of St. James mentions both rich and poor believers.
The church today has wealthy members and is grateful for them. While it’s true that every penny counts, you don’t get a parish hall built or a school renovated without major assistance from the well-to-do. Make a substantial donation to one Catholic charity and see how quickly that charity and a dozen others hopefully ask for more.
Wealth isn’t sinful; it’s just dangerous. So are intelligence, good looks and health. They tempt us to think we deserve our good fortune. They tempt us to rely on our own strength rather than God’s grace and mercy. All forms of worldly wealth eventually pass away. That’s why Christ urges us to focus our attention on the heavenly treasures we earn by serving God and others.
So, no, being rich is not a sin. Now go write a check to Catholic Charities.
Kathleen welcomes comments. Send them to Kathleen Choi, 1706 Waianuenue Ave., Hilo, HI 96720, or e-mail: kathchoi@hawaii.rr.com.
