13.4 Wealth & Poverty (AQA GCSE Religious Studies A): Flashcards
Exam code: 8062
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Define tithing.
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Define tithing.
The Old Testament practice of giving one-tenth of annual earnings (a tithe) to thank God, shared among the poor; some Christians still do this today.
What did Jesus teach about serving God and money?
'No one can serve two masters... You cannot serve both God and money' (Matthew 6:24) — spiritual wealth matters more than material wealth.
What did Jesus say to the rich man about wealth and the kingdom of God?
'It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God' (Mark 10:25).
Do Christians believe it is wrong to be wealthy?
No — but wealthy people should not be selfish and should use their wealth responsibly to help those in need.
What does the Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus warn?
The rich man ends up in hell for refusing to help Lazarus the beggar — showing the consequences of failing to use wealth to help others.
1 Timothy 6:10 warns: 'For the love of money is a root of all sorts of ______.'
1 Timothy 6:10 warns: 'For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil.'
How does the Qur'an describe wealth?
As a gift from Allah that must be shared, not wasted or hoarded — 'Tell those who hoard gold and silver... they will have a grievous punishment' (Qur'an 9:34).
How must Muslims obtain wealth, and how must they not?
Through honest work, business or inheritance — not through fraud, gambling, deception, selling alcohol, or usury (charging interest).
What is Zakah, and how much is given?
Almsgiving, the third pillar of Islam — giving 2.5% of one's wealth each year to help those in need; it purifies the rest of one's wealth.
Define khums.
A 20% tax paid by Shi'a Muslims, split between charity and Shi'a religious leaders.
Define sadaqah.
Voluntary donations of money, food or clothes that many Muslims give to those in need, in addition to Zakah.
How can Christians today show a responsible attitude to wealth?
By tithing, supporting charities like Christian Aid, giving to the church, looking after those with less, and being content rather than coveting.
What does the Hadith warn about greed?
'Beware of greed for it is ready poverty.'
True or False?
Christian tithing and Muslim Zakah are the same fixed percentage.
False.
Tithing is traditionally one-tenth (10%), while Zakah is 2.5% of wealth per year (Shi'a Muslims also pay 20% khums).
Define exploitation.
Misusing power or money to get people to do things for little or no reward — e.g. unfair pay, excessive interest, and people trafficking.
Define a sweatshop.
A factory where people are forced to work long hours for very little reward, in terrible conditions.
Why do Christians and Muslims both support fair pay?
Both believe everyone is created by God/Allah and is equal, so justice and equality are important — 'Do to others as you would have them do to you' (Luke 6:31).
How does Islam describe the relationship between workers and employers?
As a brotherhood with responsibilities to each other — workers should be honest, and employers should provide good conditions and fair wages.
Define a loan shark.
Someone who lends money at very high (excessive) interest rates, exploiting people who are short of money.
What is the Christian view on interest on loans?
Christianity today does not oppose interest itself but opposes excessive interest rates — 'Do not exploit the poor because they are poor' (Proverbs 22:22).
Define riba.
Usury — charging interest on loans, which is forbidden in Islam as it exploits the poor and goes against Shari'ah law.
What does the Qur'an teach about those struggling to repay loans?
To be patient: 'If someone is in hardship, then [let there be] postponement until [a time of] ease' (Qur'an 2:280) — Islamic banks lend without charging interest.
Define people trafficking.
Illegally transporting people from one country to another — for forced labour, sexual or organ exploitation; often called 'modern-day slavery'.
Why does Christianity condemn people trafficking?
Human life is created by God and sacred; it goes against agape and 'Love your neighbour as yourself' (Mark 12:31) — everyone is equal to God.
Which Christian organisation helps victims of people trafficking?
The Salvation Army — offering help and support to victims.
How does the Qur'an relate to opposing people trafficking?
It teaches that to 'liberate those in bondage' (Qur'an 2:177) is a worthy act; everyone is equal before Allah, and trafficking exploits vulnerable people.
In the UK, the National ______ Wage has existed since 1999 to stop the exploitation of workers.
In the UK, the National Minimum Wage has existed since 1999 to stop the exploitation of workers.
True or False?
Islam permits charging interest as long as the rate is reasonable.
False.
All charging of interest (riba/usury) is forbidden in Islam — not just excessive rates.
Define poverty.
Being without money, food or other basic needs of life (e.g. water, clothing, shelter, healthcare, education).
What is the difference between absolute and relative poverty?
Absolute poverty is severe deprivation of basic human needs (UN definition); relative poverty is being poor compared with what a particular society considers normal.
Which parables show Christians their duty to help those in poverty?
The Good Samaritan and the Sheep and Goats — teaching the importance of compassion and helping others in need.
What is the difference between emergency and long-term aid?
Emergency (short-term) aid is help after a disaster (shelter, food, water); long-term aid provides development work like education and training for a lasting solution.
Name two Christian aid organisations that tackle poverty.
Christian Aid, CAFOD and Tear Fund.
How does buying Fairtrade products help fight poverty?
Fairtrade goods are produced and traded fairly, ensuring workers are not exploited, helping communities develop and reducing reliance on aid.
What does the Qur'an say about giving charity and Allah's reward?
'Be steadfast in prayer and regular in charity... you shall find it with Allah: for Allah sees all that you do' (Qur'an 2:110).
How much do Muslims give through Zakah, and Shi'a Muslims through khums?
Zakah = 2.5% of annual wealth; Shi'a Muslims also pay khums, a 20% tax split between charity and religious leaders.
What does the Qur'an call care for the poor and needy?
'True righteousness' — giving wealth, in spite of love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy and travellers (Qur'an 2:177).
What does the Muslim charity Islamic Relief aim to do?
Provide emergency and long-term aid, promoting sustainable development so communities support themselves and can break out of poverty.
Who does the charity Muslim Hands work to help?
British Muslims facing poverty, deprivation and exclusion — including prisoners, marginalised women, vulnerable young people, those with addiction, and the elderly.
What responsibilities do those living in poverty have, according to both faiths?
To seek opportunities to work (if able), accept short-term help without relying on it as a way of life, and aim to become self-sufficient.
Which parable encourages people to use their God-given abilities?
The Parable of the Talents — 'to everyone who has, more will be given' (Matthew 25:28) — encouraging people to use their talents to increase what they have.
______ is the third pillar of Islam, requiring Muslims to give 2.5% of their wealth to help the poor.
Zakah is the third pillar of Islam, requiring Muslims to give 2.5% of their wealth to help the poor.
True or False?
The aim of long-term aid is to make communities permanently reliant on charity.
False.
Long-term aid aims to make people self-sufficient through education, training and tools, reducing reliance on outside help.
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