Discussion on the merits of the wealthy-You asked for it here it is! (Full Version)

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freakofnature -> Discussion on the merits of the wealthy-You asked for it here it is! (6/24/2008 1:19:52 PM)

ON another thread, there is a discussion on the benefits and drawbacks of Socialized healthcare (See Discussion here) It has broken down into a discussion on class envy instead of so called "socialized health care." It had gotten to the point that one senior member posted the following comment on that thread:
quote:

Zhi
Senior Member said:

Can you maybe make a thread that has the topic of "the poor", though, Furnituremaker and dolly, and stop cluttering up the thread on socialized healthcare? ...


So your wish is my command. Just like that. I don't get what it is about being wealthy that has so many Christians in the dark ages. Is it being wealthy that has them upset or what they do with the money? How much giving is too much? How much is not enough? Who sets that amout? Is it based on personal convictions? If everything already belongs to God and God grants us abilities and talents that happen to be worth something, is a man not to accept what he is paid? I have worked my way out of a very distressfull financial situation and become very independent financially. What is that worth? Apparently, according to some, that is a sin above all. Coveting after a better place in life so I can support myself and my family, even my extended family? Have I done wrongly? If this is Christianity, I want nothing to do with it, and neither will the unsaved? I know several who feel Christians are just poor helpless souls because that is how we portray ourselves, not successful, and if we are successful, we get chastised by the remaining amoung us.



freakofnature -> RE: Discussion on the merits of the wealthy-You asked for it here it is! (6/24/2008 1:24:16 PM)

Interesting essay to follow up on for this discussion.

Essay on ethics of wealth



freakofnature -> RE: Discussion on the merits of the wealthy-You asked for it here it is! (6/24/2008 1:28:01 PM)

Please also read HERE

From the article:
quote:

The self-employed are the wealthy folks of America. The average net worth of a family where the head of a household works for someone else is $65,000. When it comes to the self-employed, the average net worth is $352,300.

Another interesting wealth statistic: all the wealth in America is concentrated among homeowners (two-thirds of Americans own their own homes). The difference is stunning. The average homeowner's net worth is $171,700, while the average renter's net worth is a measly $4,800.

Lastly, it turns out that education is valuable. The net worth where the family head didn't graduate from high school is only $25,500. Meanwhile, the net worth where the family head has a college degree is $213,300. (Grad. school was not part of the survey.) An investment in a college education could provide a return greater than you could even expect in the stock market!



colliefan -> RE: Discussion on the merits of the wealthy-You asked for it here it is! (6/24/2008 1:28:05 PM)

They create businesses that employ people. They create firms in which people invest their wealth and receive returns that fund pensions.



tracydolls -> RE: Discussion on the merits of the wealthy-You asked for it here it is! (6/24/2008 2:35:45 PM)

Rev 3:17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:


Jas 5:1 Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you.


Jas 1:10 But the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away.

1Ti 6:17 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;


Luk 1:53 He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away.



Mar 10:25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.


Luk 6:24 But woe unto you that are rich! for ye have received your consolation.


the Bible is VERY clear about the rich, I think people get it confused!



martyfran -> RE: Discussion on the merits of the wealthy-You asked for it here it is! (6/24/2008 2:47:37 PM)

There was an interesting discussion on NPR yesterday about whether you could get very rich, without losing your soul.

Here is the link to the show:

rich and ruthless

Now, he defines being very rich as in the $100 million range. The question is, can you achieve such wealth without violating the laws of God? After all, it may involve neglecting relationships, or family members. It may involve cheating or unfair business practices.

The main guest is Felix Dennis who while wealthy, admits to many sins while pursuing wealth. The main problem I have is that he generalizes from himself, which is not in general a good thing to do.

On the other hand, Rosabeth Moss Cantor, tried to argue the other side and in my opinion, she did a very poor job. She made assertions, but had nothing to back them up.



freakofnature -> RE: Discussion on the merits of the wealthy-You asked for it here it is! (6/24/2008 3:00:54 PM)

quote:

martyfran said:

There was an interesting discussion on NPR yesterday about whether you could get very rich, without losing your soul.

Here is the link to the show:

rich and ruthless...


I don't have the ability to listen here, I will listen as soon as I get home. Sounds very much exactly what I am talking about. It is the assumption that everyone with money got there by taking it from some poor slump who didn't know any better, that all rich people are somehow tainted with ruthlessness, cheating, stealing or other unfair practices...

If all things belong to God, then as a child of God, I am able to be a part of what is His as long as he sees fit to use me in that manner. The church can not,,, I repeat CAN NOT function without money. God gives us, his children, that opportunity to earn money the more we earn the better God looks. I re-emphasize that for whatever reason, the church and/or it's members look down on the wealthy as some lyin' cheatin' stealin' bum. I am a firm believer in prosperity as a tool for God's good use as long as those who prosper do so in recognition of the things God has blessed them with. I don't believe God wants his children to suffer hardships, for what purpose does that serve for the kingdom? If a non Christian sees how difficult a life it is being a Christian because we don't believe in financial gain then the world is going to continue to stay away.



HighPlainsDrifter -> RE: Discussion on the merits of the wealthy-You asked for it here it is! (6/24/2008 3:09:12 PM)

quote:


the Bible is VERY clear about the rich, I think people get it confused!


Clear about what? Abraham was wealthy, so was Job, David, Solomon, etc. What did God hold against them for their wealth?



martyfran -> RE: Discussion on the merits of the wealthy-You asked for it here it is! (6/24/2008 3:13:15 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: freakofnature

Sounds very much exactly what I am talking about. It is the assumption that everyone with money got there by taking it from some poor slump who didn't know any better, that all rich people are somehow tainted with ruthlessness, cheating, stealing or other unfair practices...



Of course, I one of the problems is that we have to define rich. I think it is quite easy to acquire, for example, a couple of million dollars, without much of a moral issue being raised. All you have to do is start saving young, put the money into stock index funds and go on with your life.

On the other hand, if you want to make $100 million, can you do it without either being ruthless, neglecting your family, or basically making money a god in your life? That in my opinion, is not an unreasonable question, although I am not sure that I know how we would get an answer one way or another.

quote:


If all things belong to God, then as a child of God, I am able to be a part of what is His as long as he sees fit to use me in that manner. The church can not,,, I repeat CAN NOT function without money.


True.

quote:

God gives us, his children, that opportunity to earn money the more we earn the better God looks.


Some people give up many material things, end up making God look pretty good. Mother Teresa and Francis of Assisi come to mind. We are not all called to that route, but God does call some of us to give up our possessions. We just hope it isn't us[:D].

quote:

I don't believe God wants his children to suffer hardships, for what purpose does that serve for the kingdom? If a non Christian sees how difficult a life it is being a Christian because we don't believe in financial gain then the world is going to continue to stay away.


I am not sure I agree with you. Jesus said in this life we shall have tribulations. Perhaps the non-christian will see how well we handle the lack of this worlds goodies and be inspired by that?



kernsfamily -> RE: Discussion on the merits of the wealthy-You asked for it here it is! (6/24/2008 3:22:13 PM)

quote:

The question is, can you achieve such wealth without violating the laws of God?
'

absolutely....just ask David Green, the CEO/Founder of Hobby Lobby....he grew up a poor preacher's kid in Oklahoma, and today.....he's on the Forbes 400 (list of the 400 richest Americans).

Same thing goes for S. Truett Cathy, the "Chick fil A" guy....also a Forbes 400....and, a very faithful Christian.

I don't know any wealthy Christians who started their lives "seeking" wealth.....that's not the approach to take.....(our church is filled with very wealthy people, as the church is located in a very affluent area).....

our church does, though, have a very unique ministry "outreach".......those, typically in their 30s and 40s (young families), earning very high incomes, yet, coming from much "lower income" backgrounds.....our church is FILLED with individuals who fit that "profile"....and dedicates a ministry to those individuals (like myself) who face unique challenges that come with being in that situation.

With regards to wealth:
As a Christian, I am "called" to use my God-given "talents" in my profession to the greatest of my ability every day...to "grow" professionally and be an asset to my organization....Christians should be known as those who do their very best.....

"Work hard and cheerfully at all you do, just as though you were working for the Lord and not merely for your masters." [Colossians 3:23]

"Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men, because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free." [Ephesians 6:7-8]

As a result....many employers reward employees that fit those who follow the lead of those passages....and, within the business world, financial compensation is a typical means of the company demonstrating it's appreciation for that hard work...and, for being considered "among the best" that there is....

Eventually, I just may start my own design firm.....or simply be a good steward to what God has blessed me with, as a result of my career at the office.....(being a good steward does NOT equal "giving it all away")....though, i do give quite generously....

those same ideals is probably what propelled the chick fil a guy...and many others....(like the guy who started Interstate Batteries!).....yet another, VERY wealthy Christian guy, who certainly has not "violated the laws of God" to achieve the wealth he has....



EStan -> RE: Discussion on the merits of the wealthy-You asked for it here it is! (6/24/2008 3:30:15 PM)

quote:

I don't know any wealthy Christians who started their lives "seeking" wealth.....that's not the approach to take...


Absolutely. Having an abundance is not a sin, as long as you're seeking first the Kingdom of God.

I think we should be content with what we have (Hebrews 13:5) - and when we're blessed above and beyond what we need, seek God's will to guide us in our tithes and offerings.



martyfran -> RE: Discussion on the merits of the wealthy-You asked for it here it is! (6/24/2008 3:40:12 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: kernsfamily

quote:

The question is, can you achieve such wealth without violating the laws of God?
'

absolutely....just ask David Green, the CEO/Founder of Hobby Lobby....he grew up a poor preacher's kid in Oklahoma, and today.....he's on the Forbes 400 (list of the 400 richest Americans).




While, you may be right, I am not sure how we would know whether he made his money without violating the law of God. That was my point in my earlier post. We can come up with examples of Christian business people, but what we see is a small sliver of who an individual really is.

quote:


our church does, though, have a very unique ministry "outreach".......those, typically in their 30s and 40s (young families), earning very high incomes, yet, coming from much "lower income" backgrounds.....our church is FILLED with individuals who fit that "profile"....and dedicates a ministry to those individuals (like myself) who face unique challenges that come with being in that situation.

With regards to wealth:
As a Christian, I am "called" to use my God-given "talents" in my profession to the greatest of my ability every day...to "grow" professionally and be an asset to my organization....Christians should be known as those who do their very best.....


True, but being good at what you do is not necessarily correlated with making a lot of money. It can be, but it doesn't have to be. And of course, there is often an element of randomness in our success that we often ignore. I myself am an economics professor, so my salary is quite good. It is easy for me to be quite self congratulatory about my economic success. After all, I went to school, studied hard, etc. However, my I was finishing my Ph.d, I jokingly said to a fellow student from Africa, Joe can you get my a job at your university (he had a job waiting back home, I was looking for a job). His reply was: Sure, but it pays $200 per month. Certainly hardwork pays better in some places than in others.

quote:

(being a good steward does NOT equal "giving it all away")



It could. If God calls you to give it all away and you don't, then you are a poor steward.



freakofnature -> RE: Discussion on the merits of the wealthy-You asked for it here it is! (6/24/2008 3:53:50 PM)

quote:

I am not sure I agree with you. Jesus said in this life we shall have tribulations. Perhaps the non-christian will see how well we handle the lack of this worlds goodies and be inspired by that?


Let me clarify this point. Thanks for pointing it out. While I do agree that God allows for tribulations and hardships to come into our lives and it is how we react to said issues that builds our trust in God and our Character which God is more concerned with and yes that should be our light to the world. But even those of affluent means come into hardships but that aren't necissarily and always money related. But I also, just as I am a father, don't want to see my children suffering, I have to let them make their mistakes and help them corret those mistakes to build their faith, trust and resiliancy but it doesn't mean I am just gonna let them suffer for ever. I don't believe God has called his children to be like that. I believe he wants for us to prosper.

I think alot of people are not comfortably living because they are not good stewards of their money then blame the rich for not helping them out when they get themselves into a bind.



kernsfamily -> RE: Discussion on the merits of the wealthy-You asked for it here it is! (6/24/2008 4:16:33 PM)

quote:

While, you may be right, I am not sure how we would know whether he made his money without violating the law of God. That was my point in my earlier post. We can come up with examples of Christian business people, but what we see is a small sliver of who an individual really is.


And, that's the truth about EVERY person....whether they are poor OR rich...or somewhere in between.....what you see is just a "small sliver" of who an individual is.

quote:

True, but being good at what you do is not necessarily correlated with making a lot of money.


Whether it's being very good at what I do....or working hard at being the best you can be...you're right, it CAN correlate to "financial gain"....BUT, that's NOT the reason for doing the "best that I can do" and working hard....the "financial gain" comes in as a RESULT of doing what I am supposed to do. You're right, it doesn't always happen.....never any guarantees that it does.....but, working hard and doing your best day in and day out, like you're supposed to, will certainly increase the liklihood of doing so....
If i just come in the office everyday, and do the 'bare minimum' that's expected of me.....do you think I'll have much "career advancement"? substantial raises in salary? perhaps earning a spot on the executive board? not at all.

And, the same thing with the "life, liberty & pursuit of happiness" part of living in America......In it's short history, America has been, by far, the location on Earth where people of ALL backgrounds can come, work hard and build wealth. No one else even comes close. Is it "guaranteed" that hard work and doing your best will get you there? absolutely not. BUT, the OPPORTUNITY is here.....and it's OPPORTUNITY for all....not just a "select few" or "chosen few".....regardless of what "naysayers" say, there is no one holding anyone back when it comes to building wealth in America.....there is no "MAN" (as in "working for the man") holding you down.

so, what are the 'merits' of being wealthy (going back to the OP)....

having the vast resources to INSTANTLY give some assistance to those in need.....

As I mentioned, my family and I attend a fairly "affluent" church....5 years ago, I was unemployed for TEN months. What happened during those 10 months?

I would get "slipped" $100 bills....there were people from CEOs on down forwarding me "contacts" of people of whom THEY knew, and who they learned might have an appropriate position to fill (NETWORKING)....then, there was all of the freelance business (iam an art director/graphic designer), and business owners and C-level execs would funnel design work my way, and I would get paid generously........I made a mention ONCE to someone about taking a day to get a new suit when i was unemployed, and then I got a call from a local store: some guys at church "pitched in", and I was going to receive a "made to fit" suit, along with 2 custom made dress shirts. and a few pairs of dress slacks........all the way to receiving tickets to the theatre and symphony every now and then so my wife and I could enjoy a night out....(along with a gift card to a nice restaurant).....

and, i could go ON and ON and ON.....

yes....there are some very wealthy people that are friends at church....but, I have never seen so much generosity in my life (but, then again, I grew up in inner-city Detroit....a VERY long ways from where I am now.....in many ways)...



kernsfamily -> RE: Discussion on the merits of the wealthy-You asked for it here it is! (6/24/2008 4:22:20 PM)

quote:

But even those of affluent means come into hardships but that aren't necissarily and always money related.


very true....a very wealthy family in our sunday school class has 'hardships'....for the past couple of years, they've been dealing with one of their young sons (now age 8, i think) having cancer....neuroblastoma...stage 4.....

for a great story on how to be a faithful Christian, provider to your family, and running a successful business (with hundreds of employees dependent upon the sucess of the company), and dealing with hardship all at one time....here's a great article, about the Dad that has the kid with cancer (it ran in the Dallas Morning News on Father's Day):

When cancer struck his son, exec took on fight



martyfran -> RE: Discussion on the merits of the wealthy-You asked for it here it is! (6/24/2008 4:41:22 PM)

quote:

Whether it's being very good at what I do....or working hard at being the best you can be...you're right, it CAN correlate to "financial gain"....


The question however for a Christian is one of prudence. How much time and effort should I devote to pursuing income and wealth? For some people the answer is more, for others the answer is less.

quote:

BUT, that's NOT the reason for doing the "best that I can do" and working hard....the "financial gain" comes in as a RESULT of doing what I am supposed to do. You're right, it doesn't always happen.....never any guarantees that it does.....but, working hard and doing your best day in and day out, like you're supposed to, will certainly increase the liklihood of doing so....


It can, but it depends on what the person is doing. Someone who spends their time as a volunteer rather than working full time will probably never see their hard work pay off financially. So if we have two people in a church, one makes $150k by working hard at their job and the other works equally hard as a volunteer, it would be a mistake to believe that the person making $150k is somehow more virtuous. Some Christians seem to look with suspicion on those who not making as much money as they can.

quote:

If i just come in the office everyday, and do the 'bare minimum' that's expected of me.....do you think I'll have much "career advancement"? substantial raises in salary? perhaps earning a spot on the executive board? not at all.


Of course, it depends on what the standard is. If working hard means working 80 hours a week and neglecting your family, is that something a Christian should participate in? Also, it depends on what an individual is called to do as well. Better to be a good accountant than a poor comptroller.

quote:


And, the same thing with the "life, liberty & pursuit of happiness" part of living in America......In it's short history, America has been, by far, the location on Earth where people of ALL backgrounds can come, work hard and build wealth. No one else even comes close. Is it "guaranteed" that hard work and doing your best will get you there? absolutely not. BUT, the OPPORTUNITY is here.....and it's OPPORTUNITY for all....not just a "select few" or "chosen few".....regardless of what "naysayers" say, there is no one holding anyone back when it comes to building wealth in America.....there is no "MAN" (as in "working for the man") holding you down.



No doubt this is true. But then again, it has to humble us to realize that it is not totally our merit that has caused us economic success, but also highly conditioned on the fact that we live on a particularly successful piece of real estate.



freakofnature -> RE: Discussion on the merits of the wealthy-You asked for it here it is! (6/24/2008 4:54:55 PM)

quote:

one makes $150k by working hard at their job and the other works equally hard as a volunteer, it would be a mistake to believe that the person making $150k is somehow more virtuous.


This somewhat sums up the point of this thread. I don't think this is true alot of the time. The person making $150k is, at least by reading what others on various other threads have posted, is probably some greedy slime-y son of a gun who's selfish and preteintious. That only those giving time voluntarily are somehow more righteous and holy than the guy who's gotten a degree and gone on to make other inroads in society.



kernsfamily -> RE: Discussion on the merits of the wealthy-You asked for it here it is! (6/24/2008 5:14:47 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: freakofnature

quote:

one makes $150k by working hard at their job and the other works equally hard as a volunteer, it would be a mistake to believe that the person making $150k is somehow more virtuous.


This somewhat sums up the point of this thread. I don't think this is true alot of the time. The person making $150k is, at least by reading what others on various other threads have posted, is probably some greedy slime-y son of a gun who's selfish and preteintious. That only those giving time voluntarily are somehow more righteous and holy than the guy who's gotten a degree and gone on to make other inroads in society.


that volunteer either doesn't have a family to provide for.....or, is doing it for "the love of it", IN ADDITION to having a job, which provides...

NOT having "wealth" does NOT automatically equate to being "more virtuous" than someone who does have "wealth".....it's practically an irrelevant "fact" about that individual.....



martyfran -> RE: Discussion on the merits of the wealthy-You asked for it here it is! (6/24/2008 7:26:01 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: kernsfamily

that volunteer either doesn't have a family to provide for.....or, is doing it for "the love of it", IN ADDITION to having a job, which provides...



There is another alternative. Some people just choose to live on less. For example, suppose someone has a job paying $150k and a house that is worth $300k (assume paid for). Suppose they quit their job, sold their house and moved to a poor area of the country where they could buy a house for $30k. They put the rest of their money into investments, and lets say that between the investment income and a part time job, they live on $30k per year. The rest of their time they spend on outreach activities for their church and helping kids stay in school and succeed and work with people who have substance abuse problems. Is this idea morally good, bad or indifferent?



tracydolls -> RE: Discussion on the merits of the wealthy-You asked for it here it is! (6/24/2008 7:44:01 PM)

http://www.forbes.com/lists/2006/54/biz_06rich400_The-400-Richest-Americans_land.html

The top 400 people.

The collective net worth of the nation’s wealthiest climbed $120 billion, to $1.25 trillion.


I wanna get this straight? WE think it is okay for 400 people to be worth $1.25 TRILLION dollars?


I'm talking about the rich, not some guy making 30k a year.



SonInMe1 -> RE: Discussion on the merits of the wealthy-You asked for it here it is! (6/24/2008 9:40:33 PM)

How does someone having money affect your life?

If anything it probably helps you.

The rich are not evil by having money. If they exhibit evil, it is a choice.

Why does wealth make someone evil? Its akin to saying, the color of your skin makes you evil.

Yep, its prejudice.

The bible is VERY clear...wealth is NOT evil. Its what you do with it that can be evil.

There is a biblical word for this...its called covetness.



Zhi -> RE: Discussion on the merits of the wealthy-You asked for it here it is! (6/24/2008 9:55:17 PM)

The thing is that people who are "worth" billions or trillions don't have that sum as physical money that they put into a silo so they can swim in it like Scrooge McDuck. The money is almost all tied up into companies that employ thousands of people and via their products improve the lives of millions more. These people, or their families, have created something from nothing, something that gives people the ability to put food on the table for their families, a roof over their heads, etc.

How is it evil to have a "worth" that comes from giving thousands of people jobs and the ability to provide for their families? How is it evil to have a "worth" that comes from making something that people need?

I suppose they could cash in their net worth tomorrow and give it to the poor... but that would result in all those people they employ becoming poor as well as their jobs are yanked out from under them in the folding of the company. How would that be a good idea?



tracydolls -> RE: Discussion on the merits of the wealthy-You asked for it here it is! (6/25/2008 1:48:59 AM)

quote:

How does someone having money affect your life?


It affects millions for 400 people to have a TRILLION dollars.

quote:

If anything it probably helps you.


How does 400 people having a TRILLION dollars help the poor?

quote:

The rich are not evil by having money. If they exhibit evil, it is a choice.

Why does wealth make someone evil? Its akin to saying, the color of your skin makes you evil.

Yep, its prejudice.

The bible is VERY clear...wealth is NOT evil. Its what you do with it that can be evil.


So what is your explanation for some of the Bible verses concerning the rich?

quote:

There is a biblical word for this...its called covetness.


Why do people think you covet if you want for the poor? I don't want or NEED any money for myself. Live real comfortable.

I'm just sick of seeing people on TV showing off junk that cost 1000's and then the next ad is the CHRISTIAN CHILDRENS FUND asking for 27 cents for children with flies swarming around them.

quote:

The thing is that people who are "worth" billions or trillions don't have that sum as physical money that they put into a silo so they can swim in it like Scrooge McDuck. The money is almost all tied up into companies that employ thousands of people and via their products improve the lives of millions more. These people, or their families, have created something from nothing, something that gives people the ability to put food on the table for their families, a roof over their heads, etc.

How is it evil to have a "worth" that comes from giving thousands of people jobs and the ability to provide for their families? How is it evil to have a "worth" that comes from making something that people need?

I suppose they could cash in their net worth tomorrow and give it to the poor... but that would result in all those people they employ becoming poor as well as their jobs are yanked out from under them in the folding of the company. How would that be a good idea?



So a company like Nike which gives their workers in China and Taiwan? 23 cents a day is helping people out of poverty?

I'm not asking them to cash out completely, just share some of it. How many beds can they sleep in at night?



rlj -> RE: Discussion on the merits of the wealthy-You asked for it here it is! (6/25/2008 6:01:48 AM)

The world and everything in it belongs to the Lord and He will give to who He wants and take away from who He wants. I'm not angry or jealous about it.

Say what anyone wants to about the rich vs. poor but it doesn't do you any good when you're poor to go needy and begging to an empty hand.



martyfran -> RE: Discussion on the merits of the wealthy-You asked for it here it is! (6/25/2008 7:33:30 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: SonInMe1

How does someone having money affect your life?

If anything it probably helps you.


Personally I find that the biggest thing I struggle with now that I am well off is humility. It gets harder to be humble the more wealth you have in my opinion. Also, I think you tend to think of yourself as being entitled to the wealth you have, rather than considering yourself blessed. Also, the pursuit of wealth can distract you from God. So there are some potential downsides to wealth.

quote:


The rich are not evil by having money. If they exhibit evil, it is a choice.



Now, the question is: Does having wealth make it easier to make evil choices?

quote:

Why does wealth make someone evil? Its akin to saying, the color of your skin makes you evil.

Yep, its prejudice.

The bible is VERY clear...wealth is NOT evil. Its what you do with it that can be evil.



There is a difference is calling someone wealthy evil and questioning whether there can be moral danger in the pursuit of extreme wealth.

quote:

There is a biblical word for this...its called covetness.


Not necessarily. For example, in my case I am thinking about quitting teaching in the summer at my university. I am thinking about it for one simple reason, I don't need the money. If I have more money than I need now, then it wouldn't make sense for me to covet someone who has $100 million. I think some people are too quick to play the envy card.



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