Chapter seven describes Jesus’ struggle with money. It demonstrates how money and wealth is “diametrically” opposed in the kingdom of God. Nolan believes that money and possessions are frequently regarded amongst the “hardest:” themes in the gospels. One thing that Nolan states and is stated that Jesus believed was that it is a miracle for the rich to get into heaven. Most rich citizens would fail to give up their wealth and possessions to enter the Kingdom of God. This emphasizes the point of no rewards for the rich, and no place for the rich. Jesus expected followers to share completely and wanted people to detach from all material possessions and inhibit a care free attitude. Jesus feels that you should not worry about food and clothes and a good example of this is the passage of Loaves and Fishes. This passage it not to be seen as just a miracle of multiplication but a remarkable example of sharing. It is the first time that people cease to be possessive about food and share and when people begin to share, “things tend to multiply”. Jesus highlights the importance that no one should be in want and that no one should establish a class system. Jesus wanted no poor and no rich. Although Jesus did not want there to be poor or rich, he had loads of compassion for the poor and oppressed. So the one thing that people should take out from chapter seven is that Jesus wanted all to share and disregard money as a whole.
By: Molly O’Shea
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My only concern while reading this is what happens to the people that do not have anything that is needed that they could "share". I understand that everyone should share their food, clothes, drink, and everything else, but there is only so many necesseities in life. So for the person who is stuck with either nothing of importance to do what should they do? Just keep taking? It is human nature for a person to be greedy. We all are to a certain extent like wanting OUR kids to get the best education. It will eventually come to a person who does very little or nothing for the community that keeps taking from all the givers. Then we will be right back where we started from. In theory this is great but in practicality i simply do not think it will work. There would be no motivation to do your best. This would be the wonderful if done right, but i just think it would not work, especially in today's society, for everyone to do this. Humans are just way to greedy...
ReplyDeleteI don't like this chapter. On paper, the ideas of Jesus sound fantastic, but that's exactly what they are: fantasy. There is no way that mankind could establish a system where everyone works equally and shares equally. I agree that it is the rich person's obligation to give back to the community, and that wealth does not grant happiness. The only concern that I have is that Jesus basically condemned the wealthy. The only way i could justify that is by assuming Jesus meant spoiled and selfish when he said wealthy. One parting sentiment: Jesus said that the only material good we should ever pray for is our daily serving of bread. Peace out O'Shea. I like the analysis. TBIZZLE (Tommy Belton)
ReplyDeleteI don’t think Jesus meant you have to give up your wealth as a condition to get into “heaven.” I think Jesus meant that it may take a miracle to get the rich to enter the Kingdom of God. If the Kingdom of God is here and now, isn’t Jesus really saying to achieve the Kingdom of God on earth that those with money need to take care of the poor and the oppressed and to share what they have with them. Once there is a greater sharing of wealth between nations and people, we will have God’s Kingdom. We shouldn’t share our wealth as a condition for getting into heaven, we should share our wealth as a condition for making the world a better place by eliminating the suffering of the poor and disenfranchised. It may take a miracle for those who are blind to this suffering to give up their wealth to eliminate the pain of others.
ReplyDeleteI also believe that Jesus did not want there to be a class system. However, I'm not so sure if I am understanding the reasoning of Jesus having compassion only for the poor. Perhaps deep down, the rich were actually in need of compassion as well because they were lacking love and happiness. I don't think that it was the poor who only deserved compassion from Jesus. We must also dwell on the fact that perhaps there was no teaching from Jesus to the rich about distributing their wealth to others. Just because the rich did not distribute their wealth, does not justify them not being able to go to Heaven. But I do see where many opinions can be drawn.
ReplyDeleteI disagree with this idea because it is not realistic or practical in today's society. Jesus states that you not worry about food or shelter that these things will be provided to you ny God. I know many people who are very religous and live their lifes to help others and who are poor and dont always have food or shelter. If i have a family my responsability is to give them everything i can to make their easier and more comfortable. I feel i would be betraying them and completley ruining their lifes because Igave our stuff away and quite my job because Jesus told me to. In the time of Jesus many people were willing to take wonderers in and feed and cloth them but in modern society most people are not willing to do this. Further more during the time this was written life was more simply than the dangers and the problems many people have to face today. That is why Idisagree with Jesus when he says it is a sin to want to have food and shelter and give your family the best life that you can.
ReplyDeleteWhen Nolan comments that it "is a miracle for the rich to get into heaven", I believe he is completely wrong. We constantly see Jesus in the bible dining with rich, greedy people such as taxpayers. This proves that Jesus recognizes their sin and has mercy on them. So Nolan is incorrect in saying that the rich rarely go to heaven. Furthermore, I feel as if the rich are being stereotyped as all being greedy and selfish. People such as doctors may make more money than those of other professions, but they are doing Jesus' work each day by helping others. I do not think it's wrong that they worked hard their entire life and decide to provide their family with good shelter and food.
ReplyDeleteI think that the idea of getting rid of money and prized items is a great idea but it is easier said than done. It is not right that there are people who are not even sure how many homes they own while there are families stunggleing to make ends meet each month. There should be a better, more balanced wealth distribution so that there are less being obressed and less people that have no idea what to do with thier wealth. One thing that bothers me about your reading and scripture is that Jesus did have a soft spot for the poor and opressed, however,in my chapter it talks about Jesus not even giving his mother preferential treatment. So he is a little hypocrytical in that he wants everyone to be alike and treated equally merely because they are human, yet he is preferential to the poor.
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