Significant social developments in religious thought
Attitudes toward wealth
The dangers of wealth
Mark 10:17-25
Summary of story:
A rich man asks Jesus how to enter the kingdom of God. Jesus says that you should follow the
ten commandments. The man replies that he has done that since his youth. Jesus says he lacks
one thing, and that he should sell his stuff and give the money to the poor. The man is upset by
this as he was very rich.
Jesus ends by telling this to his disciples: ‘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’.
Jesus diverges from Jewish teaching which is that wealth is a gift from God (and give
generously). Jesus treats it as a curse which should be given away.
Meaning: Wealth is less important than heaven
Evaluation: Early manuscripts used the word ‘kamilon’ (rope) rather than ‘kamelon’ (camel).
This means that perhaps it wasn’t seen to be impossible to get into heaven with wealth, just
very difficult (as rope is far easier than a camel).
This can also be seen as not a universal law but a prescription to a single man, who is not self-
fulfilled.
Matthew 6:25-34
As part of Jesus’ sermon on the mount he says not to worry about material possessions in life
(such as food and cloth), because God will provide.
He says to ‘strive first for the Kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be
given to you as well.’
Main theme: Material possessions such as food and cloth aren’t important. Spiritual things are.
Priorities need to be in check.
Luke 12:33-34
‘Sell your possessions and give alms. Make purses for yourselves that do not wear out, an
Attitudes toward wealth
The dangers of wealth
Mark 10:17-25
Summary of story:
A rich man asks Jesus how to enter the kingdom of God. Jesus says that you should follow the
ten commandments. The man replies that he has done that since his youth. Jesus says he lacks
one thing, and that he should sell his stuff and give the money to the poor. The man is upset by
this as he was very rich.
Jesus ends by telling this to his disciples: ‘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’.
Jesus diverges from Jewish teaching which is that wealth is a gift from God (and give
generously). Jesus treats it as a curse which should be given away.
Meaning: Wealth is less important than heaven
Evaluation: Early manuscripts used the word ‘kamilon’ (rope) rather than ‘kamelon’ (camel).
This means that perhaps it wasn’t seen to be impossible to get into heaven with wealth, just
very difficult (as rope is far easier than a camel).
This can also be seen as not a universal law but a prescription to a single man, who is not self-
fulfilled.
Matthew 6:25-34
As part of Jesus’ sermon on the mount he says not to worry about material possessions in life
(such as food and cloth), because God will provide.
He says to ‘strive first for the Kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be
given to you as well.’
Main theme: Material possessions such as food and cloth aren’t important. Spiritual things are.
Priorities need to be in check.
Luke 12:33-34
‘Sell your possessions and give alms. Make purses for yourselves that do not wear out, an
