New Tuesday Night Spirituality Discussion Group topic: Christianity, Poverty and Justice for the Poor
When the wealthy are dying from diseases of overabundance and the poor are dying from inadequate health care, poor diets and stress-related illnesses, there is spiritual disease in our society. Why are poverty and justice for those living in poverty important to Christians? “Justice for the Poor” recaptures the biblical vision that links poverty to justice. Jesus’ life and teachings show a deep compassion toward the poor and marginalized. His messages often highlighted the injustices shown to the poor and the prejudices the well-off frequently had against them. Sadly, that is a problem that still exists today.
In this six-week session, led by Tina Haffeman and Brian Tokoph who will use DVDs and other study materials developed for this session by Jim Wallis, editor-in-chief of Sojourners Magazine, we will explore the experiences of people living in poverty in the United States today.
How and what can we learn from their experiences? What are the responsibilities of Christians to prioritize the needs of the poor? Can we as individuals make a difference for those less fortunate than ourselves? What is the Christian call, or even that as a society, to care for the poor and advocate for changes in laws that affect the poor and needy to help bring about economic justice on their behalf?
By turning to the Bible for answers to these questions we will each hopefully come away with a firm understanding of one of the major tenets of the gospel of Jesus Christ: Justice for the poor.
Like all the topics covered in the Tuesday Spirituality Discussion Group, this series in designed so that each week’s lesson can stand on its own. So if you can’t make it to all the sessions, there’s no need to worry. Each Tuesday night will focus on a different story about poverty, so if you miss a week, you’ve only missed that story. The first week begins on Tuesday, Feb. 28 at 7 pm and you are welcome to come to one, some or all of the sessions. We look forward to seeing you for this enlightening series and robust discussion. (In the meantime, don't forget, this group meets every Tuesday night, even before this new series starts, and always discusses something new. You're welcome anytime.)