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I'm not sure I have a plan, yet. I'm still gathering information. But I am sure that the righteous, Christian way forward is to set difficult goals to pursue in this social justice thing. Even if one fails to achieve those goals, one is likely to achieve more than if one has no goals at all. And...

So, @An Apologetic Sheepdog, may I ask if you think the eradication of absolute poverty a goal worth pursuing? And if you do, do you have any constructive suggestions as to how best to go about it? Best wishes, 2RM.

So, just to remind you we are talking about eradicating absolute or extreme poverty. One approach many people take is the 'mincome' or minimum income, which involves the government paying everyone enough to cover food, rent and basic utilities. If you wanted more than this you would need to...

Proximity to God? Best wishes, 2RM.

Yes, I was teasing him, a little. The general consensus among Christians seems to be that either one is saved, or one is not. Illegitimately saved is therefore a non category. Best wishes, 2RM.

They may not save us, but I think they may well influence the quality of our afterlives. Best wishes, 2RM.

Presumably, less deadly. But you will need to check that with a theologian or a pastor. Meanwhile, for the sake of your soul and conscience, my recommendation is to avoid them, in favour of the seven cardinal virtues: chastity, temperance, charity, diligence, patience, kindness and humility...

Traditionally, the seven deadly sins are pride, avarice, wrath, gluttony, sloth, lust and envy. These share in common the fact that they are all selfish ways of being, and virtue is selfless. Best wishes, 2RM.

Agreed. Lifting the poor out from their condition is a complex issue. If it was easy, it would have happened by now. But because the way is hard, does not mean we should not travel it. I'm afraid generalities is all you can have at this time. Different solutions will apply to different...

Yes it was. Work it out. Clue: if you're malnourished, chances are it's because you can't afford a decent diet. Again, work it out. I have provided figures already on this thread. Vice in others is no excuse for a lack of virtue in ourselves. The law of a decent land, where no one is left...

I would be content, initially, if no one fell into the category of clinically malnourished. The rich. Since we do not have a global government, we'll have to leave that to the nation states. ditto. Each to the law of the land, and their own conscience. Best wishes, 2RM.

So, are we all poor in spirit, then? By your explanation I think we could be said to be. And the point about the beatitudes is that they distinguish between some who are blessed, and are rewarded appropriately, and others who are not, and get no reward at all. Considering He lived on charity...

I have never really understood the phrase 'poor in spirit'. The best I have come up with is that it means those who find their wealth in their relationships, rather than in material goods. But if you think it means something alternative to that, please enlighten me. Best wishes, 2RM.

Well, I've already covered the significant points you raise. For example, if you pay close attention as you read the discussion thus far you will find I do describe the (absolute or extreme) poverty that concerns me. A global minimum wage would go a long way to resolve the issue. Best wishes, 2RM.

No, I am not advocating communism. I would much prefer that the radical redistribution of wealth I am calling for to happen on a voluntary basis. But, realistically, there is little chance of that, so I would advocate a progressive tax policy among the those of us fortunate enough to live in the...

OK, guys n' gals. Let me try to bring this back to the OP's original intent. If God is responsible for everything, and is good, how do you account for evil? In other words, do we live in the best of all possible worlds, and if not, why not? Best wishes, 2RM.

Well, I think for the moment we have gone pretty much as far as we can go, on this topic. I am now discussing the plight of the poor in the Christian Debate Forum. I'd be interested in your thoughts, if you want to join in. Best wishes, 2RM.

Thank you, @Heart2Soul, for those scriptures. Do you think they absolve us of the responsibility to eradicate absolute poverty? I am of the opinion that God works through us to bring about change for the better. Best wishes, 2RM.

Agreed. There are some whose sickness and/or disability and/or age precludes them from working, and those must be carried by society. But in general I think you are right. However, the world we inhabit has many who work extremely hard, and still can't meet their basic needs, and are in a state...

Yes, I find Maslow's hierarchy useful, as well. We need to start our reforms by ensuring that everyone of whatever nation gets their basic needs met. The inability to meet these needs is referred to by economists as absolute or extreme poverty. The world produces enough to eradicate this kind of...