ISU Stage 1 - Religion 12
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School
Wilfrid Laurier University *
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Course
103
Subject
Philosophy
Date
Jan 9, 2024
Type
Pages
6
Uploaded by MinisterFlagWalrus31
Religion ISU - Stage 1
A. Proposed Topic:
My issue is about poverty, when one does not have enough money to buy necessities such
as food, water, clothes, etc. Poverty causes social, political, and economic problems, chronic
diseases and mental illnesses, for instance, social discrimination, exclusion, depression, heart
diseases, and many more. Many families do not have enough money to support their children's
lives because of a lack of income, which leads to many children not having opportunities such as
getting a good education, healthcare, and many basic services. We must bring awareness to
people in poverty because they deserve equity and opportunity, just as much as those who are
privileged. We must fight to end poverty, or it will become a never-ending cycle. Everyone
deserves to live without worrying about possessing necessities to survive.
B. Preamble:
a.
What questions do you have about your issue?
-
Are those who live in poverty necessarily lazy?
-
Do people put the blame on those in poverty or on the government?
-
How does the government ultimately contribute to local poverty issues?
-
Are the wealthy getting richer, while the poor go more into poverty?
-
What are the main causes of poverty?
b.
What is your initial ethical position regarding this issue?
I believe that we must all fight to make a difference in our communities to solve poverty
issues. We can attempt to abolish poverty through equity and by giving everybody, no matter
their wealth status, an equal opportunity. Instead of marginalizing people in poverty, we should
do our best to listen to them and use our voices to make their voices heard. We can help those in
poverty by bringing awareness, donating, volunteering, offering better job opportunities,
increasing wages, etc. People in poverty should not worry about feeling disempowered or
vulnerable because of their wealth status. Not all people in poverty are ‘lazy’ or ‘irresponsible’
because sometimes, many do not have a choice and end up in poverty due to uncontrollable
circumstances. Everybody deserves an equal opportunity and chance, no matter their social
status.
c.
What is the Catholic position regarding this issue?
The Catholic position regarding this issue is about the consideration of the poor and
vulnerable. We are all created in the image and likeness of God. The Catholic Social Teachings
state that everybody is sacred, and we must share all our treasures and goods because we need to
spread justice and mercy into our communities. God wants us to take care of vulnerable people,
those who need help. Just like how Jesus cared for those who were neglected and in poverty.
d.
List some Canadian organizations that support the Catholic position for this issue.
-
Caritas Canada
https://www.caritas.org/where-caritas-work/north-america/canada/
-
Development and Peace Canada
https://www2.devp.org/en/aboutus/identity
-
Chalice Canada
https://www.chalice.ca/
https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/chalice/
C. Initial Research:
Sources:
Article #1
“Catholic Teachings Around Poverty.”
PovertyUSA
,
https://www.povertyusa.org/catholic-teachings-around-poverty.
Rights and Responsibilities
The Catholic Church’s social teachings are
about us constructing a society of justice and
holiness, especially during the challenges we
face today. The Catholic Church also teaches
us to protect human dignity and to keep our
communities healthy. However, this can only
be achieved if we meet all of our
responsibilities, like protecting the dignity of
others. Everybody has the fundamental right
to life.
Solidarity
We are all children of God regardless of
national, ethnic, racial, and ideological
differences. We must all care and love one
another because solidarity is the pursuit of
justice and peace. According to Pope Paul VI,
if we desire peace, we must work for justice.
We must nurture those in our communities
who require help.
Option for the Poor and Vulnerable
Jesus instructs us to help those in our
communities who are vulnerable and poor. In
the traditional story, The Last Judgment
(Matthew 25:31-46), Christ is depicted as
those in poverty. How we treat the poor is
how we are treating Christ. This is why we
must care for those in poverty. We must
acknowledge their suffering.
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