Throughout the religious community, teachings on wealth and poverty can be found as an essential part of faith. For example, Christians believe that wealth can be used for good or evil and that wealth alone is not a bad thing. When Christians have wealth it is a gift from God and not theirs alone. Islam teaches that wealth is given by God to benefit humanity and is to be shared. Though sharing is not an option, the Muslim community does it because it is commanded by God. In both instances, those with money are given specific instruction on what their role is regarding their own spirituality and their responsibility to others. .
The Bible, the reference for the Christian faith, warns that people who want to get rich will be tempted and led astray. 1Timothy 6:10, says "For the love of money is the source of all kinds of evil." However, one can desire money for Christ-centred, not self-centred purposes. It is the attitude that one takes that determines their fate. According to the Christian faith "No one can be a slave of two masters; he will hate one and love another You cannot serve both God and money" (Matthew 6:24). Christians also believe that money earned through lawful and moral ways is a gift from God and not of their own making. According to the New Testament riches must be used for the help of others, especially the poor, meaning that they must use riches in good faith and cause.
Christians believe that they must share their wealth with the poor. There are many ways to do this, and one of these ways is to help people who are not well off or did not have the same advantages during their lives. Jesus told a parable in Matthew 25:31-46 concerning judgement before God at his second coming. Good and bad were separated, using the criteria for good as those who, " When I was hungry you fed me. When I was thirsty, you gave me drink, when I was naked you clothed me. When I was sick or in prison you visited me- This is a fine example of how we should treat our fellow man.
