Study 4: MONEY

Introduction There are many examples of environmental problems caused by greed (e.g. farming and forestry practices, extraction of minerals and fossil fuels), poverty (e.g. Third World debt resulting in growth of crops for export instead of subsistence, rainforest clearance, over- population) and armed conflict (e.g. the use of depleted uranium in armour-piercing shells). Greed, poverty and violence are all linked, and are fundamental causes of environmental problems. In this study we look at what Jesus has to say about our attitude to money and material wealth.

Read Luke 12:13-21

Note This parable is a clear demonstration of the folly of materialism. The attitude of the rich man is not only common in our society, but is actually encouraged by those who profit from it. Try to get your group to explore the links between this and environmental problems.

Discuss

(1) In what areas of your life are you behaving like the rich man in the story? Why are you behaving that way?

(2) Do you think covetousness is as sinful as idolatry and adultery (see 1 Corinthians 5:11)?

(3) Is it valid to apply the parable at a national or international level as well as at a personal level? If so, which widespread attitudes in our society are being challenged?

(4) Discuss how you think our obsession with accumulating wealth affects the living environment.

Read Luke 12:22-34

Note Here Jesus provides the answer, at least on a personal level, to the problems caused by the rich man's attitude in the first passage. The advice is blunt, and is hard for us to take. In your discussion, assess how literally we should be applying it to ourselves. If we really believe that God is who Jesus said He is - a loving father - we should live without anxiety for the future. (These sorts of issues are further explored in Studies 5 and 6.)

Discuss

(5) How can Jesus set us free from our bondage to possessions?

(6) How easy do you find it to apply this teaching to your own life (see especially verse 33)? What lessons can you learn from people you know who are more successful in applying this teaching to their lives?

(7) In the light of your last answer, think back to your response to question one. Is there anything you would now change?

Worship

Be thou my vision; Beauty for brokeness; Great is the darkness; Take my life and let it be.

Pray

O God of all creation

Who has come to us in Jesus,

Lead us in your way of love

And fill us with your Spirit.

Choose us

To bring good news to the poor,

To proclaim liberty to the captives,

To bring sight to the blind

And to set free the oppressed.

So shall your new creation come

And your will be done.

Amen.

From the Iona Community's Service of Prayer for Justice and Peace © Wild Goose Publications, Iona Community, Glasgow, Scotland. Reproduced by permission.