Nobel peace winner unveils bold vision for ending poverty:
| Micro-credit pioneer Muhammad Yunus of Bangladesh, founder of Grameen Bank, has unveiled a bold vision for ending global poverty as he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.
“Poverty is a threat to peace,” the economist turned humanitarian banker said in accepting the 1.1 million euro (1.4 million dollar) prize. “The frustrations, hostility and anger generated by abject poverty cannot sustain peace in any society in the world.” The Grameen Bank, which shared the award, has helped millions in Bangladesh extricate themselves from penury through tiny, collateral-free loans, and has been successfully emulated throughout the world over the last decade. |
I commend Mr. Yunus and Grameen Bank for their helpful vision. And generous, too, by the sound of it.
But the lofty vision of eliminating poverty is a doomed cause. Jesus said we would have the poor with us always.
Of course, that does not mean we should not help the poor and try to help at least some out of poverty.
But when Jesus said “poor,” did He mean “abject poverty?”
To me “abject poverty,” “poverty,” and “poor” are varying degrees.
I don’t know, Tom, what degree of poverty Jesus had in mind.
And I’m sure my definition of abject poverty differs from Josefina’s in Guaymas Valley.