Wealth and Poverty

'Religious teachings are the main reason why religious people help the poor.' Discuss this statement. (15 marks)",
"marks": 15,
"solution": "Introduction: This essay will evaluate the claim that religious teachings are the primary motivation for believers helping the poor. It will argue that while teachings like the Parable of the Sheep and the Goats and the pillar of Zakah are fundamental, other factors such as personal experience, a sense of shared humanity, and the desire for heavenly reward also play a significant role. The argument will conclude that teachings are the foundational framework, but are often activated by other motivations.

Paragraph 1 - Argument For (Christianity): The primary motivation for many Christians is the direct command of Jesus. In the Parable of the Sheep and the Goats (Matthew 25), Jesus explicitly links serving the poor with serving him, stating, 'whatever you did for one of the least of these... you did for me.' This is not merely a suggestion but a criterion for salvation. Therefore, for a believer, helping the poor is a core part of their discipleship and obedience to God. Organisations like Christian Aid are founded on this theological basis.

Paragraph 2 - Argument For (Islam): In Islam, the motivation is even more structured. Zakah, the annual 2.5% donation, is not optional but one of the Five Pillars of the faith. Failure to pay it is considered a major sin. The Qur'an states in Surah 2:177 that righteousness includes giving wealth 'in spite of love for it'. This shows that the teaching requires a conscious act of will against selfish desires, directly motivated by scripture. This obligatory nature suggests teachings are the main driver.

Paragraph 3 - Argument Against (Alternative Motivations): However, teachings alone may not be sufficient. A non-religious person, such as a Humanist, may help the poor due to a sense of empathy and shared humanity, without any divine command. They would argue that compassion is a natural human response, not one exclusive to religion. Furthermore, some believers may be motivated by the desire for reward in the afterlife, or the social praise they receive for being charitable. This is a more self-interested motivation than pure obedience to teachings.

Paragraph 4 - Evaluation and Nuance: It is also possible that while teachings provide the initial reason, it is the personal experience of seeing poverty that truly motivates action. A Christian might read the Parable of the Sheep and the Goats many times, but it is only after volunteering at a food bank that the teaching becomes a powerful, personal imperative. Therefore, teachings and experience work together. The Prosperity Gospel, a belief that God rewards faith with wealth, could even be seen as a religious teaching that discourages helping the poor, suggesting not all teachings lead to positive action.

Conclusion: In conclusion, while religious teachings are a fundamental and powerful motivator for believers to help the poor, they are not the only reason. They provide the theological framework and justification, but the act of giving is often triggered by empathy, personal experience, or even a desire for reward. For many, the teachings are the essential starting point, but the journey to action involves the heart as well as the mind. Therefore, the statement is largely true but requires nuance; teachings are the main, but not the sole, reason.",
"examiner_commentary": "This is a top-level response. It directly addresses the question, uses specific and accurate SOWA (Matthew 25, Surah 2:177, Zakah), and includes a non-religious perspective (Humanism) for balance. The evaluation is nuanced, considering how different motivations interact, and the conclusion provides a clear, justified judgement. The mention of the Prosperity Gospel shows sophisticated understanding."

Explain two ways religious believers can help to reduce poverty. (5 marks)",
"marks": 5,
"solution": "First way: One way is through giving to charity. For example, a Muslim can give Zakah, which is a compulsory 2.5% donation of their wealth each year. This money is then distributed by Muslim charities like Islamic Relief to help those in need, such as by providing food and shelter for refugees. This directly reduces poverty by redistributing wealth.

Second way: Another way is through campaigning for justice. For instance, a Christian, motivated by the belief that everyone is made in the image of God (Imago Dei), could support an organisation like Christian Aid. They could participate in campaigns that pressure governments and corporations to change unfair trade rules or cancel the debt of poor countries. This helps to reduce poverty by tackling its root causes, which is known as tackling structural sin.",
"examiner_commentary": "This response would achieve full marks. It provides two distinct points (charity and campaigning). Each point is well-developed with a specific religious example (Zakah/Islamic Relief, Imago Dei/Christian Aid) and explains how the action helps to reduce poverty. The use of key terms like 'Imago Dei' and 'structural sin' demonstrates excellent subject knowledge."

Explain two contrasting religious beliefs about wealth. (4 marks)",
"marks": 4,
"solution": "One belief: Some Christians believe that wealth is a blessing from God and a sign of his favour. This view, often called the 'Prosperity Gospel', teaches that strong faith will be rewarded with material prosperity and good health. They might refer to parts of the Old Testament where figures like Abraham were blessed with great wealth.

Contrasting belief: In contrast, many other Christians and Muslims believe that wealth is a test and a responsibility. The teaching of Stewardship in Christianity and Khalifah in Islam states that wealth ultimately belongs to God and humans are merely trustees who must use it to help others. Jesus' warning that it is 'easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God' (Mark 10:25) supports the view that wealth can be a dangerous spiritual obstacle, not a blessing.",
"examiner_commentary": "Full marks. The response gives two clearly contrasting beliefs. Each belief is explained and supported with specific religious ideas (Prosperity Gospel, Stewardship/Khalifah, Mark 10:25). The contrast is explicit and well-articulated."