- Jan 26, 2007
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I think Fr Stephen's main point is that if God owns it all, then the rich are simply caretakers of what God has entrusted them with. it is certainly not a sin to be wealthy, but the reason the wealthy are given their wealth is to further the Kingdom with it, which includes helping the brother in need.
so the issue is here we tend to think that the material stuff I have is my own and I am free to do as I see fit. and legally that's true. theologically however, it's all God's since He is the only one with rights to it as He created my stuff from nothing. and I think the point is if we, viewed ourselves as caretakers of our stuff and not the actual owners of it, we might use it more like God would have us use it. it's not like we can take it with us anyway.
at least, that's my reading.
so the issue is here we tend to think that the material stuff I have is my own and I am free to do as I see fit. and legally that's true. theologically however, it's all God's since He is the only one with rights to it as He created my stuff from nothing. and I think the point is if we, viewed ourselves as caretakers of our stuff and not the actual owners of it, we might use it more like God would have us use it. it's not like we can take it with us anyway.
at least, that's my reading.
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