The following is a quote from “Agrarian Justice” written by Thomas Paine in the winter of 1775-1776 as a response to a sermon by Watson, Bishop of Llandaff: “The Wisdom and Goodness of God, in having made both Rich and Poor.”
“It is wrong to say God made rich and poor; He made only male and female; and He gave them the earth for their inheritance…
Instead of preaching to encourage one part of mankind in insolence*… it would be better that priests employed their time to render the general condition of man less miserable than it is. Practical religion consists in doing good: and the only way of serving God is that of endeavoring to make His creation happy. All preaching that has not this for its object is nonsense and hypocrisy.”
*insolence – showing a rude and arrogant lack of respect”
What are your initial thoughts to this quote?
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I love Thomas Paine. He just seems to offer good old Common Sense. I was just talking to Brannon earlier today about who we feel like is the culprit behind poverty. I point my finger at Greed. I think this planet, the inheritance left to mankind, could support itself if it weren't for her. But being a fallen world, Jesus foretold that poverty would never be solved. Heartbreaking news maybe, but it doesn't discourage me from employing my time to relieve the miserable.
yeah… Greed is an ugly thing especially when it manifests itself in the form of injustice. Glad I'm not the only one who thinks about this stuff. You and Brannon are legitimate!
yeah… Greed is an ugly thing especially when it manifests itself in the form of injustice. Glad I'm not the only one who thinks about this stuff. You and Brannon are legitimate!