Do we only define poverty though materialism?

Defining the word poverty presents a challenge that can be very contradictory depending on a person’s worldviews. As I have begun to work through the word poverty in the last several days, I have compiled these thoughts. I believe that the word poverty is to be defined in a materialistic sense; however, that does not mean that there are not other subcomponents of poverty.

Poverty occurs when there is a situation in which a person or a group of people lacks the necessary resources for survival. That being said, I do believe that a person can be impoverished in other areas of life, such as social, relational, and spiritual; however, I do not think poverty is  the best word to describe those areas of deprivation.  I see the word poverty as a base word for describing other areas that lack certain components such as spiritual poverty, social poverty, or relational poverty.

 As Christians, we are broken before God. Using the word spiritual as an adjective for poverty (spiritual poverty) is a metaphor that provides a common understanding amongst people. When the word poverty is said, many people have the initial reaction to think of a materialistic definition such as the one I have stated above. It is the idea that something important for survival is lacking. While I do not believe that poverty should be used to define those terms, I think using the word poverty as an all inclusive definition for “spiritual poverty”, “relational poverty”, and so forth provides a common ground that can then allow the philosophical depth of the question to be revealed and subcomponents of the word to be developed.

            As I continue to ponder poverty in its entirety, I feel as though it is important to do it in an analytical way. I think it is important to analyze what resources truly are necessary for survival.  As we look at poverty from country to country, the concept is skewed because of the differences in economic status between countries.  In the United States, poverty is seen as making less than $22,000 a year, when in reality that could provide for all of the necessary resources needed for survival. Compare that number to the approximately $730 a year in Rwanda and we can see that from country to country, poverty in terms of money is seen differently. Poverty, all across the world, should be defined by the ability to provide the necessary materials for survival; it should not be looked at based on the power and development of the nation.    

On a different note: The last several days have been an absolute blessing! I went to the Kimironko (Market) again, and purchased a few things, including some flowers for in our room! I begin to feel more and more comfortable with my surroundings each time I go out and interact with the people and their culture.

Much love to all of you!