21st Century Poverty Conclusion: A Theology of Abundance

In our world today, it is easy to become accustomed to the dominant narratives of consumerism and individualism that pervade our personal, professional, and even spiritual lives. It is not easy to look around and have a clear vision for how we might achieve an end to poverty. The temptation to gather resources and keep them for oneself is strong, sometimes overpowering. In our profit-driven world, outcomes, not current reality, drives decisions. In fact, one might even say that the measure of success in today’s society is economic prosperity. That means that business owners, so focused on competition, are “winning” if they are making lots of money. We need to change the measure of winning so that success means businesses pay workers a living wage, developers invest in affordable housing, and healthy food is accessible to all. This is not the way that we, as justice-seekers, are called to live.

Time and time again in the Bible, God demonstrates unending generosity and shares the abundance of Her creation with humankind. In miracles and parables, Jesus taught his disciples about a new way to live together, caring for our one human family without any fear of scarcity. Catholic Social Justice and the lived witness of prophets, saints, and justice-seekers show us what living faithfully to this call looks like, and how choosing abundance can transform the world.

Believing in a theology of abundance is a new way to live in the world. It is a direct contradiction to the individualism, consumerism, and unbridled capitalism that dominate our world today. Moreover, it is an active choice, and one that may require sacrifices. It requires taking a critical look at where resources are hoarded and kept from people at the margins of society.

We know there is a way to fix this – and it is part of NETWORK’s core mission! As we work to Mend the Gaps in economic and wealth inequality with big-picture, structural solutions, we must also continue our advocacy to ensure that current, successful federal programs are protected and enhanced. These safety net programs ensure that we all have a place in ensuring the financial security of our neighbors. But, they are constantly under attack because of our society’s incorrect understanding of 21st century poverty.

It is tempting to collect assets and wealth, whether to protect against future hardship or because one feels that is the measure of self-worth. But, doing so is incompatible with the trust we are called to place in God and the care we are called to provide to our one human family. As the theologian Walter Brueggemann wrote: “Too often, the church has understood God’s unconditional grace as solely a theological phenomenon, instead of recognizing that it has to do with the reordering of the economy of the world.”1 It is time to begin talking about a theology of abundance in the real world, both the current challenges and our visions of hope. Only then we will get closer to the Kindom of God.