How is poverty described in relation to spirituality and the gospel?

• A. Poverty is essentially a spiritual issue, with the gospel offering hope that the poor will live in communities where broken relationships are restored, misused power is ended, and fears are allayed.
• B. Poverty is purely economic with no spiritual dimension
• C. Poverty is solely a political problem needing policy changes
• D. Poverty is primarily a technological issue requiring innovation

Answer: (A)

Poverty is seen as deeply linked to spiritual realities—it's not only about lacking money or goods, but about broken relationships, abuses of power, and fear that shape a community. The gospel offers a hopeful framework where these ruptures are repaired: relationships are restored, coercive or sinful power is confronted and checked, and fear is eased by trust in God and in one another. In this view, true change comes from transformation that begins inside people and flows into communities, leading to practices and structures that reflect reconciliation, justice, and care for the vulnerable.

That means development and mission are not only about increasing resources or changing policies, but about catalyzing holistic transformation—discipleship, communal healing, and justice—that addresses the spiritual roots of poverty. Focusing only on economics, politics, or technology misses the dimension of broken relationships and spiritual restoration that the gospel envisions as the foundation for lasting change.