How do rich Christians deal with Jesus's statement about rich people getting into heaven?

Question

There are plenty of rich conservative right-wing Christians out there, many of whom will be the first to condemn others who do not adhere to the Bible's teachings. They are quick to condemn Muslims and other religions; quick to condemn gays and quick to condemn anyone who doesn't believe what they do. So how do they explain away Jesus saying that it would be easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to get into heaven? I don't see any of them rushing out to give away all of their earthly possessions.

Answer 1

God never said it was wrong to be successful. He said that analogy about rich men because back then (and today) rich people so often make money their real God. In name and even intent they worship the real God, but when it comes down to it, many choose their money interests over their spiritual ones. You don't have to be poor to go to heaven, but you should bear in mind that money isn't something to hold on to. It's a Christian's responsibility to help care for the poor and needy. Sometimes that can be better done by giving a reasonable amount periodically instead of getting rid of it all; once you give it all away, you won't be able to help as much any more; overall, you'll help more by maintaining a successful household. It's about doing your best, not following a set of money rules.

Answer 2

And chances are, you won't see them rushing out anytime soon.

The scripture that you site has a few different things going on. First, just before this command to the rich young man, Jesus asks him if he has followed the commandments. The rich young man says yes. However, breaking the rules wasn't what was keeping this young man from God; it was his money. So, Jesus tells him to sell all that he has and give it to the poor. The young man, saddened that Jesus has just asked him to do the one thing that would be most difficult, sulks away. It is then that we see the "camel through the eye of a needle" line.

Although I do not condone their actions, one interpretation of this story that can be used by some rich Christians is that this was a particular case and that the story is more about the things on earth that keep you from God than the money in particular. Thus, Jesus was only asking the rich young man, not us to today, to give up everything for the poor. Though I believe that giving to the poor is key and that many do not give enough, this is the most common explaination I have seen to "explain away" Jesus' charge to the rich young man.

Another interpretation which I tend to side with a little more is the idea that in the particular culture which Jesus was speaking, being wealthy tended to mean that one was blessed by God. If one is blessed, then they must be in God's favor and are going to heaven. So, for Jesus to say that it is harder for a rich man than for the camel to go through the eye of the needle, He is essentially saying that even those who apparently have God's favor won't be saved. This especially makes sense when you read the next line from the crowd, "Who then can be saved?" To which Jesus replies, "For mortals it is impossible, but not for God; for God all things are possible." So, the story is many ways more about Jesus leveling the playing field by saying that even the rich don't automatically get into heaven, since their blessing can also be their curse.

Answer 3

All I can say is I am certainly not rich
when it comes to finances.. and hope that
those you are mentioning, will find a better way...
(when it comes to judging others).
Being prosperous is ok, but dont step on any dead
bodies along the way. Thats the key element..

Anyone so quick to condemn others is heading in the
wrong direction.. and not doing work that they can say is
sanctioned by God.

"Judge not, least ye be judged..." Such a simple concept..

It really says it all, but sadly, it's probably the one we all
ignore the most.

If we and they spent half as much time trying to actually
practice what we read in the good book, as we do
wasting time, casting blame, and bringing each other
down, I think the master would be much more pleased.

I think we often miss the "message" behind what is written..

To love one another, and not do the things which would harm our brothers and sisters in the world. If we actually acted according to that, certain "beliefs" and "practices" would go away.

Simply put:
If it does your fellow man any harm, dont do it. If we do it, there
really isnt any excuse.. Just selfish acts.

Thats what will probably be in our faces when we reach the almighty judge.

In solidarity,
-R-

Answer 4

I assume you mean the verse on how it is as hard to a rich man to get into heaven as it is a camel to go through the eye of needle. Well in that case maybe you know what that verse actually means because it actally means a rock structre thats really low and the camel would have to crawl to get under. Sorry i don't remeber exactly how it is translated.

I think although it is more about rich people are not giving kinda stingy rich people who worship money.

Answer 5

the eye of the needle is actually a bad translation for the reference to a door in a certain gate through the city wall of Jerusalem. the main gates were closed at night for safety but this narrow gate was left unlocked at night for people going out or coming in late. It was so narrow that to bring a Camel through it you would have to unload any pack saddles or baggage it was carrying. The equivalent modern phrase would be "you can't take it with you" but it is not as dramatic of a statement. When you get to heaven all are equal in the sight of God, the final judge of what you have done on earth and you appear before him naked so to speak. Jesus is telling over and over in the parables that you will be judged by how you treat other people, your acts and doings, if you are just, not by your glories or triumphs, or position. He was a strange that way you know.

Answer 6

Nquizzity,
He never said that a rich person could not enter, He said it would be difficult. People who pile up wealth around themselves, are not demonstrating much faith in God's daily providence. Materialism is the opposite of Spiritual Faith. Job was an exceedingly wealthy man. Abraham was also rich by the standards of their time. The problems occur, when we allow our possessions and wealth to take God's place in our lives. He promises that if we will believe, and enter His Kingdom, He will always provide for our needs. He at no time, tells us to stockpile money and goodies. All of these things will perish. God's Power and Love never will.

Answer 7

If one believes contained in the afterlife, i imagine bill and Melinda Gates are on the list, Oprah Winfrey, George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, all wealthy those who help others and promises money to charity. they're also all liberals and in spite of the indisputable fact that i do not study Oprah, some thing i believe are secular besides. you be conscious what I did there, top?

Answer 8

I think that's just one of the things they like to gloss over as they cherry-pick biblical quotes, and take them out of context to prove whatever they want to for the day. Same way Cheney and Rummy cherry-picked the intel they needed to start their damned oil war. Oh wait...they are rich christians, co-incidence??

Answer 9

Isnt thr just of the verse, the context, that worldly treasures wont buy you into heaven?

Under that, being rich isnt going to keep you out of heaven, but it wont buy you in either.

Answer 10

well, they probably figure that they are good people who have accepted jesus as their savior and if that doesn't work out, they can always "grease a few palms" along the way.