Ethics 4

The North includes North America, Europe, Russia, Japan, Australia and New Zealand.

• 25% of the world's population
• 80% of the world's income
• average life expectancy of over 70
• most are educated until at least secondary school
• over 90% of the world's manufacturing industry
• about 96% of the worlds spending on research and development
• dominates the international economic systems (trade, money, finance)

The south includes most of Asia, Africa and Latin America

• 75% of the world's population
• 20% of the world's income
• average life expectancy of 50
• 20% of people suffer from malnutrition and hunger
• 50% of people still have little chance of any formal education

War

Many LEDC’s are badly affected by wars, and developed countries force weapons upon them which worsens the situations. Many tribes are separated by national boundaries, which can later result in a civil war when one achieves independence.

Natural Disasters

Thousands of homes and crops are destroyed because of the location of most LEDCs are where many natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes and droughts happen.

Debt

The cost of development means that LEDCs have to borrow money from other countries, and they often can't afford the intrest that builds up. Cash crops is the only way for them to make money; they grow food to sell instead of eat, which means they are starving because they can't afford to eat what they grow.

Christianity emphasises the 'correct' use of money. We should not make the accumulation of wealth the most important thing to us. This includes the idea of stewardship; God left us in care of His planet, we should look after it until the day of His return here.

Matthew 20:23,24 'It will be hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven... it is easier for the camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of God.'

Timothy 6:10 'People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.'

Christians give to charities in many ways, be it saving up until a large amount can be donated or giving a small amount regularly.

Some large Christian organisations work all over the world to help those who are in need, for example Christian Aid, Tearfund, CAFOD all work in developing countries as well as poor areas of Britain.

Mark 10:17-21 '"Good master, what must I do to win eternal life?" He (Jesus) said, "Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor and you will have riches in heaven.'

John 3:17-18 'If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words of tongue, but with actions and in truth.'

There is little specific teaching about work and jobs for Christians, but they avoid career choices that exploit other people, such as gambling.

They would not consider careers that are abviously illegal or sinful, such as burglary or prostituation.

Most will try to work in areas that support others and there are many Christians in the 'caring professions'.