How does James (and God) feel about income inequity and the gap between the rich and the poor? How do you feel about it? What does James suggest is the root of the problem? Without employment and living wages, people are at risk of homelessness and housing instability. Does James suggest an answer to this problem? Does the gospel have an answer to this problem?
For Further Reflection
According to the National Low Income Housing Coalition, a household would need more than one full time minimum wage worker to afford a two-bedroom rental apartment at fair market rent anywhere in the country. In fact, in the median state a minimum-wage worker would have to work 87 hours each week to afford a two-bedroom apartment at 30% of his or her income, which is the federal definition of affordable housing. The current Illinois minimum wage is $8.25 per hour. In Pennsylvania, the current minimum wage is $7.25 per hour (also the federal minimum wage). Contrary to popular belief, the majority of minimum-wage workers are not teenagers: approximately 79% of minimum age workers are 20 or older (The Economic Policy Institute, 2008).
Why do you think so many people are opposed to increasing the minimum wage? If we do not raise the minimum wage, what other ways could we make sure that housing becomes more affordable for families?
Here’s a disturbing statistic: According to a report released by the University of Michigan’s National Poverty Center, 1.46 million households currently live on less than $2 per person per day. How would you live on $2 a day? Read the full report HERE.
Tongue on Fire 