St. Jerome

"All riches come from iniquity, and unless one has lost, another cannot gain. Hence that common opinion seems to be very true, 'the rich man is unjust, or the heir to an unjust one.' Opulence is always the result of theft, if not committed by the actual possessor, then by his predecessor." -- St. Jerome

St. Jerome is recognized as a saint in both the Roman Catholic and Orthodox traditions. I am neither, but being an orthodox Christian (small “o”) and a pro-labor, pro-civil rights, pro-immigrant Democrat, his teaching certainly resonates with me. I can’t help but wonder how right-wing Republican and Tea Party activists in the Catholic and Orthodox faiths reconcile their beliefs with the words of this early church father.

Getting Richer

In 1915 the richest 1 percent of Americans possessed about 18 percent of the nation's income.  Today, the richest 1 percent account for 24 percent of the nation's income.  Most of the increase came during the last 30 years.  Is it any coincidence that the rich were getting richer at the same time so many middle class and working class jobs were being “outsourced” overseas? I think not.

I cannot help but wonder how many, if any, of those 1 percent who purport to be Christians have ever meditated on (or even read) any of the following verses:

  

Acts 2:44-45 NIV -- All the believers were together and had everything in common.   Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need.

Acts 4:32-35 NIV -- All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had.   With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all.  There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales  and put it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need.

Luke 18:25 NIV -- Indeed, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."

James 5:1-6 NIV -- Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming upon you.  Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes.  Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days.  Look! The wages you failed to pay the workmen who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty.  You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter.  You have condemned and murdered innocent men, who were not opposing you.