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Sharing the wealth is common foundation of religions By Kim Arnott SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER 5 · OAKVILLE BEAVER Wednesday, May 20, 2009 The world's major religions appear to share some common perspectives when it comes to the issue of wealth. An interfaith symposium, held at Sheridan College on Thursday, heard religious representatives interpret the current global economic crisis through the lens of spirituality, and offer potential solutions to the problem. And while there were plenty of differences in the details, some broad common themes emerged. The religious leaders agreed that generating wealth isn't a bad thing -- and indeed, may represent an individual's diligence and hard work -- but that those with wealth have an obligation to share it with those in need. "In Hinduism, wealth is not an evil," explained Ajit Adophia, an author and Toronto Star columnist. "We are supposed to earn wealth, as long as we earn it by fair means." He added that Hindus are required to spend 10 per cent of their earnings on people who are less fortunate, and have an obligation to offer alms to the poor. Naseem Mahdi, a vicepresident with the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community of Canada, said Islam has a similar perspective on wealth. "You have been given that wealth from the riches of God and you have a duty to share," he explained. He added that Islam requires wealth to be reinvested in the community, to ensure everyone benefits from the money. While the religion advocates a system that would eliminate interest on loans, it also suggests ongoing taxation on wealth that isn't invested. The philosophy of sharing one's fortune is also expressed in Judaism, said Tal Dehtiar, who noted that the Torah offers the analogy of a farmer leaving apples that fall onto the ground for others to gather. Concern with the excesses of the modern markets and individual consumerism was another theme that ran across religious boundaries. Dr. Christopher Lind, a senior fellow with the University of Toronto's Massey College, represented Christianity at the symposium, and spoke of the goals of 11 large Canadian religious organizations who have jointly formed the group KAIROS (www.kairoscanada.org). He said the group believes the global financial crisis is a systemic failure in global financial markets that is mirrored by crises in the world's social system and ecological system. In Canada, Lind said, the social crisis is reflected in increasing child poverty and food bank use, while around the world more than one billion people live in poverty. At the same time, the earth's ecosystem is suffering from severe degradation. "The excessive demand for more is not only a demand that our financial system can't bear, it's also a demand that our ecological systems can't bear," said Lind. "The resources of the world are sufficient for every- one's needs, but they're not sufficient for everyone's greed." Adophia also expressed concern with the "ever-increasing desires of people" for bigger houses, fancier cars and more money. "Greed is the main cause of this meltdown," he suggested. "We have to control greed at every level. Children need to be educated about the difference between desires and needs." About 75 people attended the symposium, which was organized by the Oakville chapter of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. LESS THAN LEVEL BAR AN D G R ILL For all your sports and entertainment needs. Thursday, May 21st LIVE T.H.E. Triple Thursdays "New DJ Alex B" with a triple mix of techno, house and electro $ Friday, May 22nd 24/7 BAND Saturday, May 23rd ZEUS KARAOKE Sunday, May 24th pecial Drink S ay rd Satu ts Nigh 4 BLUES & CUES CHARITY EVENT Young Blues Guitar sensation CHRIS COTTON & THE BLUESERS To raise funds for the new Kerr Street Community Services "Dream Centre" Building Special Guest ­ 381 Kerr Street, Oakville 905-842-9009 Open Mon.-Sun. 5pm-2am www.lessthanlevel.ca all electric floor models PRICED TO CLEAR! "MASONRY & FIREPLACE DESIGN SPECIALISTS" 406 SPEERS RD., OAKVILLE ACROSS FROM RONA LANSING 905-337-2066 w w w. c o b b l e s t o n e m b e r s . c a