According to the commentary “Poverty, religiosity and scientific literacy” by Edwin de Leon (Opinion, 1/22/19), our poverty rate correlates with our religiosity. In other words, our poverty and religious levels are both high.
However, since correlation does not necessarily mean causation, we cannot conclude that religious faith keeps us poor. It could be that poverty causes religiosity, or another factor causes both.
In addition, poverty is a complex issue resulting from individual, cultural, economic, political and international factors.
I don’t think religion automatically causes poverty. In fact, the Protestant ethic has contributed largely to the prosperity of the United States.
I think particular self-defeating religious beliefs, not religion itself, keep us from developing.
Particularly, the belief that God will provide tends to make us dependent on God for our financial wellbeing. Because God will provide, we fail to plan and work for our future, make intelligent decisions and solve problems effectively.
Instead we do stupid things that ruin our lives in the belief that God will provide anyway.
We don’t have to abandon our religiosity to escape poverty and achieve progress.
Instead of believing that God will provide, let us believe these two popular sayings: “God helps those who help themselves” and “Do your best and God will do the rest.”
JORI GERVASIO R. BENZON,
joribenzon@gmail.com