Wealth and Poverty � The Contrarian Mormon

Wealth and Poverty � The Contrarian Mormon: "From a Christian point of view, neglect of the poor appears to be inexcusable for any reason. From an empirical perspective, there is no evidence that the poor as a group are any more 'deserving' of their plight than is anyone else. Numerous studies show that the poor as a group have the same goals, desires, work ethic, and work habits of the non-poor as a group. The Institute for Social Research at the University of Michigan has summarized findings relative to this matter over the years in their ISR Newsletter publication. A sampling of conclusions from that source includes the following: Accumulation of wealth 'is strongly influenced by chance: having the right parents or the right genes or being in the right place at the right time.' Hard work and frugality 'are as easily found among the poor as among the rich' (1987:4)."