Is wealth good or bad?- 12 marks

Generally speaking, many Christians would agree that money is neutral, and that it is the intention behind its use that makes it good or bad. Wealth is just like any other thing on its own, which is not wrong until it is abused, and until it becomes an obsession. The New Testament teaches that it is not the money that is evil, but that the love of money is the root of all evil. Therefore, many Christians don't see a problem with being wealthy, but they believe that wealth should be used appropriately. 

However, some Christians would argue that money is evil when it becomes a main object of someone's life, e.g. through gambling or extravagance. This would count as a misuse and is generally rejected by Christians. A Christian should live by honest means, and gambling, as a way of earning money is immoral, as it encourages greed. Catechism 2448 says: "Everyone should be able to draw from work the means of providing for his life and that of his family, and of serving the human community". For this reason, Christians believe that wealth is not a bad thing, as logn as it is the result of hard work and is used for the good of the family and the Christian community instead of being wasted on trivial things or excessive lifestyle. 

The Bible teaches: "Let your manner of life be free of the love of money" (Hebrews 13:5), suggesting that wealth…