In response to:
I am no Christian but I cannot help but notice that Christ's advice to the rich man to help the less fortunate was not intended to benefit the poor (for "the poor will always be with us"). It was intended to help the rich man attain salvation. Thoughtful philanthropy is enlightened self-interest.
I’m in Monaco for the 10th forum of the Convention of Independent Financial Advisors, a Swiss-based NGO that focuses on promoting an ethical and productive environment for private investment. I moderated a couple of panels on interesting topics, including the European fiscal crisis.
But I want to focus on the comments of another speaker, Monsieur Matthieu
Ricard, a French-born Buddhist monk. As you can see from his Wikipedia entry, he’s a very impressive individual. In addition to his other accomplishments, he serves as the French translator for the Dalai Lama.
During one of the dinners, we got into...
Rand was vehemently opposed to the idea of eternal life and all that it means. Jesus recognized that this life is a temporary state on the way to an eternal state, and so the value of material goods is lessened. Plus, for Jesus, all material goods ultimately are derived from the materials and resources freely provided from God to us. We are stewards, not owners.