Idol Quote by William Stringfellow
“Where money is an idol, to be poor is a sin.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Idolatry of Money, 1970
When wealth is worshipped, poverty becomes morally condemned, distorting true values.
In simple terms: Money worship makes poverty seem sinful.
Key Takeaway
Question the moral status of wealth.
Themes
materialism
ethics
social critique
Mood
critical
thought‑provoking
Type
sociopolitical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- budgeting
- charitable giving
- career choices
- policy advocacy
Key Concepts
idolatry
economic justice
Questions to Reflect On
- What values replace money as ultimate goal?
- How does society label poverty?
A Different Perspective
Not all poverty is a moral failing; systemic factors matter.
![“It [being very rich] used to worry me, and I thought it wrong to have so many beautiful things when others had nothing. Now I realize that it is possible for the rich to sin by coveting the privileges of the poor. The poor have always been the favourites of God and his saints, but I believe that…” quote by Evelyn Waugh](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/6d6/evelyn-waugh-850_class_it-being-very-rich-used-to-worry-me-and_1181598.jpg)
