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From: LewiarzP1@alpha.montclair.edu
Date: 11/2/99
Time: 11:10:58 AM
Remote Name: 130.68.93.82
I agree with your assumption that the literal meaning of poverty is only a distribution and exercising of power. I think that the role of the church plays a very important role in understanding the significance of who is poor and why they stay poor. It is as you say, "it is whether the church must be poor." I also agree with you that the dilemma of legislating on earthly matters is one reason why the church would take such a stance on poverty.
I also feel that the distribution of power as it effects the church is another form of rule which the church can use against its people, thus only creating more uncertainty about papal infallibility and thus alienating the followers of the church. The only significance as you say is whether the literal meaning of power is to be taken into consideration or the exercising of that power.