Proposal to add Decree 13: Defining Poverty Vows
As work has begun setting up Kibbutz Shiloh one of the requirements set forth, in addition to religious tenets of its membership, by IRS Section 501(d) is specifically vows of poverty. What exactly is a vow of poverty?
It turns out there are various definitions of the vow of poverty depending on faith and communal living such as the following two definitions:
“The vow of poverty is a commitment taken by religious individuals to renounce personal worldly possessions and live interdependently within a community. It is not the same as living in material poverty, but rather a way to imitate Jesus and achieve greater freedom.”
“The vow of poverty is a commitment taken by religious individuals. It does not necessarily mean living in material poverty but rather involves sharing everything in common and not claiming private ownership of any possessions. It is a way to mirror the poverty of Jesus and focus on the common good.”
Both of these definitions rely however on the assumption of communal living in their context and does not all mean vowing to live in actual material poverty but in the greater sense it is vowing to recognize that what is in one’s possession is not meant to be for your use only but more so for the use of others. To possess 501(d) tax exempt status however the IRS takes the definition a step further- prohibition members from personally possessing deeds to real estate, titles to personal property such as vehicles, holding bank accounts in their name, and capital items such as stocks, gold, silver, and other high value collectables, but also prohibits holding debt. Exempt from such prohibition would be accounts held in trust and personal items such as hygiene items, household items, foodstuffs, medicines, and the like needed for everyday life.
For non-communal living however the idea of what the vow of poverty changes. The concept of material poverty is considered to a degree. Ownership of real estate, personal property, bank accounts, collectables, family heirlooms, and investments are not only allowed but encouraged to a degree. Holding debts are permitted but limited. Nonetheless, the concept remains that one’s possessions such are not to be held in greed or to glorify oneself above their brethren, but to cover one’s own needs and generously give to the needs of one’s brethren and neighbors- even investing in these selfsame brethren and neighbors to help them care for themselves and later others. The issue arises though that without definition many do not know what they should reserve for themselves and what they can generously provide to others in need. This is further complicated when needs amongst themselves and their neighbors are great in recessions and famines. So, without further ado, I hereby draft this the decree for public inspection to suggest adjustments, provide constructive criticism, and to perfect for implementation to a community and to a nation in a fair and balanced way for the benefit and good of all. Let us begin:
PROVISIONAL DAI COUNCIL DECREE ORDER 13: THE VOW OF POVERTY
Concerning vows of poverty within the context of the communal setting such as monasteries, nunneries, kibbutzim, and like communities:
Members must disavow all material possessions including but not necessarily limited to deeded real estate property, titled personal property, investments, monetary funds, capital items, collectables, and must possess no debts. Exempt from disavowments would be personal items, household items and foodstuffs within their lodgings, and family heirloom items.
501(d) communities must provide to the best of their ability for their members and their immediate families the housing and/or lodgings, foodstuffs and/or prepared food meals, household, hygiene, and medicinal items as needed, and the pro-rata share of the earnings from work performed on behalf of the community and its business endeavors to maintain the community.
Concerning vows of poverty outside of a community in the “Commonwealth of the Dai” as a People the following limit define the maximum amount of wealth per category to meet the material vow of poverty concept of the vow:
A minimum of 10% of the sum of one’s revenue such be tithed to their “church,” other charitable causes, and/or other individuals in positions of need. For those wishing Federal tax exemption for giving to an individual it is suggested to work through a church’s benevolence fund to provide the need and reimburse the church’s fund.
Possession of no more than $250,000 in personally held cash or cash-equivalents. Silver and gold coin held and used for the purpose of monetary exchange fall under this limit.
A maximum value limit of $20,000 for titled personal property such as vehicles or RVs. It is suggested that if more are needed to consider transferring such property to business use of such property such as trucks and trailers.
A maximum value of $450,000 total possession of deeded real estate held for personal residential and/or recreational use. If renting real estate, the rent paid for the unit may not exceed $1,050 monthly with utility bills not included in the rent maximum limitation.
A maximum of $3,000,000 value of all classes devoted for business and investment use of property in good faith pursuit of profitable endeavors.
If property is found to exceed the maximum amount in a particular class, the excess is to be distributed to charity at the discretion of the property holder. This review is to be performed on an annual basis.
In the amount of a married couple holding assets in union as a household all limitations are doubled to account for two persons holding cash and property in mutual trust of their household.
