BOB ABERNETHY: We want to explore some of the major religious teachings about the poor with Dr. Uma Mysorekar of New York, who's president of the Hindu Temple Society of New York; Rabbi David Saperstein, director of the Religious Action Center of Reformed Judiaism in Washington; and Professor Robert George of Princeton University, a Catholic and a constitutional lawyer who knew Mother Teresa.

Professor George, Christianity teaches exactly what Mother Teresa did: direct, hands-on, personal ministry to the poor. But there's also a strong religious tradition of social justice, of trying to get at the causes of poverty. Did Mother Teresa have her priorities right?

Professor ROBERT GEORGE (Princeton University): I think she had them exactly right, Bob. Unlike many Christians and other believers today, Mother did not treat the question as one of either/or -- either we will involve ourselves in direct political and direct personal action, help the poor, or treat the matter as simply a political problem that would require a political solution. She saw it at both ends, so in all her work -- her pro-life work, her work with AIDS victims, her work with the poor -- she always stressed both the need for structural reform of institutions that create injustice and the need for personal, hands-on delivery of help to people in need.

ABERNETHY: Dr. Mysorekar, briefly, what is the essence of the Hindu teaching about the poor and our responsibility to the poor?

Dr. UMA MYSOREKAR (Hindu Temple Society, New York): The fundamental basis of the Hindu religion evolves around the Vedas and the Upanisads. One of the concepts of the Upanisads teaches us that welfare of mankind, service to humanity and community is the fundamental basis. And Mother Teresa is, stood as a solid example in the last 50 years that she contributed to the poverty of Calcutta. In this connection, the Swami Vivekananda, who was the first one to enter the western part of the world, said, "They alone live, that live for the welfare of others."

ABERNETHY: Let me ask you this: India has a caste system. Could an upper-caste Hindu do the kind of direct touching of the untouchable that Mother Teresa did?

Dr. MYSOREKAR: Yes, indeed. I think it's a total misconception that this caste system prevents the so-called upper caste to touch the so-called lower caste. This was purely done on the basis of convenience, doesn't exist anymore, and anyone can touch anybody. All of us are God's children.

ABERNETHY: Rabbi Saperstein, in the tape that we heard, there was a mention of the word "sedakha." What does that mean?

Rabbi DAVID SAPERSTEIN (Religion Action Center): Well it's often translated as "charity," but it means "righteousness" and implies justice. It's really a misconcept that "the earth is ... and the fullness thereof." What we own, we own as a trust relationship with God, and there are terms to that trust that require us to share God's wealth with those of God's children who are less fortunate. So sedakha functioned as a taxation system, and it requires both individuals and societies to take care of the poor and to help prevent the conditions of poverty.

ABERNETHY: For all. I mean, it is addressing poverty for all.