[CaptainHaplo]

First of all, I am appalled at a fellow man of the cloth even making it appear as if he condones an act specifically prohibited by his own religion. As a catholic minister, "thou shalt not steal" is considered the 7th of the 10 Commandments (where for protestants it is #8). Any pastor or priest must always remember to consider how he puts forth the teachings he is led to give.

Secondly, there is no moral justification in the civilization we exist in, to steal. Now I will qualify that with the statement that I base that on the level of civilization found in the States and Europe generally. At least, in the US, any person who is lacking the absolute necessities can find help if they can swallow their pride. A homeless person freezing on the street need only to go to a local shelter, or even stop a cop, to be taken to a place where sustenance and warmth are provided. It simply isn't chosen by some, out of a sense of pride and stubborness. If you go to a homeless shelter - they will let you know that you can't spit on the other residents, must conform to some basic rules, etc. Nothing onerous, but to some the mere thought of they "aren't allowed" is unthinkable. Let em freeze then I say - because stupidity kills and that is nature's way. If your poor and can't get food, there is a social net that you can use. However, you can't sit on it forever. I think the limit is something like 3 years of food stamps before you have to get a job or be cut off? I could be wrong on that, but its something like that.

Now, in third world countries where there is no infrastructure, I would say your looking at a case by case basis. But in a civilized society, there is no cause for it - because there are morally acceptable other options.