Christianity worldview in Economics

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Regent University *

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Economics

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Feb 20, 2024

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1 Christianity in Economics Kayla Bragg Regent University ECON 101: Introduction to Economics Dr. Crystal Brown December 1, 2023

2 Christianity in Economics Unfortunately, a significant number of Christians possess a limited comprehension of economics, with a few individuals even asserting that the Bible does not genuinely address such matters. Indeed, the Bible provides us with a comprehensive perspective that may be utilized to influence and mold various aspects of our lives, including economics, politics, and culture. Secularists claim that Christian influence ought to be excluded from the public sphere. Contrarily, this goes against what is most important for a society; Christians are explicitly instructed to implement biblical ideas in the institutions that influence their surrounding culture, such as economics. This influence will bolster and enrich society since the biblical worldview encompasses a profound reverence for humanity and places utmost importance on the virtues of goodness, truth, and beauty. From an economic standpoint, the Christian viewpoint is based on a long-term perspective that transcends time. “ Creation testifies that God is a God of abundance, which ought to influence how we think about abundance and wealth. In other words, God did not create a world with a scarcity of resources, but with an abundance of resources. The very fact that we have resources to invest and expend in economic systems is a testimony to the goodness of God and also a reminder of his ultimate sovereignty and ownership of creation.” (Mohler, 2015). Human beings were created by God in his likeness and given the

3 responsibility of managing the Earth's resources. As per the creation story, work, industry, and economy are integral to God's benevolent creation. An element of Earth's resources that pertains to Economics is the possession of Property. Property is fundamentally derived from the grand narrative of the Bible. It was bestowed upon humanity by God during creation, serving as a mechanism by which we fulfill our responsibility to manage and govern the land as we populate and cultivate it. As individuals from Western societies, we can draw upon a rich history of four millennia of legal systems, societal norms, and intellectual discourse centered around Property. Western civilization gradually established an intricate and advanced framework of property law and titling by incorporating concepts influenced by Christian theology. Unintentionally, this system has effectively safeguarded property rights. Christians can utilize these rights to practice comprehensive stewardship in their lives. Dr. Walter C. Kaiser, Jr., a distinguished Old Testament scholar, writes, “Wealth … will be defined as ‘a suitable accumulation of resources and possessions of value.’ Under this simple definition, one is wealthy to the extent that one has sufficient food of good quality, clothing appropriate to keeping cool or warm, and shelter for protection from the elements. In a modern economy, this definition is often extended to include access to safe and reliable transportation and communication that enables one to work. Wealth includes adequate physical possessions to live and flourish as a

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4 human being created in the image of God, and it also requires a specific heart attitude toward the purpose of possessions.” For today's Christians, it is crucial to ascertain whether God has provided you with the fundamental necessities to "thrive and prosper as a human being." If so, you are considered wealthy according to His standards, meaning you possess the financial resources required to lead a productive life in God's designed world. 1 Timothy 6:17-18 provides heavenly guidance for individuals who own significant wealth. “ As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.” This portion of scripture instructs Christians to refrain from arrogance and placing their hope in financial prosperity. Instead, they are encouraged to cultivate a wealth of good actions and to exhibit generosity and a willingness to give. Ultimately, Christians ought to demonstrate reverence towards God through their achievements in the material realm. Appreciate the blessings bestowed upon you by God while demonstrating respect towards others, engaging in acts of kindness, and displaying generosity towards those less fortunate.

5 References The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Kaiser, D. W. (2012). Ownership and Property in the Old Testament Economy. Journal of Markets & Morality . https://tifwe.org/resource/ownership-and-property-in-the-old- testament-economy/ Kotter, D., M. Div., M.B.A (2014). For The Least Of These: A Biblical Answer To Poverty, Institute for Faith, Work & Economics (pp. Chapter3,

6 RememberthePoor:ANewTestamentPerspectiveontheProblemsofPoverty , Riches, andRedistribution). Institute for Faith, Work & Economics. Mohler, R. A., Jr. (2015). Economics and the Christian Worldview: 12 Theses. The Southern Baptist Journal of Theology . https://doi.org/19.2

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