Thinking Theologically on Economics
The World Economy is Not God's Economy
Using a few theological tools, deciphering hype from reality can be useful. Christian faith and practice infers theological reflection, and reflecting on the economic crisis theologically can be helpful.
Scripture and the Not-So-Almighty Dollar
The love of money, as opposed to the good use of it, is a problem. In
1 Timothy 6:10, Paul writes, "The love of money is the root of all evil, and in pursuit of it some have wandered from the faith and spiked themselves on many a painful thorn."
This may sound familiar to many, given today's headlines. If one were to merely sit and listen - day after day - to the endless news reports without considering input from the reliable ancient texts, one would likely conclude that only "The Fed" and financial people and the banks and Wall Street are the only ones with applicable answers.
Upon closer observation, however, one can see that they are only more confused than ever.
Your Experience of the Market Versus God's Timeless Perspective
What's left in your 401k? Whatever it is (or isn't), it will never define your character - the essence of who you are becoming. If your experience has been that you work like a dog for little return and can never seem to "get ahead," you are not alone. Congratulations, in fact, are in order.
What on earth does this have to do with anything, you ask? It has little to do with it if you believe in life beyond this earth. If persons of faith are acting on what they truly believe, then a wider plan for humankind is likely to be in the works. If you have ever faced more than a moderate possibility of dying, then you are probably well aware of this.
Reason and Recovery
When one examines history, it seems reasonable that the economy will recover-possibly faster than initial projections.
But what about God's economy? Does it make sense that comprehending God's plan and doing one's best to take a role in that plan will benefit the believer? Thinking through the situation and taking stock in one's resources is a good use of time. Humans are the only species known to be able to do this. For believers, reason is a God-given responsibility. Jesus said, "You cannot serve God and money." The emphasis, of course, is on the "and."
A reasonable choice must be made; you cannot serve both. Both Bible history and world history are full of examples of the past repeating itself. What God has done before, God will do again. Things will get better.
Christian Tradition and the Plan That Never Fails
According to Stone and Duke, "To be Christian at all is to be a theologian. There are no exceptions." You may be thinking, "What? I'm no theologian!" But Stone and Duke would argue that theology is inherent in your belief system.
Theological reflection - particularly on something as pressing as the world economy - can keep one centered while taking steps to understand one's role in the broader cosmic community.
Some questions worth asking are: "Am I reasoning effectively? Have I utilized Scripture appropriately? Does my faith experience represent an honest search for understanding?" All serve to help one frame a view and prepare a response to the challenges that perpetually face all those who seek God's will.
Sources:
- Revised English Bible. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1989.
- Stone, Howard W. and Duke, James O. How To Think Theologically. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 1996.
.God and Your Money
|
What do you think about this article?
Latest Articles