Summary:
Christianity and Economics talks about we are in serious need of meaningful, balanced
discussions about how society should help and how those in need should contribute to that help.
We need to be especially sensitive to how opportunity to contribute can be blocked by how our
society functions. If we’ll try to take stands that reflect the heart of Jesus, we’ll avoid cherry
picking arguments that bolster our own side and consider what conforms to biblical principles.
Work as a Means of Gospel Proclamation speaks that our work can, however, make this good
news seem sweeter to other people. If we do our work with diligence, punctuality,
professionalism, and integrity, and others know we’re Christians, it makes it easier for them to
believe in Jesus. Globalization and Christian Cultural Engagement engages that Our
contemporary global economy is both complex and pervasive, giving us more power than ever
before to bless others but also many ways to unsuspectingly cause harm. If we are going to enjoy
the benefits of instant communication and accessible-everywhere goods, it is incumbent upon us
to steward our power and wealth well. Called to Work, the biblical view of vocation will not only
bring meaning to our jobs in this lifetime, it will shape our eternity as we use our gifts and talents
to glorify God and serve others in the New Jerusalem forever.
Critique:
We can work to achieve a better balance and steward our world more effectively. Justice,
mercy, giving, compassion, and responsibility can coexist. Reflection on wealth and poverty has
a rich legacy, extending back to before the Reformation. If we’re sloppy and inattentive to our
work, it makes it harder for them to believe in Jesus. The quality of the gospel is not at stake. Its
attractiveness is. We can do this by researching supply chains, asking hard questions of the
ministries we support, and advocating for a just and good economy that reflects the Bible’s
concern for vulnerable people and their labor. When work is understood within this story, people
will want to be lawyers because they care about justice (not social status), doctors because they
care about health (not wealth), business men and women because they care about people (not
profit), and artists because they value beauty (not celebrity).
