The Measure of a Nation — Wealth, Poverty, and Biblical Justice
Is God a capitalist or a socialist? Neither — but He has much to say about wealth, poverty, generosity, work, and government's role. The Bible's economic ethic affirms private property, demands radical generosity, condemns both laziness and oppression, and holds the wealthy to a terrifying standard.
Few topics generate more heat and less light among Christians than economics. Conservatives quote "If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat." Progressives quote "They had everything in common." Both sides are quoting Scripture — and both sides are usually ignoring the passages the other side cites.
The Bible's economic teaching is far richer, more demanding, and more surprising than any modern ideology. It affirms the dignity of work and the legitimacy of private property. It also demands radical, sacrificial generosity and thunders prophetic judgment against those who accumulate wealth while the poor suffer. It holds individuals accountable for laziness and holds systems accountable for oppression. It endorses the role of government in protecting the vulnerable and insists that government can never replace personal compassion.
What This Plan Covers
Over seven days, we will trace the Bible's economic ethic from Genesis to Revelation. We begin with God's ownership of all things and the startling Jubilee laws of Leviticus. We examine what Proverbs teaches about work and what the prophets thundered about complacent wealth. We sit with James's terrifying words to the rich and the radical generosity of the early church. We ask what "render unto Caesar" means for taxation and government programs. And we end with Paul's liberating vision of contentment and generosity.
Drawing on the insights of Tim Keller, C.S. Lewis, John Calvin, and Charles Spurgeon, this plan refuses the false choice between capitalism and socialism and asks instead: What does faithfulness to God's Word look like in how we earn, spend, give, and advocate?