Theologians virtually ignore the economic commentary in the Bible. In the few cases where it gets any attention, economic commentary in the Gospels and other New Testament writings tend to lapse into simplistic class warfare nostrums. Liberation theologians import Marxism wholesale (but they try to sell it retail) into theology. Academic historians of first Century Palestine/Judea have been pushing an account of a poor peasant Jesus leading a poor peasant’s revolt based on the idea of mass displaced workers in Lower Galilee.
Actual archeological findings paint a picture of an industrious and entrepreneurial economy during Jesus’s time there. Reading the Gospels in light of archeology and history, which are now available to us, gives us a very different picture than the one you’ve been told regarding what Jesus taught about work and money.
Christian Economics in One Lesson
Christian economics must begin with the issue of ultimate ownership. This sets it apart from modern economic analysis, which begins with the issue of scarcity. Second, this leads to the issue of theft, which in turn raises the issue of ethics.
Buy NowOn today’s podcast, Gary discusses economics and hermeneutics with author Jerry Bowyer. Too often, the economic and cultural arena of the biblical times are not taken into consideration. In his book, The Maker vs. the Takers, Jerry shows how Scripture cannot be interpreted properly without a clear understanding of the times and customs of the people and places described in the text. As an example in this first part of their interview, Jerry helps add clarity to Jesus’ admonition to the rich young ruler.