In a recent article, we collected some of our resources to help you think well about socialism.
Yet these questions about capitalism and socialism are also rooted in more fundamental questions about wealth and poverty. How then should Christians think about wealth and poverty? Today, we’ve collected a handful of helpful articles on this topic.
(While you’re at it, don’t forget to grab two free ebooks from Bruce Ashford.)
Was Jesus Rich or Poor, and Why Does It Matter?
By David W. Jones | When it comes to wealth and poverty, “What would Jesus do?” Perhaps a better question would be, “What did Jesus do?” What was the example of our Savior as he lived in the material world, as he interacted with the things and people who fill it? Read More.
What Did Jesus Really Teach About Wealth and Poverty?
By David W. Jones | What did Jesus really teach about wealth and poverty? The answer to this question matters because it gets to the very heart of who Jesus is — and what the Bible as a whole teaches about wealth and poverty. Read More.
Income Inequality Is Not Our Biggest Problem
By Andrew J. Spencer | Is income inequality one of the most significant threats to justice in our age? Some voices argue that the wealthy are becoming wealthier at the expense of the poor. If this were true, it would truly be one of the most significant justice issues of our day. However, this version of reality relies on the zero-sum myth of economics. Read More.
What Really Causes Poverty?
By David W. Jones | If you want to minister to the poor, understanding the root cause of the poverty will help you pray for and minister to them more effectively. The roots of poverty fall into three general categories. Read More.
Does Your Material Wealth Indicate Your Spiritual Health?
By David W. Jones | What is the connection between your bank statement and spiritual life? Some people would tell you that godly people should have great wealth. Others would insist that godly people should have little wealth. So who’s right? Or is the truth a bit more complicated than you’ve been led to believe? Read More.
3 Essential Guidelines for Ministering to the Poor
By David W. Jones | Poverty is pervasive in our fallen world. How, then, can we best minister to the poor? We can follow several general principles in any context of poverty — principles that will allow us to work toward biblically faithful, individual solutions. Read More.
Are you interested in learning more? Consider the free Biblical View of Wealth and Poverty class.
Comments and Pingbacks
2021-07-15 13:26:15
Grace Hamilton
You are claiming that there isn't a relationship between inequality and poverty based on a few anecdotes. That is terrible scholarship. A responsible person could perhaps conclude that the relationship between income inequality and poverty is more complicated than a simple inverse relationship, but to pretend that they have nothing to do with each other is false. I would suggest looking at the work of Thomas Pickety, not only to revise your conclusions but to understand how to conduct research. That is, examine the greatest possible amount of evidence in the most rigorous fashion before forming an argument, rather than cherry-picking shoddy evidence to support an existing belief that benefits or is comfortable to you. I would also suggest that if you hold a belief that is somehow beneficial to you ( such as the belief that you can be incredibly wealthy and an exemplary Christian, or that you 'deserve' your wealth and that it isn't a result of a harmful or oppressive system) you should be that much more rigorous in evaluating it. I have absolutely no idea how any Christian can claim that their first priority needs to be giving away all they can to the poor and oppressed. Following Jesus is not supposed to be easy. that isn't to say he demands you impoverish or endanger yourself and family, but clearly, if people have enough money to live in enormous house, surround themselves with high-priced luxuries or accrue a significant amount of Capital, they are not following the example of Jesus. it is amazing to hear some Christians declare that the bible is the absolute word of God and it should be followed to the letter and then try and wiggle out of the Bible's (in particular the New Testament's) position on things like usury or the accumulation of wealth.