Economics in Biblical Perspective (1) - Introduction and First Principles
Introduction There is great need in the church—as well as in the wider culture—to understand the field of economics from a biblical perspective. [1] Why do I say this? For several reasons. First, because nothing is known as well as it ought to be known until it is known in its relationship to God. “In your light do we see light,” David said. [2] This only stands to reason. He is the creator of all things, and therefore the ultimate reference point from which all things must be understood. “For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.” [3] Second, there are few things that either promote or retard human flourishing as much as a nation’s economic policies. And third, economic policies are not morally neutral. They are either just or unjust, meaning they either meet with God’s approval or they do not. At first glance, there might seem to be several plausible objections to what I have just said. First, does the Bible even speak to...