Questions regarding the American economy seem to have touched every issue during this election season. There are underlying economic concerns whether one discusses health care, immigration, foreign policy, the environment, or criminal justice reform.
So how do we as Christians engage this issue in light of its pervasive impact? I propose that we must critically consider today’s economic priorities, turn to Scripture to inform our understanding of the government’s economic role, and engage in respectful discourse with one another.
First, a Christian approach to economic issues requires a critical handling of the prioritization of economic decisions. In his 2012 book, The Road to Freedom, Arthur Brooks argues that a free economy allows individuals to utilize their God-given gifts and, as Josh Good1 puts it, “experience the blessing of earning success,” which in turn furthers their dignity. Affirming human dignity, however, entails more than granting individuals the freedom to pursue their own interests, though that can surely play a part. The furthering of human dignity requires not only such freedom, but also a reordering of national priorities in a way that conveys what we as a nation consider human flourishing in the midst of economic decisions. Emily Belz, in her consideration of Wendell Berry, reminds us that
“Economic decisions are not about just being ‘realistic’ and ‘practical’—they should be decisions based on values deeper than dollar signs. ‘We should, as our culture has warned us over and over again, give our affection to things that are true, just, and beautiful,’ Berry said. ‘When we give affection to things that are destructive, we are wrong.’ He questions economists who would do ‘permanent ecological and cultural damage to strengthen the economy.’”2
Secondly, I propose that Christians turn to Scripture to inform their opinions of economic issues. Josh Good states that the
“Scriptures teach that life in accordance with God’s laws yields productivity and generosity, so our government should uphold the law and punish wrongdoing (Romans 13:4). The Proverbs illustrate how the borrower is servant to the lender (Prov. 22:7), so we should be very mindful about excessive national debt. And the New Testament teaches that orphans and widows deserve a different kind of support (James 1:27) than able-bodied individuals (2 Thess. 3:10).”3
The state’s goal is therefore twofold: to uphold justice in the economic system and to provide for the poor. The Center for Public Justice’s Guidelines on Welfare remind us that “the call to be a ‘neighbor’—to help those who are in need—is addressed to all people and all institutions.”4 Scripture supports an inherent worth to the idea of work, while creating space for compassion and the support of those in need.
The state’s goal is therefore two-fold: to uphold justice in the economic system and to provide for the poor...
Thirdly, Christians must engage in conversation about economic issues respectfully. Similar to all issues of politics, Good reminds us that “differing points of view on fundamental questions about free enterprise and government’s role in society also require Christians to engage in ‘respectful conversation,’” and that in an election such as this one, “the way we engage can be as important as our message.” Listening and learning should be the cornerstones of how Christians engage not only economic policy, but all political life because we recognize the pervasive sinfulness that impacts our governments, our markets, and ourselves.
Christians can successfully engage economy policy discussion when we critically consider the priorities we convey in such policy, turn to Scripture to inform our understanding of government’s economic role, and engage in respectful, challenging conversation with one another.
Candidate stances
- Hillary Clinton: https://hillaryclinton.com/issues/
- Donald Trump: https:/donaldjtrump.com/policies/economy/