December 10, 2011
What Does the Bible Have to do With Economics??
Radio host Reverend Wayne Sedlak interviews Biblical Worldview Team co-founder John Selck in this week’s program, holding a surprising conversation concerning the harmony of the Bible and the study of economics. Is there such a thing as biblical economics? What role might it have in a society such as America’s?
The assumption and myth that biblical economics does not exist is one that is not only accepted by mainstream America, but is even preached by the pulpits of our nation. Certainly we can all agree greed and financial exploitation of the poor are wrong, but do pastors realize that 20% of Scripture is economic in nature, dealing with real life, practical, and relevant themes that speak directly to the economic problems we face today?
In this interview, Mr. John Selck dispels a number of pervasive and false assumptions about our economy, including the idea that a transaction in which a businessperson who makes a large profit is one in which there is a victim on the other end of the deal. Rather than assume someone else’s profit is someone else getting ripped off, Mr. Selck explains that as long as a businessman makes full disclosure about the claims he makes for his goods or services, it is the consumer who votes on whether or not to buy in the end; the price he pays is a vote of confidence. A dishonest businessman will be found out in a hurry, and he will be quickly “voted out” by the people who decide upon his success in society. Besides this, the money made by those who earn a sizeable profit in turn invest their money in ventures or assets that benefit those who don’t have money by putting the money in the bank, in stocks and bonds, in investment real estate, and venture capital.
In so many ways, Mr. Selck explains, buyers control sellers in a free market. But in a coercive market, many transactions are done in the dark; a different ethical code exists where honesty isn’t expected. America’s economic system, however, was intended to be based on integrity and full disclosure. Biblical economics is thus very important because all humans are connected by economic transactions – a reality that the God of Scripture created and certainly accounted for in His revealed Word.
Scripture comments on economics not just on a national scale, but also addresses the layman. God’s Word exhorts Christians to be excellent in their trade or business because they are to reflect God’s glory under heaven; their lives are a living epistle read by all men. If there’s any area where Christians can glorify God, it is through one’s economic calling, where those seeking to bring Christian influence into society would seek to be the very best of their kind.
There is indeed such a thing as systematic biblical economics, and without it, we can expect that the trust placed in our economy will be severely undermined. The speakers on today’s Biblical Worldview broadcast invite you to listen to the audio below and allow your own assumptions about Scripture and economics to be challenged – and perhaps renewed.
Today’s guest on the Biblical Worldview Broadcast, a special radio program within the Vision Viewpoint ministry, is Mr. Jim Lorenz, a man who is involved and degree in science and who went on to complete his Master’s degree in Science and Religion - a very unique niche studying the historical relationship of Christianity and science. Mr. Lorenz shares fascinating historical insight about some of science’s greatest heroes and the pursuits, explorations, and even court trials they are known for, and for each example he highlights, Mr. Lorenz explains that many of science’s most talented minds were also among the most deeply committed to the Christian faith.
Lists are often found in Scripture, and one example is in Romans 12, where we can read a list of tasks "assigned" to the body of Christ, the church. The tasks involve business, teaching, loving and preferring one another over ourselves, being given to hospitality, and discerning the challenge of being overcome with evil - and instead overcoming evil with good. Rev. Wayne Sedlak explains that within the tasks on this biblical list we may find a number of our callings as Christians. Each task presumes the presence and power of evil, and we are to understand that the Bible is commanding us to handle this evil and overcome it within our calling.
When God allows our obedience to take effect in His creation and persuade the hearts of those around us, Scripture refers to this in Proverbs 21 as "scaling the walls of the city of the mighty," in which we cast down the confidence of those who are opposed to a biblical outlook of the world around them. This is the kind of faith that says "no" to the crowd - that has a goal within a task and is pursued with all one’s strength, for the glory of God. It is not that these physical labors will prevail, it is rather that our faith will overcome the world by means of the grace of God. We are to take away the confidence of the wicked, and in the audio below, Rev. Sedlak highlights the lives of several courageous men who did or are currently doing just that - from the prophet Jonah, to the highly-distinguished creationist scientist, Dr. Jon Baumgardner. In each case, as well as in each situation faithful Christians might find themselves in, God surrounds the Christian calling with His presence - not for our sakes, but to cause others bend the knee in worship of a sovereign King.
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