Exploring the Intersection of Christianity and Economics

This essay explores the complex relationship between Christianity and economics, examining the potential application of biblical principles in economic studies. It acknowledges the widespread recognition of Christianity and the potential for a Bible-centered approach to economics, emphasizing the importance of Christian values in economic life. The essay discusses divergent views within Christianity regarding economic systems, such as capitalism and socialism. It highlights the practical relevance of biblical teachings in modern economics, including fair wages, consumer protection, and the importance of hard work and financial management. However, it also considers the limitations of a Christian-based approach, particularly regarding religious freedom and the potential for curriculum disparities. The essay concludes by presenting arguments for and against the application of biblical teachings in economics, recognizing both the potential benefits and the challenges of implementing such an approach.

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ECONOMICS ASSIGNMENT
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Remarkably, Christianity is among the top universally recognized religions and convictions
hence making the application of a bible centered approach to the study of Economics, not so far-
fetched. Christian values and principles application into studies will go a long way in affirming
the Christian life for the converted Christians. Due to the changing economic times, there’s need
to explore and apply Christian teachings to the daily economic life of the Christian folk. Through
a Christ based approach to the study of economics, Christians are aware of their history.Despite
the advocating of a Christian based teaching approach to Economics, there exist divergent view
on economics. For instance, some Christians believe in private ownership or capitalism) as
stipulated in Isaiah 65:21-2 while others encourage socialism or communal ownership of
property(Acts 2:44-45) thus lacking in a unified examinable approach (Worldview,2017).
Through the application of Christ based teaching approaches, there s the widespread
circulation of the gospel thus increase in the number of conversions. Through the Bible teaching
fair wages, poverty is condemned which encourages a working culture which is encompassed in
Economics thus making bible economics complementary to economic principles. Further, some
biblical teachings are practical in the modern world. For instance, under the Bible fair
remuneration is advocated for which is also the same with economics which advocates for fair
wages for fair work and good working conditions. The Bible condemns exploitation of the poor
to increase one's wages which are encompassed in labor laws taught in Economics. Moreover,
some bible teaching is applicable to the modern world Economics hence the need to teach based
on biblical principles.
Typically, most economists consider perfectly competitive markets structures as ideal for
consumers. Specifically, Leviticus 25:15 and Jeremiah 32:10-12 advocated for free market

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economies thus making it relevant and practicable to apply bible principles and teachings the
study of economics (Elwart 2011).Additionally. economists have advanced theories boosting the
application of Christian teachings in the employment sector of capitalist economies (Beed &
Beed 2005).It is advocated for that worker in capitalist economies should mutually benefit from
their hard work and be accountable for their actions.In addition, some of the best-performing
companies in the world have adopted consumer protection initiatives with clinical bible
origins(Leone 2015).This proves the relevance of biblical teachings in economic activities and
opportunities.Most governments have placed consumer protection measures through the
enactment of competition and consumer protection Acts which focus on consumer welfare.
Similarly, Bible teachings condemn oppressive and exploitative practices which conform with
the modern day doctrines of fair remuneration, good working conditions studied in Economic
disciplines Moreover, various Bible scriptures advocate for hard work and prosperity which are
covered in Economics. Specifically, Eccl 5:18-2which advocates for hard work and attainment of
riches. In addition, financial management is crucial to the lives of both Christian and non-
Christian individuals thus the need to pave way for Christian understanding of economic and
financial matters(Let God Be true,2017).In a way,1 Thess 411-12, inspires hard work, personal
responsibility in business in an honest way. Arguably, this verse advocates for personal
responsibility for economic progress which is essential, capitalism which is evident in most
economies of the world.
Further, the Bible recognizes the importance of financial wisdom and success In the book of
Proverbs 26:16, which is what economics seeks to achieve financial security and progress.Also,
various bible scriptures are based on financial and economic independence thus the need to use
these teachings in Economics. Economics is all about financial security and independence which

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is supported by some scriptures from the Holy Book. For instance,2 Thess 3:10, says lazy people
should not eat which is essence advocates for personal responsibility through hard work which
encourages production of goods and services which is taught in Economics.For Religious
persons, the command from a Supreme being, as to hard work and economic independence
translates into obedience which promotes economic independence and personal responsibility.To
Christian, the bible is authoritative thus a good source for teaching Economics.
Moreover, bible teachings teach self-reliance in Proverbs 22:7 and fair treatment of employees
which is covered in Economics in Proverbs 22:16(Smith 2017) However, the study of economics
from a Christian based approach is only right and beneficial for subscribers of the faith hence
making a Christ based teaching approach optional for some learners. For instance, the imposition
of a compulsory Christian based teaching approach to economics infringes the religious rights of
none Christians and solely benefits the Christian learners as contrasted with the whole economics
class population. Most jurisdictions have established the right to religious belief as a personal
choice and not a collective and compulsory undertaking (Australian Human rights commission
n.d).This means an economics learning environment is likely to have both Christian and non
Christians thus the need to apply uniform and neutral teaching method which is acceptable and
respectable to religious and non religious beliefs.
In addition, most economies have adopted the freedom of thought, conscience, and religion or
belief rights as advocated for by the international declaration of Human rights in their
constitutions thus making the subscription to any religious view optional thus the universal
application of bible economics in the study of economics divided. Categorically, Article 18 of
the ICCPR stipulates the right to freedom of conscience, thought and conscience which basically
excludes the uniform religious application of teaching methods mandatorily which in essence

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curtails the universality and uniformity of religious-based teaching. According to some
Economists like Keynes, biblical teaching advocate for saving habits which is an impediment to
economic progress.
Most economists agree that investment rather than saving stimulates economic activity thus
making some bible teaching not practical active for economic progress which is taught from a
development and growth points of views economics point (Ewert,2001).Moreover, most
economies have adopted the principles stipulated by John Maynard Keynes who is considered a
significant figure in the field of Economics. Specifically, in his works, the general theory,
Keynes is against the habit of saving which is important to the Christian view. To Keynes, saving
is a future oriented notion, however, given the world we live in now, investment is key in the
present. Religious based teaching has their limitations in the sense that due to the different rules
of interpretation of the same scripts, there will be no uniformity of thought across all institutions
which have adopted the system.
Further, mandatory religious based teachings may reduce the number of Economic students,
especially those who are not Christians and subscribers of that line of faith.Further, there's the
danger of extremism developing among Christian and non-Christian systems.Moreover, the
religious based teaching may not be accepted in other jurisdictions thus making it hard for
Christian graduates to work and advance studies in non-Christian economies due to the
curriculum disparities.By and large, there are substantial arguments for and against the
application of biblical teachings in the study of Economics. Despite the fact that Christianity is
among the top five religions in the world, not all persons pursue this religion thus hard to
implement a uniform and universal teaching scheme.

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However, through the application of biblical teachings, Christian teachings will spread,
strengthening the faith of Christians, boosting fair trade practices, ethics, morality and boosting
the economic standards of Christians. Further, financial independence will be achieved.
However, for non religious learners, the application of bible teachings is considered an
infringement of their rights to the freedom of religion or belief, if the case that it is made
mandatory in learning institutions.

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References
Australian High Commission.(n .d).Freedom of Thought, Conscience and Religion Or
Belief.Human Rights.Org. Available at https://www.humanrights.gov.au/freedom-thought-
conscience-and-religion-or-belief[Accessed 10 Sep 2017]
Beed, C and Beed C,.(2005).Applying Judeo-Christian Principles to Contemporary Economics
issues. Markets and Morality. Org. Available at
http://www.marketsandmorality.com/index.php/mandm/article/viewFile/366/356[Accessed 10
Sep 2017]
Elwart, S.(2011).Biblical Principles of Economics. Khouse. Org. Available at
http://www.khouse.org/articles/2011/1015/[Accessed 10 Sep 2017]
Ewert, K.(2001).In the Long Run, we are (Not) all Dead.TKC.Com.Available at
http://www.tkc.com/resources/resources-pages/keynes.html[Accessed 10 Sep 2017]
Leone, M. (2015).The Bible is Good Business Guide. Us News. Available at
https://www.usnews.com/opinion/blogs/faith-matters/2015/02/20/the-bible-is-a-good-guide-to-
best-business-practices[Accessed 10 Sep 2017]
Let God Be True.(2017).Bible Economics. Let God Be True. Com. Available at
http://www.letgodbetrue.com/sermons/practical/bible-economics/sermon.php[Accessed 2 Sep
2017]
Smith, S.(2017).Economics. Open Bible. Info .Available at
https://www.openbible.info/topics/economics.[Accessed 10 Sep 2017]

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Worldview.(2017).Christian Economics-Introduction. Worldview .Available at
http://www.allaboutworldview.org/christian-economics.htm[Accessed 10 Sep 2-017]