How can we think about biblical flourishing and economic progress?
(This class incorporates biblical teaching into economics)
Solution
The Biblical Definition of Flourishing: Flourishing means peace, or shalom, in every direction.
Hugh Whelchel often talks about “reweaving shalom.” But what does shalom mean?
Biblical scholars tell us that shalom signifies a number of things, including salvation, wholeness,
integrity, soundness, community, connectedness, righteousness, justice, and well-being. Shalom
denotes a right relationship with God, with others, and with God’s good creation. It is the way
God intended things to be when he created the universe.
Conceptes of Economics:
Innovation In Scripture
There are many places in the Bible where we get a glimpse into ancient economic life. In terms
of technology, life in the garden was abundant yet simple.
As life progressed after the fall, we get a glimpse in the Old and New Testaments of some of the
tools and trades which shaped the conditions of daily life:
• Construction: In Genesis 6:14, Noah builds an ark out of gopher wood, requiring tools to fell
the wood and construct a boat of that size.
• Metallurgy: There are several biblical references to refining silver (Proverbs 25:4, Zechariah
13:9, Isaiah 48:10). Refinement of precious metals also included some learned technological
processes.
• Clothing: Genesis 37 records that Joseph wore a coat of many colors. The fabric was derived
from animal hair and woven in some process, and then dyed in another process. There are many
references to sandals, belts and other clothing items that had some process governing their
manufacture.
• Shipping: James 3:4 mentions rudders that were used to steer boats. John 21:11 tells us that
Simon Peter caught many fish using netting. Rudders and netting are just two of many “tools”
used in the ancient world to be productive.
Innovation Today
This change continues today. Each one of us is born into a unique set of circumstances. We
know we are called to use our creativity and God-given purpose to leave the world a better place.
Economists call this economic growth. As Christians we know this is tied to flourishing.
The technology that made the 8-track so wonderful forty years ago has been innovated upon such
that we don’t have a need for it anymore.
The Cultural Mandate is clear that we are to take dominion over the earth and all that is in it. The
implications of this for Christians are that:
• Change is inherent to the human condition, and we are each born into a unique set of
circumstances with a unique set of resources at our disposal.
• Each person in every generation is called to take existing resources and create more.
Investment
We make investments in things and in people. Economic growth in the last century has much to
do with the types of investments we have been able to make.
These investments make us more productive. They depend on human creativity and
entrepreneurship. I used to own an old Nokia phone with a.
How can we think about biblical flourishing and economic progress.pdf
1. How can we think about biblical flourishing and economic progress?
(This class incorporates biblical teaching into economics)
Solution
The Biblical Definition of Flourishing: Flourishing means peace, or shalom, in every direction.
Hugh Whelchel often talks about “reweaving shalom.” But what does shalom mean?
Biblical scholars tell us that shalom signifies a number of things, including salvation, wholeness,
integrity, soundness, community, connectedness, righteousness, justice, and well-being. Shalom
denotes a right relationship with God, with others, and with God’s good creation. It is the way
God intended things to be when he created the universe.
Conceptes of Economics:
Innovation In Scripture
There are many places in the Bible where we get a glimpse into ancient economic life. In terms
of technology, life in the garden was abundant yet simple.
As life progressed after the fall, we get a glimpse in the Old and New Testaments of some of the
tools and trades which shaped the conditions of daily life:
• Construction: In Genesis 6:14, Noah builds an ark out of gopher wood, requiring tools to fell
the wood and construct a boat of that size.
• Metallurgy: There are several biblical references to refining silver (Proverbs 25:4, Zechariah
13:9, Isaiah 48:10). Refinement of precious metals also included some learned technological
processes.
• Clothing: Genesis 37 records that Joseph wore a coat of many colors. The fabric was derived
from animal hair and woven in some process, and then dyed in another process. There are many
references to sandals, belts and other clothing items that had some process governing their
manufacture.
• Shipping: James 3:4 mentions rudders that were used to steer boats. John 21:11 tells us that
Simon Peter caught many fish using netting. Rudders and netting are just two of many “tools”
used in the ancient world to be productive.
Innovation Today
This change continues today. Each one of us is born into a unique set of circumstances. We
know we are called to use our creativity and God-given purpose to leave the world a better place.
Economists call this economic growth. As Christians we know this is tied to flourishing.
The technology that made the 8-track so wonderful forty years ago has been innovated upon such
that we don’t have a need for it anymore.
2. The Cultural Mandate is clear that we are to take dominion over the earth and all that is in it. The
implications of this for Christians are that:
• Change is inherent to the human condition, and we are each born into a unique set of
circumstances with a unique set of resources at our disposal.
• Each person in every generation is called to take existing resources and create more.
Investment
We make investments in things and in people. Economic growth in the last century has much to
do with the types of investments we have been able to make.
These investments make us more productive. They depend on human creativity and
entrepreneurship. I used to own an old Nokia phone with a black and white screen that couldn’t
do much other than place a call. I thought it was the best thing ever. Now I can’t imagine life
without my smartphone, which allows me to pay bills, secure my home and grocery shop.
Trade
Economic progress only comes when we trade with one another. Trade creates wealth because it
allows us to focus on our gifts. We get to do what we are good at doing, and then trade for things
which we are bad at doing. This concept is fundamental to a Christian understanding of our
anthropology.
God created us differently, with unique abilities to offer each other. Markets are mechanisms that
allow us to become better off precisely because we are not forced to produce by ourselves all that
we need to survive.
Reference:http://blog.tifwe.org/four-essential-elements-of-economic-progress/
