Economics pervades our news today and I think many are surprised to know that the Bible has much to say on the subject.

Socialism and Communism are incompatible with both Judeo Christian values and common sense. Growing up, I was taught Capitalism is “greed” and Socialism is “helping others.” History reveals how naive this is. Capitalism is a three legged stool standing on incentive, property rights, and freedom. Property rights trace their roots to the Passover. When God rescued the Israelites out of Egypt and taught them to be free, He instructed them not to “steal their neighbor’s house or donkey” or “to covet” their neighbor’s property. In other words: personal ownership. Individual freedom, and prosperity begin with property rights. The apostle Paul reiterates this in 2 Thess. 3, “I didn’t eat someone else’s bread, but worked hard for my own bread so I wouldn’t be a burden to others.” Here he shows both ownership: “your bread,” and incentive: “if you don’t work, you shouldn’t eat.” The value of work, combined with the incentive of profit is fundamental to human motivation. Proverbs 31 instructs us to give others “the fruit of their labor.”

Capitalism offers liberty, prosperity, and the joy of generosity. Sure there are greedy, selfish capitalists, but let’s not presume that greedy selfish politicians’ motives are any more altruistic. Stealing to combat greed is the silly belief that “two wrongs” make a right.

When we borrow from the future by committing our grandchildren to interest on our reckless spending, it’s foolish and immoral. A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, not the burden of paying for our wasteful spending. Proverbs 15:22. As of today we are 12 trillion in the hole or 120 trillion in the whole with unfunded liabilities, according to www.usdebtclock.org.

Paul sums up the contrast between “Godonomics” and Socialism in 2 Cor. 9:7 So let each one (individualism, not collectivism) give (not forced or coerced) as he purposes in his heart (not as someone tells him he has to), not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. Every data tracking performed in the past fifty years has shown that Christ-followers are the most generous givers to all causes, religious and otherwise, and this is true throughout the world.

For free 30-minute session of Godonomics, check out http://www.godonomics.com/watch-session-1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBWybGTUjEA