How do we respond to the top issues facing Christians around the world? The biggest global problems arguably involve unsustainable economics and "justice" systems based on relativism. At www.Covenant.net/Problems/2023, we see how matters of deepest concern are often rooted in unsustainable debt1 and lawlessness2 (antinomianism). These are spiritual problems!
See how theologians NT Wright3 and Francis Shaeffer4 address these problems (in the books cited below) while pointing to sustainable solutions based on the Lordship of Christ, the leading of the Spirit, and the Love of God, the lawgiver. These books should inspire leaders to expose unsustainable policies while supporting sustainable solutions in churches, families, local governments, schools, businesses, and related mediating institutions that seek to honor Trinitarian beliefs.
Unsustainable Economics (and Debt)
In Surprised by Hope, NT Wright summarizes the crisis of debt:
The present system of global debt is the real immoral scandal, the dirty little secret -- or rather, the dirty enormous secret -- of glitzy, glossy Western capitalism. Whatever it takes, we must change the situation or stand condemned by subsequent history alongside those who supported slavery two centuries ago and those who supported the Nazis seventy years ago. It is that serious. -- Wright, N.T., Surprised by Hope, Harper, 2008, pages 216-219.
Unsustainable "Justice" (Rooted in Antinomianism)
To William Blackstone there were only two foundations for law, nature and revelation, and he stated clearly that he was referring to the Holy Scripture [as the revealed law]… Dane Professor of Law at Harvard University said, "There never has been a period in which Common Law did not recognize Christianity as laying at its foundation. [Yet] great, titanic shifts have come…. Bible-believing theologians who did see the theological danger seemed totally blind to what was happening in law and in the total culture. – Schaeffer, Francis, Christian Manifesto, Crossway Books, 1982, pages 37, 48, 50.
Sustainable Justice and Economics
The bible provides clear solutions to problems involving justice and economics. Scripture describes institutions where leaders unite around word and prayer (means of grace). Such Biblical prayer reveals the love of God, the lawgiver, and the Lordship of Christ. Commitment to these trinitarian ideals can lead believers to be of one heart, one mind, and one spirit (Philippians 2:2). This fosters peace with God, self and others. Prayer focused on God’s Word also leads to a deeper understanding of the Biblical truths undergirding strong judicial and economic systems.
As leaders prayerfully apply Scripture in institutions (e.g., those at www.covenant.net/MediatingInstitutions and www.covenant.net/7Spheres), we can restore commitment to Biblical doctrines. These doctrines can form a foundation for sustainable justice and peace5 as well as balanced (e.g., sustainable) budgets without debt6.
- Problems with inflation, poverty and the economy are arguably rooted in deficit spending and debt
- Problems with government, immigration, race relations, crime, and ethical decline are arguably rooted in lack of respect for law based on the character of God
- http://covenant.net/Book/SurpriseByHope
- http://covenant.net/Book/ChristianManifesto
- https://rw360values.org/peacemaking explains Christian and "secular" conflict resolution materials that can be used by families, churches, governments, schools, and businesses where leaders pledge to be peacemakers. Materials are based on what Jesus and prophets taught about justice, law and peacemaking.
- More than 2300 verses speak about money, possessions and debt. Jesus spoke about money roughly 15% of his preaching and in 11 out of his 39 parables.