ChristianWeek

The relationship between getting what we need and acting justly is an ageless question. That helps to explain why ChristianWeek is introducing a six-part column series exploring the relationship between economics and theology from a variety of perspectives. The key question: Do free-markets foster the decline of virtue?

This series is aimed at fostering a wider discussion between economists and theologians. It begins in this edition with an essay by Anthony Waterman, an evangelical Anglican economist and student of theology, who summarizes what the market is and what its limitations might be.

These issues matters to all of us, beginning at the top. Prime Minister Stephen Harper is an economist by trade and also a Christian. But if there is something that differentiates evangelicals across North America, views of justice and economic social policy might be at the top of the list.

Our panel of columnists for this series includes Green Party leader Elizabeth May, an Anglican and a student of theology, and Bill Blaikie, an ordained United Church minister and bulwark of NDP policy. We’ll also be hearing from the likes of Roman Catholic theologian Gregory Baum, a professor of religious and political thought at McGill University, Paul Williams, professor of marketplace theology at Regent College and David Guretzki, president of the Canadian Evangelical Theological Association.

Why are we troubling ourselves (and you) with articles about economics and theology? After all, such earthly matters are simply ignored by many theologians who have more heavenly or esoteric ideas to consider.

Economics holds the prize for least understood, and therefore most disputed, area of Christian thought. Things have changed since St. Augustine said, “From those things that God gave you, take that which you need, but the rest, which to you are superfluous, are necessary to others. The superfluous goods of the rich are necessary to the poor, and when you possess the superfluous you possess what is not yours.”

Now mega-church pastors tout the organizational benefits of the free-market and incorporate its kernels of truth into ministry strategies. Even Pope John Paul II (Centesimus Annus 1991) acknowledged some benefits of free enterprise.

How we think and act about the economy makes a big difference. Economics, as a science gauging individual decision, may or may not have anything to say to theology, and vice-versa.

These are questions Christian leaders cannot afford to ignore. Do free markets foster the decline of virtue? Let’s not take these things for granted. Enjoy the series.