The Big Picture
The success of the economy depends on everyone – not just a few new-business creators– having an entrepreneurial mindset, or a spirit of entrepreneurship, in all of life. Read more
The success of the economy depends on everyone – not just a few new-business creators– having an entrepreneurial mindset, or a spirit of entrepreneurship, in all of life. Read more
Much of what the Bible says about economics is addressed to the agricultural economy of its time. Are we doomed to go without any scriptural guidance for economic systems? Read more
Three years ago Christianity Today began an adventure looking for Christians seeking the common good. Read more
Whenever people talk about faith, work, and economics, we speak from perspectives within our various faith traditions. While there are important things evangelicals hold in common – the faith once delivered to the saints, the legacy of the Reformation, etc. – there is also important variety across our communities. Read more
For many affluent and educated Americans, including some Christians, the American Dream is a materialistic desire for not only a job, a family, and a house with a white picket fence, but also a beach house, two SUVS, exotic vacations, big-screen TVs, the latest fashions, $5 lattes, etc. It is easy to see why other Christians oppose this perversion of the American Dream, which simply promotes the acquisition of treasures on earth, and of social privilege, solely for self-glorification. But many of those who still long for the best of the American Dream are the marginal, the poor, the working class – those for whom education, steady work, and home ownership are life-long goals. Read more
Churches should not only empower people to do their work well, but should help them to have a broader vision of economic flourishing and how communities can achieve it. As I talk to pastors and seminaries about this idea on behalf of The Kern Family Foundation, I am often asked how this is different from the so-called “prosperity gospel.” Read more
“Detroit developed best when it was bottom-up,” says Harry Veryser, economist and professor at University of Detroit Mercy. “When small communities, small parishes, small schools were formed… that’s when Detroit prospered.” Read more
Why do pastors need to know all that much about economics? My friend and writing partner, Austin Hill, tells the story of a conference he attended as a graduate student where the facilitator posed the provocative question, “Can somebody name for me one area of our lives that has nothing to do with economics?” The group was silent for more than a few moments, as many pondered this for the first time. Read more
Integrating faith with the demands of work is a challenge many Christians face. Two men with a lot of insight on faith, business ethics, integrity, and leadership recently sat down to discuss this challenge: Al Erisman of Seattle Pacific University and Bill Pollard, retired CEO of ServiceMaster and professor emeritus at Wheaton College. They recorded a video conversation about the God-honoring business model, thoughts on Peter Drucker, and the struggles of godly leaders in corporate management. Read more
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