Social Psychology . Oct 24, 2021 . 6 Mins Read . PC - Admin .
Introduction
I will like to open my discussion by defining the key components of the topic of this presentation. This is certainly important for every hearer and reader. The following must therefore be defined:
1. Economics
The word "economics" originated from two Greek words, i.e. "Oikos" which means "Home" and 'nomikos" which means "Account" in English language. The two words together become "oikonomikos" or "oikonomia". (1). Together, it becomes one English word "Economics". Economics has been studied as a subject, by great scholars over the centuries and different definitions have evolved. One definition by one of the great scholars of the past, Sir Alfred Marshall, said it is "a social science directed at the satisfaction of needs and wants, through the allocation of scarce resources which have alternative uses". (2)The many definitions of the great scholars of the word "Economics" including Adam Smith, John Maynard Keynes, J.B. Say and Cecil Pigou, David Ricardo etc. can simply be put, as the English Dictionary defines it as, " the Science that deals with the production, distribution and consumption of goods and services, or the material welfare of humankind"(3)
This Economic system, which is a means by which societies or Governments organise and distribute available resources, services and goods across a geographic region or nation is referred to by Christians as "world economic system".
BIBLICAL ECONOMICS
This is the Christian world-view of Economics. This is sometimes referred to as "the economy of God". God's economy is to distribute Himself, dispense Himself, as "household goods" to His chosen people, as members of His household to process and enjoy"(4)
Biblical Economics provides a charter of divinely-given responsibilities, tempered by periodic warnings against sin. Biblical Economics calls for men to honour God in all Economic activities because God created and owns all things; and He is the giver of all gifts (James 1:17+John 1:27).
Some principles of Biblical Economics include:
- The Lordship of Jesus Christ over all of a Christian's life and thoughts.
- The responsibility to love God with all of a Christian's heart and his/her neighbour.
- Pursuit of righteousness and justice to all.
- Show of mercy to all people.
- Active and consistent worship of Jesus Christ- seeking first, the Kingdom of God.
Biblical Economics keeps God's glory and respect for human dignity, as it's fundamentals. It rests on four pillars viz:
Producing; Saving; Spending and Giving. (5).
God is interested in both the Spiritual and material welfare of His creation.
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Sustainable development basically is the idea that human societies must live and meet their needs without compromising the ability of future generations, to meet their own needs.
The aim or goals of Sustainable Development are the blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all human beings. These address the global challenges that this generation faces including poverty, inequality, climate degradation, climate change, peace and justice. This is not new, of course.
Sustainable development rests on three key pillars: Economy, Society and Environment. It is built on the principle of "leaving no one behind".
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were born at the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 2012. This replaced the Millenium Development Goals which took off in the year 2000 to tackle indignity and poverty world-wide. (6)
Now that all the key words in the assigned topic of discussion have been simply defined to give proper understanding, we can make some intelligent conclusions.
Doubtless, Sustainable Development, since it was born, has not been able to achieve its fundamental goal of "leaving no one behind". Today, many more people are left behind in the world, than never before, in the recorded history of mankind. It has not been able to achieve its goals fully, in tackling indignity and poverty worldwide. It has not been able to successfully address the issues of world-wide poverty, inequality, climate degradation, climate change, peace and justice.
I wish to submit here that it is not going to be possible to achieve these lofty goals, for as long as sustainable development is being strictly pursued on the basis of traditional or world economic fundamentals. There is no time in the known history of man, when the success of traditional or world economy has endured. It has always been sporadic, at best. The only times when we had seen good economic success has been when Biblical Economics had been applied or practiced.
Today, the economies of the whole world are in shambles and crisis. Nations are in debt crises. Taking a close look at the many definitions of Economics by great scholars, none includes God, even as a variable! God is not only a variable but a Constant in the equation of every activity of man, including Economics. Traditional Economists and Economic Managers, are ignorant of the fact that God is the Creator of all things; and He created all things for His own glory and pleasure (Colossians 1:16 and Revelation 4:11).
The good success and prosperity by reason of Biblical Economics can be seen all through the Bible. It is self-evident from Genesis to Revelation. This is because the principles of Biblical Economics earlier highlighted in this paper, were the basis of Economic management. Jesus said in John 15:5b: "without me you can do nothing". Without God, man can truly do nothing! Earthly wisdom is what guides traditional or worldly Economics; not the wisdom that is from God which is pure (James 3:13-17). Let's remember the case of Joseph in Egypt. As earlier said, Biblical Economics rests on four pillars- Producing, Saving, Spending and Giving. Contrarily, traditional Economics rests on greedy Production and greedy Consumption.
While the world will probably never accept it, the practice of Biblical Economics, is absolutely essential in having a truly successful Sustainable Development, as defined by the United Nations. Pursuing Sustainable Development with traditional or worldly Economics will remain a mirage, in my humble opinion.
I conclude my discussion this day, by humbly requesting, that as many of us as are here today, start living Biblical Economics, rather than traditional or world economics. That is when we are truly seeking the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. That is when all those things that we are seeking, will be seeking us, given or added unto us, by our Lord God Jehovah Jireh.
Thank you all. God bless us all, in Jesus Name. Amen.
REFERENCES
- Alfred Marshall - Principle of Economics
- Douglas Harper - Online Etymology Dictionary
- Joseph Shulam - Netivya Series
- Online Dictionary - www.dictionary.com
- Sustainable Development Goals - United Nations Development Programs
- Witness Lee - The Economy of God