Economic Justice

Economic Justice: Policy Through Jesus’ Lens

This page evaluates economic policy through the lens of Jesus’ teachings on wealth, debt, and economic structures. Economic justice is central to following Jesus.

“Forgive us our debts, as we also forgive our debtors… No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other; or else he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You can’t serve both God and Mammon.” - Matthew 6:12, 24

Scripture Foundation

Key Passages:

Why Economic Justice Matters

Jesus taught about debt forgiveness, wealth, and economic structures. Economic policy affects millions of people, especially the poor and marginalized. We must evaluate economic policy through Jesus’ lens.

Key Principles

Debt Forgiveness

What Jesus Teaches:

  • We are called to forgive debts
  • Debt structures can be exploitative
  • Economic justice requires debt relief

Policy Implications:

  • Policies should address predatory lending
  • Debt relief programs should be supported
  • Economic structures should reduce exploitation

Action Steps:

  • Support policies that address predatory lending
  • Advocate for debt relief programs
  • Work for economic structures that reduce exploitation

See Also: Forgive Debts, Action

Addressing Wealth Concentration

What Jesus Teaches:

  • Wealth accumulation can be an obstacle
  • Wealth concentration is problematic
  • Economic systems should serve all

Policy Implications:

  • Policies should address wealth concentration
  • Economic systems should be more equitable
  • Exploitation should be addressed

Action Steps:

  • Support policies that address wealth concentration
  • Advocate for more equitable economic systems
  • Work for economic transformation

See Also: Reject Materialism, Action

Serving the Poor

What Jesus Teaches:

  • We are called to serve the poor
  • Economic systems should prioritize the marginalized
  • Justice requires economic transformation

Policy Implications:

  • Policies should prioritize the poor
  • Economic systems should serve the marginalized
  • Barriers should be removed

Action Steps:

  • Support policies that prioritize the poor
  • Advocate for economic systems that serve the marginalized
  • Work for economic justice

See Also: Serve the Poor, Action

Policy Areas

Predatory Lending

What This Means:

  • Lending practices that exploit borrowers
  • High interest rates
  • Unfair terms
  • Targeting vulnerable populations

Policy Recommendations:

  • Regulate predatory lending
  • Support alternatives
  • Address root causes
  • Work for economic justice

See Also: Forgive Debts, Action

Debt Relief

What This Means:

  • Programs that forgive or reduce debt
  • Addressing debt burdens
  • Creating pathways out of debt

Policy Recommendations:

  • Support debt relief programs
  • Address student debt
  • Address medical debt
  • Work for debt forgiveness

See Also: Forgive Debts, Action

Wealth Concentration

What This Means:

  • Addressing extreme wealth inequality
  • Creating more equitable economic systems
  • Reducing exploitation

Policy Recommendations:

  • Address wealth concentration
  • Support more equitable tax systems
  • Work for economic transformation
  • Address root causes

See Also: Reject Materialism, Action

Worker Justice

What This Means:

  • Ensuring fair wages and working conditions
  • Supporting workers’ rights
  • Addressing exploitation

Policy Recommendations:

  • Support fair wage policies
  • Address working conditions
  • Support workers’ rights
  • Address exploitation

See Also: Action

How to Advocate

Research the Issues

  • Understand current economic policies
  • Learn about economic injustice
  • Identify policy solutions
  • Connect policies to Jesus’ teachings

Build Support

  • Find others who care
  • Build coalitions
  • Share the vision
  • Organize advocacy

Engage Decision Makers

  • Contact representatives
  • Attend meetings
  • Write letters
  • Organize advocacy

Sustain and Grow

  • Build relationships
  • Stay engaged
  • Expand support
  • Work for change

See Also: Political Engagement, Action

Connection to Action

Economic justice connects to action:

See Also: Action

See Also

Categories:
Policy