Reflection on The Intersection of Religion and The Economy

Introduction

Traditionally, there has been a connection between religion and the economy. Notably, some of the market economies such as capitalism are religions in themselves. However, according to Oslington et al., religious leaders have played a critical role in shaping the economic policies of countries around the globe (22). Additionally, some of the issues which the economy has been built to address have bee based in religious teachings and proclamations. Religion plays a significant role in calling out the economic practices which do not abide by the teachings of the specific denominations. This paper provides the most important political issue at stake in the current situation with regard to the US economy and then provide a discussion of how Christianity would impact on how people should act with regard to the issue. Finally, I will discuss how religion can serve to influence political action on the issue without a violation of religious freedom as envisaged in the First Amendment to the US Constitution.

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In the current situation with regard to the economy, one of the most important political issues is that of the national debt. In specific, according to Richter, the national debt of the United States has reached a record high of $21 trillion and there are no signs that it is going to come down (para2). The increasing debt is not only a burden to the American citizens but also a worrying trend for the low-income and unemployed people. Just like other countries, the US has a high level of inequality and has been pegged on capitalism where a majority of the country's trade and industry is under the control of private investors. The effect of such an economic system is that there is increased inequality as well as the exclusion of the low-income and the unemployed citizens. Income inequality in the US has been on the rise for the last 30 years with a majority of the country's wealth being in the hands of a small number of people who are the elites. When the national debt increases, those who suffer are those who are at the bottom of the pyramid as they will have to continue to be poorer as they pay for the debts for years to come. I feel that the issue of increased national debt has brought about a huge burden to the people and will continue to be so even to the future generation of Americans.

Christianity should be at the forefront in advocating for the reduction of the national debt. Notably, the debt will continue to benefit the elites at the disadvantage of the poor and disenfranchised populations. A significant number of Americans are still living in poverty despite the increase. The focus of Christianity should not be on the economy but rather on the effects that it will have on the disadvantaged in the society. According to Francis, the religion should be against the economy of exclusion and should thus advocate for the abolition of any economic policies which do not result in increased employment for the low-income populations (para52). Christianity should not just defend the rich and the existing executive power but should rather be firm in ensuring that the economy serves humanity and not the other way around. People should be guided by Christianity to think that increasing national debt is continuing to elevate the elites and degrading the disenfranchised. As such, Christianity should impact people to oppose increased debts and advocate for inclusion and equality in the society.

Religion can play a vital role in influencing political action about the increasing national debt without abrogating on religious freedom which has been guaranteed by the First Amendment to the US Constitution. Due to the influence that the Church has in the society, it can become an advocate for equality and inclusion as well as the reduction of the national debt and subsequently the economic burden which is placed on the US citizens. By petitioning the elected leaders, Christianity will not be seeking recognition but rather fighting for the rights of the less privileged and the excluded in the society (Francis para53). Religion can ensure that the national debt is reduced as the church is influential and is by guided by biblical teachings.

Conclusion

In conclusion, religion has been intertwined with the economy as some of the economic policies are influenced by religious teachings and practices. One of the contemporary issues in the American society in the ballooning national debt. The Church should have an impact on its reduction as it should advocate for inclusion and equality. Increasing debt will result in an increased burden on the people especially the low income and disenfranchised members of the society. Christianity should, therefore, impact this issue through petitions and agitation. Religious action can be instrumental in shaping economic policy without necessarily infringing on the freedom of religion enshrined in the First Amendment to the US Constitution.

Works Cited

Francis, Pope. Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Gaudium of the Holy Father Francis to the Bishops, Clergy, Consecrated Persons and the Lay Faithful: on the Proclamation of the Gospel in Today's World. St Pauls Publications, 2013.

Oslington, Paul, Paul S. Williams, and Mary Hirschfeld. Recent Developments in Economics and Religion. Edward Elgar Publishing Limited, 2018.

Richter, Wolf. "The Gross National Debt Is Spiking to Its Highest Levels Since the Crisis". Business Insider, 2018, http://www.businessinsider.com/the-gross-national-debt-is-spiking-to-its-highest-levels-since-the-crisis-2018-3?IR=T. Accessed 14 June 2018.