Economics and the Image of God (with Brian Fikkert)
May 19, 2022
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Economist Brian Fikkert discusses the intersection of economics and the image of God. Topics include economic growth reducing poverty, material prosperity vs. well-being, human flourishing as image bearers of God, critiquing socialism, resisting economic-centric thinking, and integrating economics with Christian beliefs for holistic flourishing.
Global markets have lifted billions out of poverty, but increased material prosperity doesn't equate to happiness.
Human flourishing involves deep relational connections, challenging individualistic economic views and emphasizing communal virtues.
Deep dives
The Global Impact of Markets Systems on Poverty Reduction
Global markets have significantly contributed to lifting people out of poverty, especially in the last three decades. The spread of Western-style institutions and behaviors has led to economic growth and lifted billions out of material poverty. The percentage of people living below the global poverty line has decreased substantially due to market-driven economic development, particularly notable in countries like India and China.
Challenges of Economic Growth and Happiness Discrepancy
Despite economic growth, there is a paradox of stagnant or declining self-reported happiness and an increase in mental health issues in countries like the United States. While income per capita rises, overall happiness levels and mental well-being do not proportionately improve, indicating an underlying dissatisfaction despite increased material prosperity.
Human Flourishing Beyond Economic Metrics
The discussion emphasizes that human beings are more than mere material entities. Looking through a theological lens, the concept of image-bearing highlights the inherent relational nature of humanity, challenging the conventional economic view of homo economicus. Human flourishing is depicted as living in deep communion with God, self, others, and the natural world.
The Transformation and Deformation by Economic Systems
The podcast delves into how economic perspectives can shape individuals' behaviors and identities. Acknowledging the impact of societal narratives and communal practices, such as truth-telling and virtues in marketplace interactions, it highlights the potential for economic theories to either align or conflict with spiritual and ethical values. The shift towards relational understandings in economic discourse indicates a growing recognition of the limitations of individualistic and materialistic economic paradigms.
Economics touches virtually every aspect of our lives on this side of eternity. Not surprisingly, the Bible has a great deal to say about economic life. How we think about economic life from a Christian worldview is a critical part of our engagement with our culture and helps us understand what it means to love our neighbors. Join Scott for this insightful discussion with economist Brian Fikkert about the intersection of economics and the image of God.
Dr. Brian Fikkert is Professor of Economics and Community Development and the Founder and President of the Chalmers Center for Economic Development at Covenant College. He is coauthor of the best-selling book When Helping Hurts: How to Alleviate Poverty Without Hurting the Poor…and Yourself , and his newest book, Becoming Whole: Why the Opposite of Poverty is Not the American Dream.
Think Biblically: Conversations on Faith and Culture is a podcast from Talbot School of Theology at Biola University, which offers degrees both online and on campus in Southern California.
To submit comments, ask questions, or make suggestions on issues you'd like us to cover or guests you'd like us to have on the podcast, email us at thinkbiblically@biola.edu.
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