>Lets get things straight before I start. I am not an economist, I rarely understand financial jargon, and can only add up properly if given the time and ability to count using my fingers…Yes, I’m that good!

However, I am interested in the current “global” economic crisis, its impact on societies values, and the resultant effects of the “credit crunch” on poorer, third world countries. If I were to refer to all the articles floating around cyber-space labeled “Economic crisis”, I would be able to fill this blog to kingdom come. I would also probably die in the process!

I did come across some articles in Jim Wallis’ God Politics Blog, and he asks in one post, some questions that I think are important for Christians to consider and answer. He says:

“What is a Christian response to a deepening economic crisis like this? What should people of faith be thinking, saying, and doing? What is the responsibility of the churches to their own parishioners, to their communities, to the nation and the world? And where is God in all this?
What does the Bible say about all the issues now being raised? What does our theology tell us about money and possessions, wealth and power, credit and responsible financial choices, economic values vs. family values, lifestyle and stewardship, generosity and justice, and both personal and social responsibility?”
Jim Wallis (God’s Politics: http://www.sojo.net/blog/godspolitics/?p=2767)

Since my interest lies more in Biblical teaching, perspectives and true Christian Spirituality, I wanted to present some thoughts of my own on this current issue.

Bob Carlton, in his blog “The Corner” makes reference to this current crisis, and the distinct lack of comment by preachers in America on the subject:
“It is shocking to me how silent American churchianity has been in the midst of this collapse…Mainline leaders have been silent as well, ironic given how much of their funding comes from the very investment bankers who drove this collapse.  Those who tout themselves as traditionalist or orthodox have been fairly silent, despite their emphasis on free markets as an idea that is almost Biblical…This past Sunday, how many preachers talked about the crisis the world finds itself in right now?  How many talked about security and faith and priorities?”
He goes on to say: “It is tempting as Jesus followers to opt out of grappling with the complex issues that face us.  It is easy to claim that smarter people must have the answers.  It is comforting to go back to daily Scripture reading or some “approved” activity of faith.” (http://thecorner.typepad.com/bc/2008/09/empire-fail-sur.html)

It is a sadness to me that Christian leaders have failed to speak out in such circumstances, to answer the questions, “Is their any hope? What should we do? What should we think?”
I recently attended an evening meeting in YWAM, where pioneer founder Loren Cunningham spoke on this subject. I was impressed. Someone was speaking about it, and to us “Poor Christian missionaries”. His opinion was that this economic crisis seem to be characterised by 3 aspects; 

1. Corruption
2. Greed
3. Fear

I am inclined to agree, and perhaps it is in these areas that we, as Christians need to make a stand. 
How do we combat corruption, greed and fear? 
I agree here with Loren, that as Christians, we are not to submit to these things, but to live lives of INTEGRITY, GENEROSITY AND LOVE.

Related posts:

1. God's Economy: No Fear
2. In God's Economy – Generosity (part 1)
3. God's Economy – Peace on earth
4. God's Economy – Generosity (Part 3) It's in your jeans…I mean Genes!
5. God's Economy – Mission & Recession