Then he said to them, 'Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.... Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes.... For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." -Jesus (Luke 12:15, 23, 34)
"Given the current state of capitalism, i.e. against the ropes and almost down for the count, maybe it's time to take a long hard look at Christianity's long term love affair with capitalism as something we should perhaps get over. Early images of Christians often featured the presence of loaves and fishes--a reminder of the miracle story in the gospels, where Jesus feeds numerous people with just a few loaves and fishes. But what if that is not really a miracle story, but an economic one--the economics of sharing--enough for all because we are willing to share what we have. As a miracle story it is hard to live up to, I have trouble getting food to multiply, but there always seems to be enough to go round when we all bring stuff to the table. Maybe the way forward in this current time of economic challenge is to try a new approach to living life, one that explores more intently the benefits of marrying free-market capitalism, and perhaps lays it aside for a while as we go in search of a new economic model, one in which a central dynamic is the economics of sharing/gifting...." -Barry Taylor
Joining together to discuss and think about the impact of our ways of living on this planet is a no brainer to me. Choosing to live more purposefully, conscientiously and in a more sustainable manner on the Lord's planet, is also a no brainer to me. The actual realities of how "MY" chosen ways of life in regards to consumption, economy and the long term sustainability of that direction...is alarming. The video above is one of the best I've seen on the subject, it is well worth the effort and time to watch it all. It will give you a backdrop to the multi-angled issues that are being discussed and acted upon in the environmental conversation and works.
Caring for God's earth, being responsible and a good steward, is rooted in the ways I choose to use my wealth. How I choose to live and respond to the world as it is...and not as I pretend it to be; is one of the demanding acts of living justly as a follower of Jesus. He modeled a way of living that we should spend time exploring.
He is the WAY, as well as the truth, and embracing His way of living, promises a deep and meaningful and sustainable Life...for all.
1 comment:
Wow, that was a great video and an eye opener as well. I have often picked up some trinket and wondered how on earth they could sell it so cheaply, this video answered that. My first thought was she is exaggerating, but after consideration, I have no doubt she is understateing the issues.
I'm so impressed this was put out by a church, wow. My grandkids are already far more up to speed on these issues than I am and thank God it is so. Much of the injustice in the world comes in the form of work, or working for a pittance, which again this video points out. Good stuff Eric, no pun intended.
Love Dad
Post a Comment