The Wired Word for 03222026 - CourtneyR.dev's 2nd Brain

The Wired Word for 03/22/2026 ![rw-book-cover](https://readwise-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/static/images/article0.00998d930354.png) > [!note]+ Document Notes > --- > tags: > - #TheWiredWord > - #EconomicJustice > - #CapitalismVsSocialism > - #CatholicSocialTeaching > - #LiberationTheology > - #Jubilee > - #BiblicalEconomics > - #ReformedTheology > - #AnabaptistEconomics > - #ProsperityGospel > - #SevenMountains > - #ChristianSocialism > - #SocialGospel > - #IslamicFinance > - #JewishEthics > - #BuddhistEconomics > - #Distributism > - #SabbathEconomics > - #PreferentialOptionForThePoor > - #UCC > - #ProgressiveChristianity > - #PoliticalTheology > - #FaithAndEconomics > Author: The Wired Word (TWW) Team; supplemental research by Claude > Source: The Wired Word / Communication Resources > Reference: https://thewiredword.com — Week of March 22, 2026 > date created: 2026-03-20 14:30 > --- > # Title: Surveys Suggest Attitudinal Shift Regarding Capitalism, Socialism — A Multi-Tradition Theological Analysis > ## Table of Contents > - [📝 Summary](#📝-summary) > - [📖 Main Content](#📖-main-content) > - [🗒️ Notes](#🗒️-notes) > - [🧐 Theological Framework Analysis](#🧐-theological-framework-analysis) > - [🏛️ Historical and Cultural Context](#🏛️-historical-and-cultural-context) > - [📜 Scriptural References and Interpretation](#📜-scriptural-references-and-interpretation) > - [⚖️ Logical and Rhetorical Analysis](#⚖️-logical-and-rhetorical-analysis) > - [💡 Practical Theology and Ethics](#💡-practical-theology-and-ethics) > - [📝 Comparative Analysis](#📝-comparative-analysis) > - [🌍 Global and Ecumenical Perspectives](#🌍-global-and-ecumenical-perspectives) > - [🔄 Change Over Time](#🔄-change-over-time) > - [🎯 Author's Goals and Audience](#🎯-authors-goals-and-audience) > - [📖 References](#📖-references) > - [🗣️ Paraphrase](#🗣️-paraphrase) > - [📰 Newsletter](#📰-newsletter) > - [🧪 Hypotheses](#🧪-hypotheses) > - [📊 Methodology](#📊-methodology) > - [❓ Questions](#❓-questions) > - [🔮 Future Research](#🔮-future-research) > - [💡 Implications](#💡-implications) > - [🧠 Learning Styles Assessment](#🧠-learning-styles-assessment) > - [📊 Accessibility Assessment](#📊-accessibility-assessment) > - [🌍 DEIB Assessment](#🌍-deib-assessment) > - [✅ Logical Validity](#✅-logical-validity) > - [✅ Action Items](#✅-action-items) > - [🔍 SEO Evaluation](#🔍-seo-evaluation) > - [🎯 Conclusion](#🎯-conclusion) > --- > ## 📝 Summary > The Wired Word's lesson for March 22, 2026 examines shifting American attitudes toward capitalism and socialism, anchored by a Fox News survey (March 2025) showing 38% of voters favor moving toward socialism — up six points since 2022. The article draws on Gallup, Pew, Cato/YouGov, and Archbridge/Harris data to show declining confidence in capitalism across demographics, while noting Americans remain positive toward free enterprise (81%) and small business (95%). Three economic systems receive textbook definitions (capitalism, communism, socialism), and Emily Stewart's analysis of increasing federal interventionism frames the policy dimension. The article uses four scripture passages — 1 Kings 21 (Naboth's vineyard), Ruth 2 (gleaning laws), 2 Corinthians 8 (equality through sharing), and Acts 4 (communal living) — to frame theological questions about property, redistribution, Jubilee economics, and what economic justice looks like in Jesus' worldview. The lesson closes with discussion questions about Jubilee debt cancellation and a John Wesley quote on communal provision. > **The TWW piece is competent but narrow in theological scope.** It presents a mainline Protestant lens without engaging Catholic Social Teaching, liberation theology, Reformed economics, Anabaptist communal traditions, or the prosperity gospel/Seven Mountains theology that actively shapes millions of American Christians' economic attitudes. This analysis expands the conversation across 12+ Christian traditions and four non-Christian traditions. > --- > ## 📖 Main Content > The article opens with polling data establishing the news hook: American attitudes toward capitalism are cooling, particularly among younger voters, Democrats, black voters, and very liberal respondents. It offers a useful corrective via Samuel J. Abrams (American Enterprise Institute) — when young Americans say "socialism," they typically mean universal healthcare, affordable housing, and debt relief, not nationalization of industry. The Archbridge/Harris poll adds nuance: majorities across both parties still favor free markets and entrepreneurship over government planning. > The article then pivots to scripture, examining property rights abuse (Ahab/Naboth), welfare provision (gleaning laws), voluntary redistribution (Macedonian churches), and radical communalism (Acts 4). Discussion questions address Jubilee economics, the ethics of wealth redistribution, and how faith might adapt under different economic systems. > ### 🗒️ Notes > **📊 Polling Data and Context** > - Fox News survey (March 2025): 51% say capitalism works well; 49% say it doesn't; 38% favor moving toward socialism (up 6 points since 2022) > - Most pro-capitalism: Republican men (87%), MAGA supporters (85%), Republicans 45+ (81%) > - Least pro-capitalism: very liberal voters (79% say not working), Democratic women (79%), Democrats under 45 (72%) > - 61% still oppose a move toward socialism overall > - Gallup (August 2025): capitalism favorability at historic low of 54% (down 6 points from 2021); socialism at 39% positive / 57% negative > - Crucially: free enterprise at 81% positive, small business at 95% positive, big business at only 37% positive / 62% negative > - This gap between "free enterprise" and "big business" is the polling data's most important signal — Americans distinguish between market principles and corporate concentration > - Cato/YouGov (2025): 62% of Americans aged 18-29 hold favorable view of socialism > - Archbridge/Harris (March 2026): majority of 2,000 Americans favor free markets and entrepreneurship — including 76% of Republicans and 60% of Democrats, with nearly 60% of adults under 25 agreeing > - Pew: fewer Americans view either capitalism or socialism as positively as they did in 2019 > **📖 Article Definitions (Zagorsky and Karaca, Boston University)** > - Capitalism: private ownership, profit-driven, market competition, minimal government > - Communism: classless society, communal property, distribution by need, elimination of inequality > - Socialism: collective/state ownership of key industries, allows some private enterprise, social welfare programs, equitable distribution > - Mixed economies: countries implementing characteristics of multiple systems > **🏛️ Emily Stewart Analysis (Business Insider)** > - American capitalism shifting from laissez-faire to "much more interventionist" federal approach > - Critics worry about politically biased decision-making, cronyism, market distortions > - Key question: for whose benefit does government wield equity-derived power? > **📖 Scripture Passages Examined** > - 1 Kings 21:1-24 (Naboth's vineyard): property rights violated by state power; Jezebel orchestrates false charges and execution to seize land; Elijah confronts Ahab with divine judgment > - Connects to: ![[Exodus 20#1]] through ![[Exodus 20#17]] (Ten Commandments); ![[Numbers 36#9]] (tribal inheritance law); ![[2 Samuel 12#1]] through ![[2 Samuel 12#14]] (David parallel) > - Ruth 2:1-17 (gleaning): Boaz follows Levitical mandate to leave edges of fields unharvested for poor and alien > - Connects to: ![[Leviticus 19#9]] ![[Leviticus 19#10]] > - 2 Corinthians 8:1-15 (equality through sharing): Paul raises funds for famine-hit believers; Macedonians give "beyond their means"; goal is "equality" not deprivation of one for luxury of another > - Acts 4:32-37 (communal living): believers hold possessions in common; no one claims private ownership; distribution according to need; "not a needy person among them" > - See also: ![[Acts 2#44]] ![[Acts 2#45]] > **🔑 Key Voices in the Article** > - Samuel J. Abrams (AEI): labels obscure real positions; young "socialists" want fairness, not nationalization > - Justin Callais & Clay Routledge (Archbridge Institute): economic freedom belief crosses party lines; common ground exists for removing barriers to social mobility > - Mary Sells (TWW team): frames the divide as "haves" vs. structural help for "have-nots"; asks what economic ju Dear Class Members, Our lesson this week uses recent surveys on how Americans view various economic systems to explore what our faith teaches about the purpose of government, wealth distribution, and property ownership. ![](https://www.thewiredword.com/_img/tww_logo_email.jpg) **Surveys Suggest Attitudinal Shift Regarding Capitalism, Socialism** ***The Wired Word*** **for the Week of March 22, 2026** **In the News** According to a *Fox News* survey released March 5, American voters are divided in their views of capitalism, with 51% saying it's working very or somewhat well, and 49% saying it's not working very or at all well. Nearly four in ten (38%) favor moving away from capitalism toward socialism, an increase of six percentage points since 2022. Voters most supportive of capitalism include Republican men (87% say it's working very/somewhat well), MAGA supporters (85%), and Republicans ages 45+ (81%). Those less enthusiastic about capitalism include very liberal voters (79% say capitalism is working not very/not at all well), Democratic women (79%), and Democrats under age 45 (72%). A majority of survey respondents (61%) indicated they did not favor a move toward socialism, including 75% or more of Republicans, conservatives, men over age 45, and voters ages 65 and up, while more than half of Democrats, black voters, and voters under age 35 say they prefer moving away from capitalism. In July 2025, [Samuel J. Abrams](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPPpew8QHdOBEeXtmKoO4mGbsOl8OEFRj6G8yAXQx2WbNkzyO1UR8-2Fuy44MVlaOi493DW0VIOrnePqDxXqs97ukb2huOPnJloE-2Bz3tMS17HVz5CqD_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSAHFaEDiRWTrYSbO-2FObVwhjEcjXs-2B-2BoRAaZvWQoxRs4si6-2FQ2tCeHBfYoZDDfDMp1WkobuVoYFyTMlMcTUz4CyZ4HtUpiiX0aFsgYUiOadaZROBVG2XCR7-2BQDGkcwYcHZxr4nSAyg2A-2BnPgRRU4wQ32Z3144npEuVFdp4CFK-2BSY-2F8-2Fz3r2yJdv-2FClaGep-2F06sVLo4-2BXP4YCiyhrNoIl9SlRo-2FGuEuorSU-2BAblWukaGStiwMZYMyylr9eGRqUQK3b4G-2Fhc1oPIZ-2Bp7-2FTMhCksqQ-3D), a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, reported that "A 2025 survey by the Cato Institute and YouGov found that 62% of Americans aged 18-29 say they hold a 'favorable view' of 'socialism.'" The Pew Research organization's most recent survey found that fewer Americans view either capitalism or socialism as positively as they did in 2019. In an August 2025 Gallup poll measuring American attitudes regarding capitalism and socialism, 54% held positive views toward capitalism, a drop of six percentage points since 2021. Gallup's survey showed 39% positive and 57% negative toward socialism. In other respects, Gallup's poll results were similar to those of the *Fox News* survey, although Gallup poll respondents did reveal greater positivity toward free enterprise (81%) and small business (95%) than toward big business (37% positive/62% negative), three prominent features of capitalism. [Jay L. Zagorsky and H. Sami Karaca](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIKH0aP8wGEF4ljhXMWd-2BfIgh-2BP0a8vtxbTtXD3DQv78q6Sdoh7-2BFL3dD1EWNH6bVV-2BTURbG3dNwCLg5hPmTZuj9XeTKvF6-2BUygr-2FYrEEX0Bk3gd_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSAHFaEDiRWTrYSbO-2FObVwhjEcjXs-2B-2BoRAaZvWQoxRs4si6-2FQ2tCeHBfYoZDDfDMp1nzcJ3mTIS5dUO7uK4DD7X52rukdix-2BKKknmnpnUvBrl0sicsVsOwItDnZkgwFJ-2Bmy2yIR2mxIn-2FJ3BH270isfhSd1tAbIR7v0eF6K70nH6vq9wo3mFcTz8UlrINhtfZ76Q5kaTQr1nIFBbfpJHyaEalTTk-2ByDL42uUxUbdCyiWeYrNiGf2h1YBT25AKZuRepebVkzgI8Jj8cMVTbCu5SQ-3D) of Boston University offer definitions of the three major economic systems operating in the world today: (1) *Capitalism* emphasizes the private ownership of resources and the means of production, driven by profit and market competition, with minimal government intervention. (2) *Communism* ... advocates for a classless society where all property is communally owned ... wealth is distributed according to need ... which aims to eliminate inequality and oppression. (3) *Socialism* ... focuses on the collective or state ownership of key industries and resources ... allow[ing] for some private enterprise, with the aim of reducing inequality through social welfare programs and ... a more equitable distribution of wealth. Zagorsky and Karaca add that different countries may also implement some characteristics of one or more of these systems to create "what economists call a 'mixed economy,'" to address problems such as market failures, environmental harm and income inequality. [Emily Stewart](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPL4cENqGewlqK4e0lByD1IYLJpsOYXbQbMws0-2BJiw2Ey-2FCJ3J-2B-2B0jVoxo1SnUNDUhiAri690UxLWJgLX-2FrSPRQtAX2usB-2BKLQNL-2FvJRYevAhzc-2B9u-2BmMqGtkYbq-2FsNGY2Q-3D-3DNl2K_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSAHFaEDiRWTrYSbO-2FObVwhjEcjXs-2B-2BoRAaZvWQoxRs4si6-2FQ2tCeHBfYoZDDfDMpwwWfPOEkFHMaYo1L-2Fm30tYOA9fRGPOJ491FJIKzhM3oo7AEj8ynSZLXcOHKIOHzxpcfC8-2Fx-2BJs-2Bs8FoSY0TIPn5op0ejcFgxWvCKkj5cO4P1qQWwosGlMphO6brV6nk7NXA-2BG4OX8F5NJ-2B1T5gZWSLm7laJXe1OsgTUvyeSAsrnRQ-2BJ0pgSVmGNvVuyEehiCgI640NYV8jHPY0ywef1IeI-3D), senior correspondent at *Business Insider*, wrote recently about how American capitalism is changing from "a mostly laissez-faire approach from the government [in which] Markets pick winners and losers" to "a much more interventionist" approach on the part of the federal government. She writes that critics of government "taking a more active role in steering the economy" express concern over "the potential for politically biased decision-making, the appearance of crony capitalism, and possible market distortions." They wonder "how the government will wield its equity-derived power" and for whose benefit. The frustration some people have with capitalism stems from its failure to live up to what it seemed to promise them, as income inequality and debt grew, jobs and retirement savings disappeared, and home ownership became an increasingly unattainable goal. Abrams writes that "when young Americans say they support 'socialism,' they are rarely endorsing the nationalization of industry or centralized planning. They're expressing a desire for greater fairness, stronger social protections, and institutional accountability. In practice, many favor policies such as universal health care, climate investment, affordable housing and debt relief -- not the abolition of private property." [Justin Callais and Clay Routledge](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPP46h6I9-2BF1RySDsWPu3ZilxTbR2fXuPaIozm935YQvBNNvMeCCm6Kq0-2BX4OptFhISwU39hFQ-2FSxdIyoYevoAJB8nkjf4osgWBiKFUj05Z1ORnz8U0viejtMyDNb1oDxoA-3D-3D1OW2_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSAHFaEDiRWTrYSbO-2FObVwhjEcjXs-2B-2BoRAaZvWQoxRs4si6-2FQ2tCeHBfYoZDDfDMp2OHVH49VkgqiqZ7d8U87zcy3O1GSc93TJb61-2BIp9x8y-2FGjMf8u3JdpHbpOyzSzkAQq5zILfrM4p0G-2F0-2BucIfDR4fnfGilD37XhpKeFS16uSSZ6LOHvH0fqu9lAacKHqHdJUE1BvZIucR1Wvmzz4jxur7RbX3AKKCwV3wlIkDi7G1qoQF1VW35TPJTwPaQrlzH1MZWpeUMhe15Z5vI4ILgQ-3D) of Archbridge Institute, a nonpartisan think tank, wrote this month that a majority of the 2,000 Americans participating in their latest Progress Pulse survey conducted in partnership with The Harris Poll favor "free markets, private companies, and entrepreneurship over government coordination and planning." That view held for both Republicans (76%) and Democrats (60%), as well as for nearly 60% of adults under 25. "A belief in economic freedom that cuts across party lines could be the basis for more productive conversations about how to expand opportunity and remove barriers to entrepreneurship and social mobility," Callais and Routledge suggest. More on this story can be found at these links: [Fox News Poll: Socialism Gaining Ground Among Voters.](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPNnRLkPfLAMpP6p3RttiMUG04fSeBgOKxez4d8RBETNONn6r5YEi6jHo4RnKroFvKZW3qoqTBCwG-2FXPzZNSBZIuIJJtkuuV0SasCE28JQeEesdYs_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSAHFaEDiRWTrYSbO-2FObVwhjEcjXs-2B-2BoRAaZvWQoxRs4si6-2FQ2tCeHBfYoZDDfDMp87kBFdmLw-2FarOJsq4cd1UQN9x-2Bl0RYJXog8Rg9-2FuoGN2jq4jvPax2edwTCWUc-2FoAKcF91bZCBoxiLzsjw8Hue33T6sJrOiaaLBTh0hePMEC8mAgmjscJvSkIVgT2yJW5ltjHKgpgGIumQNR1BtTrI7Ti-2BuZc65uGkMnrQ1-2FTXikfGdNu7eL9-2F9P1xXGXy-2FNP77gzLVAmdOGRmxIbH7Qreg-3D) [*Fox News*](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPNnRLkPfLAMpP6p3RttiMUG04fSeBgOKxez4d8RBETNONn6r5YEi6jHo4RnKroFvKZW3qoqTBCwG-2FXPzZNSBZIuIJJtkuuV0SasCE28JQeEe0SzB_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSAHFaEDiRWTrYSbO-2FObVwhjEcjXs-2B-2BoRAaZvWQoxRs4si6-2FQ2tCeHBfYoZDDfDMp9F012kD-2Fd3aOVN-2BlECw2U38-2FMu1eCFDSwrJ6sINeXTRqSQW3PMOQIaFYcvarut9XXFpuM7Q-2BFZyTitDmPWOeUPgohZMXJMzVb6eX3-2FVurBRWAvzz-2BmtZLouhow8aGHnjK9YBzU2ZMCbamH7E1A63HYs3D8wZwoKMeVdTMD68R4aTpK-2BZiW7cExoHnSVKLoiDCuf7uNKUutAv89-2Fa23B-2B-2Fc-3D) [Image of Capitalism Slips to 54% in United States.](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPF-2BQ5x8KeZyCE2q5NcpCknvlh7mUHWDU4T6b-2Bm0mGDnO3pUTVSYEhPY3I7Nv16BjrnY3D9fyjQwS8yeLMqxuVBk-3D3u2a_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSAHFaEDiRWTrYSbO-2FObVwhjEcjXs-2B-2BoRAaZvWQoxRs4si6-2FQ2tCeHBfYoZDDfDMp5-2FjnGCbmHflk8S7R4ITEsMxOKWTOp6Q0HwbsaFnDkua7V32cdt5w5XxrFCdE46BdMwN41F66uJmZ7eG1Na2vrPYJ0dum8zen3YVmfiO7oGwZjApMI-2B2WSEMzLxtYQI2biC6ajU0fmoTMQqLsxwWxV3cOOIgykjaRcSZWuMggTL-2BB6PENO1unV7W1fievrfRPPfKNdR8yIDLRVK435mZXk0-3D) [*Gallup*](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPF-2BQ5x8KeZyCE2q5NcpCknvlh7mUHWDU4T6b-2Bm0mGDnO3pUTVSYEhPY3I7Nv16BjrnY3D9fyjQwS8yeLMqxuVBk-3D7PY4_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSAHFaEDiRWTrYSbO-2FObVwhjEcjXs-2B-2BoRAaZvWQoxRs4si6-2FQ2tCeHBfYoZDDfDMp-2FLc-2Bpu1Imml5Ixi7FxZXTYBQOsoDwViTELRhTemnG-2F8tzF0nVm4OpTNZpmMCuwPdbZTK7A47cu7V5tZ97stWwGJpCS8zk400ukt6tvu1Qz8bqyoB4enoaK0N1lsRwYkXWlJAObH8KSYZ5q12VyZ51OiysI2VmeC-2F5-2B6qovi6-2B1orcfNOsyUwiDQl-2FguHXTt3lG4ckcLygdFogKecmkWKF4-3D) **Applying the News Story** Samuel J. Abrams suggests that we need to work toward a common understanding of the labels we slap on to economic systems. "The distinctions between democratic socialism, social democracy and authoritarian socialism are blurry at best in public discourse," he says. But "labeling all critique of capitalism as 'socialist' or 'anti-American' only deepens alienation and forecloses honest debate. We must be willing to confront capitalism's shortcomings without abandoning its virtues." Use the news to discuss what our faith teaches us about constructing an economic system that honors God, respects every person's dignity, and effectively stewards the resources God has entrusted to our care. **The Big Questions** 1. Compare and contrast capitalism and socialism. 2. What economic structures do you see in the Bible? What passages might be used to support a capitalist approach to economics? What passages might be used to support a socialist approach? 3. What form of government, if any, is better at honoring God, benefiting people, and caring for the environment? On what do you base your opinion about this? 4. What are the plusses and minuses of private versus public land ownership and management? 5. If you were suddenly transported to another country with a different economic system from the one that exists where you live now, how do you think that might impact the way you practice your faith? **Confronting the News With Scripture and Hope**Here are some Bible verses to guide your discussion: **1 Kings 21:4-7** *Ahab went home resentful and sullen because of what Naboth the Jezreelite had said to him, for he had said, "I will not give you my ancestral inheritance." He lay down on his bed, turned away his face, and would not eat. His wife Jezebel came to him and said, "Why are you so depressed that you will not eat?" He said to her, "Because I spoke to Naboth the Jezreelite and said to him, 'Give me your vineyard for money, or if you prefer, I will give you another vineyard for it,' but he answered, 'I will not give you my vineyard.'" His wife Jezebel said to him, "Do you now govern Israel? Get up, eat some food, and be cheerful; I will give you the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite."* (For context, read [1 Kings 21:1-24](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxfg8cQo5t8kKCb0xyK-2Be5CtO6Wy80Tah5Y1koiHhCEuV04MxhohqNW-2B9OkmCVMDej9foJ_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSAHFaEDiRWTrYSbO-2FObVwhjEcjXs-2B-2BoRAaZvWQoxRs4si6-2FQ2tCeHBfYoZDDfDMp7CUGeChgq6WXeZddWY-2FS8jg-2BYNywXqJjyV9-2BGFIEVu-2FiZQ2LJoU14gauvLB6JiIhUp4tSn3F-2F3oUbgRdZcV2Hb7YcPtoP10MfNjX5NRbOtMloapbTwPxfsYO47-2FybZF17R1Z6wdFiiCEdkMUvwcMngUXqZfLl1dP2uNQxS-2F6vQrDNktDzCgSSW2TiQyoFRMQ272v0cIFDzhwDWJ8aAktSQ-3D)) This chapter describes what happens when the property rights of the weak are violated by bullies. King Ahab wanted to trade or buy a vineyard belonging to Naboth, because it was near his house. So far, so good. But Naboth declined the offer, remembering the law of Moses, who said, "No inheritance shall be transferred from one tribe to another, for each of the tribes of the Israelites shall retain its own inheritance" (Numbers 36:9) (vv. 1-3). Ahab was asking Naboth to break the law he was supposed to uphold. When Ahab's wife Jezebel learned what had happened, she orchestrated a plot to frame Naboth, using all the levers of power at her disposal: She wrote letters in Ahab's name, sealed them with his official seal, and sent them to elite members of society who lived in Naboth's city, telling them to declare a fast, where they should bring in two "scoundrels" who would falsely accuse Naboth of blasphemy and treason. Then they were to take him outside the city and stone him to death. After that, Jezebel told Ahab to feel free to take possession of the vineyard he wanted, because the rightful owner was no longer alive to object (vv. 8-16). But as Ahab went to steal the land, the prophet Elijah confronted him with the news that he and his wife would pay dearly for plundering the people (vv. 17-24). > **Questions:** Which of God's commandments did Ahab break in pursuit of his goals ([Exodus 20:1-17](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxx2FEd3BoRBTxbt4VK5xnRnAtEJuBBasQRlzvQDDnONxGUXn2cw4g55OcWHH-2BhZBpKEYa_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSAHFaEDiRWTrYSbO-2FObVwhjEcjXs-2B-2BoRAaZvWQoxRs4si6-2FQ2tCeHBfYoZDDfDMp-2FsAjcYfqIXByKtU5CwYzY-2Bo3Pupirn58uee7339z65Cp3D8S6WvV5Rn0Iog1uSGuEaotUoviEzfDJlfe9rAXQXtF-2FCRsuwZfJm-2B4Iw1wu61o-2BPTxrDALdKiDzoCC8KUkj0jv84FpNnYLgoizW6tM5ueTBNmLrpBxoiu2SWodAJNZApKDZzN19lCKwvcbRJ32NMfhBI7FrwlIK56RIT-2FL2E-3D))? Compare Ahab's actions with those of David ([2 Samuel 12:1-14](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxlvjJW5fipliacJeM-2BZO3IlncjAwutiZPd8w0hiXp7FNLT0sqKuMy7idacKby8eeHXSkK_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSAHFaEDiRWTrYSbO-2FObVwhjEcjXs-2B-2BoRAaZvWQoxRs4si6-2FQ2tCeHBfYoZDDfDMp5bUAHohJaEM4ZoyCSzc8j-2BjbJ3vQypJ9VBI2rZqCkvlafwIjHXUbpx-2B9HHP0eDmk2mo2SUkTnUrYGB8r-2FGukNVWW8BzirNSpf-2BqxIqDtw-2BogfGPe6j-2BXRJsNsiDrfmE90UEy-2FJUkPUvQOZNPLeI9waDCWyGuCtsrcfvnLxKjekojjsaKY5zkdpiUAo-2BMkcIv85v-2FddojanmnRIZQ07EWLM-3D)). Who held power in these situations, how was that power wielded and for whose benefit? How would you describe the form of government in each case? **Ruth 2:7-9, 15-16***[The young man in charge of the reapers told Boaz,] "She said, 'Please, let me glean and gather among the sheaves behind the reapers.' So she came, and she has been on her feet from early this morning until now without resting even for a moment." Then Boaz said to Ruth, "Now listen, my daughter, do not go to glean in another field or leave this one, but keep close to my young women. Keep your eyes on the field that is being reaped and follow behind them. I have ordered the young men not to bother you. If you get thirsty, go to the vessels and drink from what the young men have drawn." ... When she got up to glean, Boaz instructed his young men, "Let her glean even among the standing sheaves, and do not reproach her. You must also pull out some handfuls for her from the bundles and leave them for her to glean, and do not rebuke her."* (For context, read [Ruth 2:1-17](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxnpoTL5nl5CIxVdk8qO5Ti6Tv0ELX5-2BkTq6yj8c8mJJ7LFSkWJt9VlFIn-2B-2BQmTSB-2BFxdL_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSAHFaEDiRWTrYSbO-2FObVwhjEcjXs-2B-2BoRAaZvWQoxRs4si6-2FQ2tCeHBfYoZDDfDMp-2FEw68G-2BpOmm2HbrM0-2BH6SsD7eAkfPuEyEotwKQAy-2BzcU0vo2THuEQ4I-2BrSyR5DHje-2B5jOkmMg5uG6yHH8Gc-2BiVvmKlJhhoRhucLJvIdvkEYj9oXBzMekm2vQbGV6kvcUSPalLNj-2BB6UY1e0-2F46nB-2BcO07iHj5G5z5gAR3u8FesVcDiv3PcqZpcLdDDgAq2928gKOz2tPn-2F60lewmjLZ3qE-3D).) After Ruth, a Moabite woman, and her mother-in-law Naomi were both widowed, they left Moab and came to Bethlehem, Naomi's hometown. Lacking any male breadwinners to provide for their needs, Ruth went looking for work in the fields. She happened upon a field belonging to Boaz, a wealthy landowner. Boaz noted her industriousness, care for Naomi, and courageous faith that led her to leave her home to follow after God in a strange land, and he instructed his reapers to allow her full access to the standing sheaves of grain. Boaz was following this mandate from [Leviticus 19:9-10](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxjEJmKyTKrwMbYoHzGlAEZYiew9oREskTkeiw8M7ipkWKVvjByvd04EuJ3rL5sPusjMNX_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSAHFaEDiRWTrYSbO-2FObVwhjEcjXs-2B-2BoRAaZvWQoxRs4si6-2FQ2tCeHBfYoZDDfDMp2cA7cmXldP2wc4jC-2FllEkvmoecIiZgGwzteup6FfTtiR84pWGUXXsqiCJ223BUlwE2JI7CYruLBMUunAzJ58QOq6JyRwCOfLlN9NkH6C01jrSNWp8hE7CJ56q1ZyqF5uBYODMvD67o820B1iH3ToPKs3Q35tcYR3fs6GV9CaixPMh0mMiqBf6oGY0rFrU-2BZ7JISg-2FTzk2vEB0fMoCFnz2A-3D): "When you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. You shall not strip your vineyard bare or gather the fallen grapes of your vineyard; you shall leave them for the poor and the alien: I am the LORD your God." > **Questions:** How did the Levitical mandate regarding how a landowner should harvest crops provide for equitable distribution of resources? What might "gleaning" look like in a modern urban environment? How does gleaning compare and contrast with asking for a handout from individuals or private or governmental agencies? **2 Corinthians 8:12-15***For if the eagerness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have. For I do not mean that there should be relief for others and hardship for you, but it is a question of equality between your present abundance and their need, so that their abundance may also supply your need, in order that there may be equality. As it is written, "The one who had much did not have too much, and the one who had little did not have too little."* (For context, read [2 Corinthians 8:1-15](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzx5N3asDrM8aLtAZM6HVDt1RCNNz9V1waZhESJ1xjrH1Z8a6FdMlvR6OTvRk7NITgfp6YM_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSAHFaEDiRWTrYSbO-2FObVwhjEcjXs-2B-2BoRAaZvWQoxRs4si6-2FQ2tCeHBfYoZDDfDMp2qHUmO55W8keT-2FtUlDFHyb6j2r9CU3glUTI1JKlXjIYwXu4wTDPb1BXsPm19vScRsi-2F-2Fx2x18pLxQue-2BEOACalGcYkCzX9MVuZwFEDh1M2WDjcgX0-2FTCYBrkDn0-2BWMlFjl32WgF0Zw-2FDxTiTgNobRki5rQXW42IiVIdNt8qLdDxWTndTyZhEzGQlfdxmKQuSvJNPlqlVhzTEQWfW9ryWGQ-3D).) When famine impacted believers in one part of the world, Paul worked to raise awareness and funds to help those in need. He lifted up the churches in Macedonia as a model of joyous generosity even in a time of their own "severe ordeal of affliction ... and their extreme poverty" (vv. 1-2). He encouraged the Corinthian believers to also give, as the Macedonians did, "voluntarily ... according to their means and even beyond their means" (vv. 3-4). The goal of sharing was not to deprive one group so another group could live on Easy Street, but for those who had plenty to share with those who didn't have enough. One day, the shoe might be on the other foot, and those you helped before might be in a position to help you. Or, as *The Message* renders it, "You're shoulder to shoulder with them all the way, your surplus matching their deficit, their surplus matching your deficit. In the end you come out even." > **Question:** How might the economic principles in this passage be fleshed out in civil society? **Acts 4:32-35***Now the whole group of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one claimed private ownership of any possessions, but everything they owned was held in common. With great power the apostles gave their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. There was not a needy person among them, for as many as owned lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold. They laid it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need.* (For context, read [Acts 4:32-37](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxE8LwDOUUZ2Ln5BtvMuG8mDkfC1MgPxqXJ6xRDqVsAEh57Af36bNjGkYCPwFOZrq6S4Rw_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSAHFaEDiRWTrYSbO-2FObVwhjEcjXs-2B-2BoRAaZvWQoxRs4si6-2FQ2tCeHBfYoZDDfDMp9il0LTHD71FuFZ9BRmf-2FCouGWPfWEBuHlgFTNS28c7VMhj-2FEka4e-2BzAMBAKtDDN-2Bl-2FJWJfgpm4ZdXuDKEuDlM6aHY4DFzxCocCb76ewehhcxFzI0YJIkmrlcl4ZFk0Q9MybDzOLqOoTozi79AUWpBcQpAIFZbAFMQ8rZ6xGgASWGVwqYBp02cXPN1-2FByKLHTp8oQESwN1eNaWNivGPPc0k-3D). See also [Acts 2:44-45](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxdO90EW-2B3UHrQQRmRxgrB1DVexg8mg5drQsuui-2B1B1SaU83fJxn5zU-2B16XAFKLlEpdPiF_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSAHFaEDiRWTrYSbO-2FObVwhjEcjXs-2B-2BoRAaZvWQoxRs4si6-2FQ2tCeHBfYoZDDfDMp2o3c7NzgbJ-2Bqcp0IX81y-2FIHuvR5vgRxCmrHuHfgIEk6y7yXzDulho4ZSNOjZysMyt-2B7VHLLzatxVJWSjN2wpGvSYRQQFvkKpOwPGX99TXj36LrkJsFeVxokmmYvHmPZrdGktkiqgVANJA2dviinSkDhirme2if4YVaFoO2Jwf63z4BWqawkII68XRrvUAKKnY2qwVBX-2FZZQmMGuh7ej7L4-3D).) In the early days of the emerging Church, the believers practiced a radical communal way of living, holding possessions in common and distributing assets to people as needs arose. > **Questions:** Do you think believers in all times and places are supposed to model their corporate economic life after this community of faith? Why or why not? What potential abuses might arise in a system like this? How would a community of faith protect members from such abuses? What blessings might come from adopting this kind of attitude and lifestyle? **For Further Discussion** 1. Reflect on this, from John Wesley, the founder of Methodism: "Which is the country, the inhabitants whereof are all thus filled with the Holy Ghost -- are all of one heart and of one soul cannot suffer one among them to lack anything, but continually give to every man as he hath need; who, one and all, have the love of God filling their hearts, and constraining them to love their neighbor as themselves; [who] do unto all men; as they would these should do unto them?" 2. Consider this, from TWW team member Mary Sells: "In the United States, we generally understand the capitalism as keeping wealth for oneself (I earned it/have it, it's mine to decide how and where and to whom and if I distribute any of it) and socialism as sharing wealth for many (if I have more than I need, I should help others and furthermore all who have more than they need should be compelled to contribute). The 'haves' don't want anyone else telling them what to do with their fortunes, and think the poor are only poor because they are not smart enough or hardworking enough. What is economic justice in Jesus' worldview?" 3. TWW team member Mark Rouleau defines socialism as "a system of expropriation where one's assets and treasure (accumulated over time through one's toil and talent) are involuntarily taken and given to others, subjecting the person from whom wealth is extracted to a kind of involuntary servitude (slavery)." When, if ever, might redistribution of wealth be justified? When, if ever, might it be considered stealing? When, if ever, might withholding resources be justified? When, if ever, might it be immoral and even criminal? 4. The Bible says, "The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender." But it was never God's intention that people should live their entire lives as slaves to debt. Every seventh year, lenders were to set debtors free from their obligation to repay their loans ([Deuteronomy 15:1-18](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzx8vT-2B4JcJ5j8RqGNYnps4knpJsbEbsEMywOqIo1Gc59RMlsFTKxTMJM1MaNX3YQobDVat_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSAHFaEDiRWTrYSbO-2FObVwhjEcjXs-2B-2BoRAaZvWQoxRs4si6-2FQ2tCeHBfYoZDDfDMp34zj4lJLMUj2xTdeKakCnk9KdpBeHWbVxyGlXAzGi66clA7sfe4b8Q7B6UvEaZlG8-2BRfntSJieWa1KLgl2rKE7IJFj-2FTDKiN8Co0ji18QnIrIrLPSTj7uHMaYJ3-2FO2sGB3VAXILdcTl-2FWu7wTSDgaHPEbi7Pne9dl0SYuqgzwIJRvd1lUDNLdqkITl7N84YBKalwju52ZRsz6J7s-2FLw90Q-3D)), giving them the opportunity to start anew financially. After seven cycles of seven years (seven times seven Sabbath years, if you will), the fiftieth year was to be the year of Jubilee ([Leviticus 25](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxjEJmKyTKrwMbYoHzGlAEZXQII4qEmhqZFd5tL6QdLalGXTTHeRZeHT-2Ffz0BG-2BJvpNDc-_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSAHFaEDiRWTrYSbO-2FObVwhjEcjXs-2B-2BoRAaZvWQoxRs4si6-2FQ2tCeHBfYoZDDfDMp83Hhmqnpq3lMO-2Bn1w3THqo7cZdsqw0xWxjjmo3rUBLig30KLV800ZdR4mBEvg2ndnxOIkGcA3p-2B-2FXk5J2e7Ip2ow1GaIikm3-2Bx20mUGT2x-2FG1o1cCI0HsG5QRIzk62poi9w0VtzyOWcQzBFAGcZO7fg4EoRNxa0HgxsyB-2B7jltiFdNVR3Ey71Xb0f-2FBcU-2F-2Bb4Apl6h3TTcp6KpLsv9OfsY-3D)), when all debts were to be cancelled, all those enslaved were to be set free, and all property that had been sold off to pay debts was to be returned to the original owners. Where, if at all, do you think America has incorporated the concept of the Jubilee in law or in practice? Should it do so, and if so, how might that be accomplished? **Responding to the News** Brainstorm ways we who follow Jesus might honor the spirit of the Year of Jubilee in our personal and communal life and witness. **Prayer** Our Father, may your kingdom come and your will be done on Earth as it is in heaven. Free us from greed and sloth, and fill us with generosity and love that compels us to work diligently in the service of the poor. Show us how to gather and distribute the resources you provide so that no one has too much or too little, but so everyone has what they need. In the name of Jesus our Servant-Leader and by the power of his Spirit, we pray. Amen. **Copyright 2026 Communication Resources** [Unsubscribe From This List](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/asm/unsubscribe/?user_id=14323725&data=6GaiGZIS3fg2EB1OeLaE5Wk_XEFBsCGQSWBogjsdGGdoMDAwdTAwMFxF391KP4WWXhrdHC8TZnl-A2rwnOV6ByjCGeQjaRpwfytCY8cRDthpY8wfJVIY_azWqMT1G4T4XOqrh8EmVmc211BoLtibrlT6FZa_3H99Zg9OHqpyrDjROuocVdQpkHPPOvTEp3M1AVhPe96cQuOtVVJOxNNUuqDdHBFk0ozZ18BTyXP1nkhhwVl2p9adly9RlAk8_4Qzv0f9ByxrODYAckVs8P6_aBrZ1QiUZryTte4igWX7arFeVNotRGtE97lFAKPypVfjoX79vFN_E12G0hD1_-kdHZP-iYb9PsNopY56zwBTdgzB7NcSnRBFv6Fqnqa4Ecbz2HRx4Y2EpXJCcRKVujfQNljsTF8oaHfvxh1CtDdvu1DzvjGO_6SHiuD7hSJPibuO3l_zIXn7Ea6pYMEDCfJSR1Q7i7vlfnMb_mXq-TUPKSZIoE4e-cpRVpNNqmfjPjY3NkV1r08YIcFzKCEDjKTAe_SYuzFBSkmX8hMLHbsjHvi7BZ6-tQBbk13LA7QIVhVh-CUTYqKHw3Vj5qZ5Apy6z7GMCVu1jzLe4V0-uOypq21RmuO-joiRgCRHdbTUjUC4LnIz-Ba5Nj8=) <div>Dear Class Members, Our lesson this week uses recent surveys on how Americans view various economic systems to explore what our faith teaches about the purpose of government, wealth distribution, and property ownership. <img alt="" src="https://www.thewiredword.com/\_img/tww\_logo\_email.jpg"/> Surveys Suggest Attitudinal Shift Regarding Capitalism, Socialism The Wired Word for the Week of March 22, 2026 In the News According to a Fox News survey released March 5, American voters are divided in their views of capitalism, with 51% saying it's working very or somewhat well, and 49% saying it's not working very or at all well. Nearly four in ten (38%) favor moving away from capitalism toward socialism, an increase of six percentage points since 2022. Voters most supportive of capitalism include Republican men (87% say it's working very/somewhat well), MAGA supporters (85%), and Republicans ages 45+ (81%). Those less enthusiastic about capitalism include very liberal voters (79% say capitalism is working not very/not at all well), Democratic women (79%), and Democrats under age 45 (72%). A majority of survey respondents (61%) indicated they did not favor a move toward socialism, including 75% or more of Republicans, conservatives, men over age 45, and voters ages 65 and up, while more than half of Democrats, black voters, and voters under age 35 say they prefer moving away from capitalism. In July 2025, <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPPpew8QHdOBEeXtmKoO4mGbsOl8OEFRj6G8yAXQx2WbNkzyO1UR8-2Fuy44MVlaOi493DW0VIOrnePqDxXqs97ukb2huOPnJloE-2Bz3tMS17HVz5CqD\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSAHFaEDiRWTrYSbO-2FObVwhjEcjXs-2B-2BoRAaZvWQoxRs4si6-2FQ2tCeHBfYoZDDfDMp1WkobuVoYFyTMlMcTUz4CyZ4HtUpiiX0aFsgYUiOadaZROBVG2XCR7-2BQDGkcwYcHZxr4nSAyg2A-2BnPgRRU4wQ32Z3144npEuVFdp4CFK-2BSY-2F8-2Fz3r2yJdv-2FClaGep-2F06sVLo4-2BXP4YCiyhrNoIl9SlRo-2FGuEuorSU-2BAblWukaGStiwMZYMyylr9eGRqUQK3b4G-2Fhc1oPIZ-2Bp7-2FTMhCksqQ-3D">Samuel J. Abrams</a>, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, reported that "A 2025 survey by the Cato Institute and YouGov found that 62% of Americans aged 18-29 say they hold a 'favorable view' of 'socialism.'" The Pew Research organization's most recent survey found that fewer Americans view either capitalism or socialism as positively as they did in 2019. In an August 2025 Gallup poll measuring American attitudes regarding capitalism and socialism, 54% held positive views toward capitalism, a drop of six percentage points since 2021. Gallup's survey showed 39% positive and 57% negative toward socialism. In other respects, Gallup's poll results were similar to those of the Fox News survey, although Gallup poll respondents did reveal greater positivity toward free enterprise (81%) and small business (95%) than toward big business (37% positive/62% negative), three prominent features of capitalism. <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIKH0aP8wGEF4ljhXMWd-2BfIgh-2BP0a8vtxbTtXD3DQv78q6Sdoh7-2BFL3dD1EWNH6bVV-2BTURbG3dNwCLg5hPmTZuj9XeTKvF6-2BUygr-2FYrEEX0Bk3gd\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSAHFaEDiRWTrYSbO-2FObVwhjEcjXs-2B-2BoRAaZvWQoxRs4si6-2FQ2tCeHBfYoZDDfDMp1nzcJ3mTIS5dUO7uK4DD7X52rukdix-2BKKknmnpnUvBrl0sicsVsOwItDnZkgwFJ-2Bmy2yIR2mxIn-2FJ3BH270isfhSd1tAbIR7v0eF6K70nH6vq9wo3mFcTz8UlrINhtfZ76Q5kaTQr1nIFBbfpJHyaEalTTk-2ByDL42uUxUbdCyiWeYrNiGf2h1YBT25AKZuRepebVkzgI8Jj8cMVTbCu5SQ-3D">Jay L. Zagorsky and H. Sami Karaca</a> of Boston University offer definitions of the three major economic systems operating in the world today: (1) Capitalism emphasizes the private ownership of resources and the means of production, driven by profit and market competition, with minimal government intervention. (2) Communism ... advocates for a classless society where all property is communally owned ... wealth is distributed according to need ... which aims to eliminate inequality and oppression. (3) Socialism ... focuses on the collective or state ownership of key industries and resources ... allow[ing] for some private enterprise, with the aim of reducing inequality through social welfare programs and ... a more equitable distribution of wealth. Zagorsky and Karaca add that different countries may also implement some characteristics of one or more of these systems to create "what economists call a 'mixed economy,'" to address problems such as market failures, environmental harm and income inequality. <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPL4cENqGewlqK4e0lByD1IYLJpsOYXbQbMws0-2BJiw2Ey-2FCJ3J-2B-2B0jVoxo1SnUNDUhiAri690UxLWJgLX-2FrSPRQtAX2usB-2BKLQNL-2FvJRYevAhzc-2B9u-2BmMqGtkYbq-2FsNGY2Q-3D-3DNl2K\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSAHFaEDiRWTrYSbO-2FObVwhjEcjXs-2B-2BoRAaZvWQoxRs4si6-2FQ2tCeHBfYoZDDfDMpwwWfPOEkFHMaYo1L-2Fm30tYOA9fRGPOJ491FJIKzhM3oo7AEj8ynSZLXcOHKIOHzxpcfC8-2Fx-2BJs-2Bs8FoSY0TIPn5op0ejcFgxWvCKkj5cO4P1qQWwosGlMphO6brV6nk7NXA-2BG4OX8F5NJ-2B1T5gZWSLm7laJXe1OsgTUvyeSAsrnRQ-2BJ0pgSVmGNvVuyEehiCgI640NYV8jHPY0ywef1IeI-3D">Emily Stewart</a>, senior correspondent at Business Insider, wrote recently about how American capitalism is changing from "a mostly laissez-faire approach from the government [in which] Markets pick winners and losers" to "a much more interventionist" approach on the part of the federal government. She writes that critics of government "taking a more active role in steering the economy" express concern over "the potential for politically biased decision-making, the appearance of crony capitalism, and possible market distortions." They wonder "how the government will wield its equity-derived power" and for whose benefit. The frustration some people have with capitalism stems from its failure to live up to what it seemed to promise them, as income inequality and debt grew, jobs and retirement savings disappeared, and home ownership became an increasingly unattainable goal. Abrams writes that "when young Americans say they support 'socialism,' they are rarely endorsing the nationalization of industry or centralized planning. They're expressing a desire for greater fairness, stronger social protections, and institutional accountability. In practice, many favor policies such as universal health care, climate investment, affordable housing and debt relief -- not the abolition of private property." <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPP46h6I9-2BF1RySDsWPu3ZilxTbR2fXuPaIozm935YQvBNNvMeCCm6Kq0-2BX4OptFhISwU39hFQ-2FSxdIyoYevoAJB8nkjf4osgWBiKFUj05Z1ORnz8U0viejtMyDNb1oDxoA-3D-3D1OW2\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSAHFaEDiRWTrYSbO-2FObVwhjEcjXs-2B-2BoRAaZvWQoxRs4si6-2FQ2tCeHBfYoZDDfDMp2OHVH49VkgqiqZ7d8U87zcy3O1GSc93TJb61-2BIp9x8y-2FGjMf8u3JdpHbpOyzSzkAQq5zILfrM4p0G-2F0-2BucIfDR4fnfGilD37XhpKeFS16uSSZ6LOHvH0fqu9lAacKHqHdJUE1BvZIucR1Wvmzz4jxur7RbX3AKKCwV3wlIkDi7G1qoQF1VW35TPJTwPaQrlzH1MZWpeUMhe15Z5vI4ILgQ-3D">Justin Callais and Clay Routledge</a> of Archbridge Institute, a nonpartisan think tank, wrote this month that a majority of the 2,000 Americans participating in their latest Progress Pulse survey conducted in partnership with The Harris Poll favor "free markets, private companies, and entrepreneurship over government coordination and planning." That view held for both Republicans (76%) and Democrats (60%), as well as for nearly 60% of adults under 25. "A belief in economic freedom that cuts across party lines could be the basis for more productive conversations about how to expand opportunity and remove barriers to entrepreneurship and social mobility," Callais and Routledge suggest. More on this story can be found at these links: <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPNnRLkPfLAMpP6p3RttiMUG04fSeBgOKxez4d8RBETNONn6r5YEi6jHo4RnKroFvKZW3qoqTBCwG-2FXPzZNSBZIuIJJtkuuV0SasCE28JQeEesdYs\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSAHFaEDiRWTrYSbO-2FObVwhjEcjXs-2B-2BoRAaZvWQoxRs4si6-2FQ2tCeHBfYoZDDfDMp87kBFdmLw-2FarOJsq4cd1UQN9x-2Bl0RYJXog8Rg9-2FuoGN2jq4jvPax2edwTCWUc-2FoAKcF91bZCBoxiLzsjw8Hue33T6sJrOiaaLBTh0hePMEC8mAgmjscJvSkIVgT2yJW5ltjHKgpgGIumQNR1BtTrI7Ti-2BuZc65uGkMnrQ1-2FTXikfGdNu7eL9-2F9P1xXGXy-2FNP77gzLVAmdOGRmxIbH7Qreg-3D">Fox News Poll: Socialism Gaining Ground Among Voters. </a><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPNnRLkPfLAMpP6p3RttiMUG04fSeBgOKxez4d8RBETNONn6r5YEi6jHo4RnKroFvKZW3qoqTBCwG-2FXPzZNSBZIuIJJtkuuV0SasCE28JQeEe0SzB\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSAHFaEDiRWTrYSbO-2FObVwhjEcjXs-2B-2BoRAaZvWQoxRs4si6-2FQ2tCeHBfYoZDDfDMp9F012kD-2Fd3aOVN-2BlECw2U38-2FMu1eCFDSwrJ6sINeXTRqSQW3PMOQIaFYcvarut9XXFpuM7Q-2BFZyTitDmPWOeUPgohZMXJMzVb6eX3-2FVurBRWAvzz-2BmtZLouhow8aGHnjK9YBzU2ZMCbamH7E1A63HYs3D8wZwoKMeVdTMD68R4aTpK-2BZiW7cExoHnSVKLoiDCuf7uNKUutAv89-2Fa23B-2B-2Fc-3D">Fox News</a> <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPF-2BQ5x8KeZyCE2q5NcpCknvlh7mUHWDU4T6b-2Bm0mGDnO3pUTVSYEhPY3I7Nv16BjrnY3D9fyjQwS8yeLMqxuVBk-3D3u2a\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSAHFaEDiRWTrYSbO-2FObVwhjEcjXs-2B-2BoRAaZvWQoxRs4si6-2FQ2tCeHBfYoZDDfDMp5-2FjnGCbmHflk8S7R4ITEsMxOKWTOp6Q0HwbsaFnDkua7V32cdt5w5XxrFCdE46BdMwN41F66uJmZ7eG1Na2vrPYJ0dum8zen3YVmfiO7oGwZjApMI-2B2WSEMzLxtYQI2biC6ajU0fmoTMQqLsxwWxV3cOOIgykjaRcSZWuMggTL-2BB6PENO1unV7W1fievrfRPPfKNdR8yIDLRVK435mZXk0-3D">Image of Capitalism Slips to 54% in United States. </a><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPF-2BQ5x8KeZyCE2q5NcpCknvlh7mUHWDU4T6b-2Bm0mGDnO3pUTVSYEhPY3I7Nv16BjrnY3D9fyjQwS8yeLMqxuVBk-3D7PY4\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSAHFaEDiRWTrYSbO-2FObVwhjEcjXs-2B-2BoRAaZvWQoxRs4si6-2FQ2tCeHBfYoZDDfDMp-2FLc-2Bpu1Imml5Ixi7FxZXTYBQOsoDwViTELRhTemnG-2F8tzF0nVm4OpTNZpmMCuwPdbZTK7A47cu7V5tZ97stWwGJpCS8zk400ukt6tvu1Qz8bqyoB4enoaK0N1lsRwYkXWlJAObH8KSYZ5q12VyZ51OiysI2VmeC-2F5-2B6qovi6-2B1orcfNOsyUwiDQl-2FguHXTt3lG4ckcLygdFogKecmkWKF4-3D">Gallup</a> Applying the News Story Samuel J. Abrams suggests that we need to work toward a common understanding of the labels we slap on to economic systems. "The distinctions between democratic socialism, social democracy and authoritarian socialism are blurry at best in public discourse," he says. But "labeling all critique of capitalism as 'socialist' or 'anti-American' only deepens alienation and forecloses honest debate. We must be willing to confront capitalism's shortcomings without abandoning its virtues." Use the news to discuss what our faith teaches us about constructing an economic system that honors God, respects every person's dignity, and effectively stewards the resources God has entrusted to our care. The Big Questions 1. Compare and contrast capitalism and socialism. 2. What economic structures do you see in the Bible? What passages might be used to support a capitalist approach to economics? What passages might be used to support a socialist approach? 3. What form of government, if any, is better at honoring God, benefiting people, and caring for the environment? On what do you base your opinion about this? 4. What are the plusses and minuses of private versus public land ownership and management? 5. If you were suddenly transported to another country with a different economic system from the one that exists where you live now, how do you think that might impact the way you practice your faith? Confronting the News With Scripture and Hope Here are some Bible verses to guide your discussion: 1 Kings 21:4-7 Ahab went home resentful and sullen because of what Naboth the Jezreelite had said to him, for he had said, "I will not give you my ancestral inheritance." He lay down on his bed, turned away his face, and would not eat. His wife Jezebel came to him and said, "Why are you so depressed that you will not eat?" He said to her, "Because I spoke to Naboth the Jezreelite and said to him, 'Give me your vineyard for money, or if you prefer, I will give you another vineyard for it,' but he answered, 'I will not give you my vineyard.'" His wife Jezebel said to him, "Do you now govern Israel? Get up, eat some food, and be cheerful; I will give you the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite." (For context, read <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxfg8cQo5t8kKCb0xyK-2Be5CtO6Wy80Tah5Y1koiHhCEuV04MxhohqNW-2B9OkmCVMDej9foJ\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSAHFaEDiRWTrYSbO-2FObVwhjEcjXs-2B-2BoRAaZvWQoxRs4si6-2FQ2tCeHBfYoZDDfDMp7CUGeChgq6WXeZddWY-2FS8jg-2BYNywXqJjyV9-2BGFIEVu-2FiZQ2LJoU14gauvLB6JiIhUp4tSn3F-2F3oUbgRdZcV2Hb7YcPtoP10MfNjX5NRbOtMloapbTwPxfsYO47-2FybZF17R1Z6wdFiiCEdkMUvwcMngUXqZfLl1dP2uNQxS-2F6vQrDNktDzCgSSW2TiQyoFRMQ272v0cIFDzhwDWJ8aAktSQ-3D">1 Kings 21:1-24</a>) This chapter describes what happens when the property rights of the weak are violated by bullies. King Ahab wanted to trade or buy a vineyard belonging to Naboth, because it was near his house. So far, so good. But Naboth declined the offer, remembering the law of Moses, who said, "No inheritance shall be transferred from one tribe to another, for each of the tribes of the Israelites shall retain its own inheritance" (Numbers 36:9) (vv. 1-3). Ahab was asking Naboth to break the law he was supposed to uphold. When Ahab's wife Jezebel learned what had happened, she orchestrated a plot to frame Naboth, using all the levers of power at her disposal: She wrote letters in Ahab's name, sealed them with his official seal, and sent them to elite members of society who lived in Naboth's city, telling them to declare a fast, where they should bring in two "scoundrels" who would falsely accuse Naboth of blasphemy and treason. Then they were to take him outside the city and stone him to death. After that, Jezebel told Ahab to feel free to take possession of the vineyard he wanted, because the rightful owner was no longer alive to object (vv. 8-16). But as Ahab went to steal the land, the prophet Elijah confronted him with the news that he and his wife would pay dearly for plundering the people (vv. 17-24). <blockquote> Questions: Which of God's commandments did Ahab break in pursuit of his goals (<a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxx2FEd3BoRBTxbt4VK5xnRnAtEJuBBasQRlzvQDDnONxGUXn2cw4g55OcWHH-2BhZBpKEYa\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSAHFaEDiRWTrYSbO-2FObVwhjEcjXs-2B-2BoRAaZvWQoxRs4si6-2FQ2tCeHBfYoZDDfDMp-2FsAjcYfqIXByKtU5CwYzY-2Bo3Pupirn58uee7339z65Cp3D8S6WvV5Rn0Iog1uSGuEaotUoviEzfDJlfe9rAXQXtF-2FCRsuwZfJm-2B4Iw1wu61o-2BPTxrDALdKiDzoCC8KUkj0jv84FpNnYLgoizW6tM5ueTBNmLrpBxoiu2SWodAJNZApKDZzN19lCKwvcbRJ32NMfhBI7FrwlIK56RIT-2FL2E-3D">Exodus 20:1-17</a>)? Compare Ahab's actions with those of David (<a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxlvjJW5fipliacJeM-2BZO3IlncjAwutiZPd8w0hiXp7FNLT0sqKuMy7idacKby8eeHXSkK\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSAHFaEDiRWTrYSbO-2FObVwhjEcjXs-2B-2BoRAaZvWQoxRs4si6-2FQ2tCeHBfYoZDDfDMp5bUAHohJaEM4ZoyCSzc8j-2BjbJ3vQypJ9VBI2rZqCkvlafwIjHXUbpx-2B9HHP0eDmk2mo2SUkTnUrYGB8r-2FGukNVWW8BzirNSpf-2BqxIqDtw-2BogfGPe6j-2BXRJsNsiDrfmE90UEy-2FJUkPUvQOZNPLeI9waDCWyGuCtsrcfvnLxKjekojjsaKY5zkdpiUAo-2BMkcIv85v-2FddojanmnRIZQ07EWLM-3D">2 Samuel 12:1-14</a>). Who held power in these situations, how was that power wielded and for whose benefit? How would you describe the form of government in each case? </blockquote> Ruth 2:7-9, 15-16 [The young man in charge of the reapers told Boaz,] "She said, 'Please, let me glean and gather among the sheaves behind the reapers.' So she came, and she has been on her feet from early this morning until now without resting even for a moment." Then Boaz said to Ruth, "Now listen, my daughter, do not go to glean in another field or leave this one, but keep close to my young women. Keep your eyes on the field that is being reaped and follow behind them. I have ordered the young men not to bother you. If you get thirsty, go to the vessels and drink from what the young men have drawn." ... When she got up to glean, Boaz instructed his young men, "Let her glean even among the standing sheaves, and do not reproach her. You must also pull out some handfuls for her from the bundles and leave them for her to glean, and do not rebuke her." (For context, read <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxnpoTL5nl5CIxVdk8qO5Ti6Tv0ELX5-2BkTq6yj8c8mJJ7LFSkWJt9VlFIn-2B-2BQmTSB-2BFxdL\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSAHFaEDiRWTrYSbO-2FObVwhjEcjXs-2B-2BoRAaZvWQoxRs4si6-2FQ2tCeHBfYoZDDfDMp-2FEw68G-2BpOmm2HbrM0-2BH6SsD7eAkfPuEyEotwKQAy-2BzcU0vo2THuEQ4I-2BrSyR5DHje-2B5jOkmMg5uG6yHH8Gc-2BiVvmKlJhhoRhucLJvIdvkEYj9oXBzMekm2vQbGV6kvcUSPalLNj-2BB6UY1e0-2F46nB-2BcO07iHj5G5z5gAR3u8FesVcDiv3PcqZpcLdDDgAq2928gKOz2tPn-2F60lewmjLZ3qE-3D">Ruth 2:1-17</a>.) After Ruth, a Moabite woman, and her mother-in-law Naomi were both widowed, they left Moab and came to Bethlehem, Naomi's hometown. Lacking any male breadwinners to provide for their needs, Ruth went looking for work in the fields. She happened upon a field belonging to Boaz, a wealthy landowner. Boaz noted her industriousness, care for Naomi, and courageous faith that led her to leave her home to follow after God in a strange land, and he instructed his reapers to allow her full access to the standing sheaves of grain. Boaz was following this mandate from <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxjEJmKyTKrwMbYoHzGlAEZYiew9oREskTkeiw8M7ipkWKVvjByvd04EuJ3rL5sPusjMNX\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSAHFaEDiRWTrYSbO-2FObVwhjEcjXs-2B-2BoRAaZvWQoxRs4si6-2FQ2tCeHBfYoZDDfDMp2cA7cmXldP2wc4jC-2FllEkvmoecIiZgGwzteup6FfTtiR84pWGUXXsqiCJ223BUlwE2JI7CYruLBMUunAzJ58QOq6JyRwCOfLlN9NkH6C01jrSNWp8hE7CJ56q1ZyqF5uBYODMvD67o820B1iH3ToPKs3Q35tcYR3fs6GV9CaixPMh0mMiqBf6oGY0rFrU-2BZ7JISg-2FTzk2vEB0fMoCFnz2A-3D">Leviticus 19:9-10</a>: "When you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. You shall not strip your vineyard bare or gather the fallen grapes of your vineyard; you shall leave them for the poor and the alien: I am the LORD your God." <blockquote> Questions: How did the Levitical mandate regarding how a landowner should harvest crops provide for equitable distribution of resources? What might "gleaning" look like in a modern urban environment? How does gleaning compare and contrast with asking for a handout from individuals or private or governmental agencies? </blockquote> 2 Corinthians 8:12-15 For if the eagerness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have. For I do not mean that there should be relief for others and hardship for you, but it is a question of equality between your present abundance and their need, so that their abundance may also supply your need, in order that there may be equality. As it is written, "The one who had much did not have too much, and the one who had little did not have too little." (For context, read <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzx5N3asDrM8aLtAZM6HVDt1RCNNz9V1waZhESJ1xjrH1Z8a6FdMlvR6OTvRk7NITgfp6YM\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSAHFaEDiRWTrYSbO-2FObVwhjEcjXs-2B-2BoRAaZvWQoxRs4si6-2FQ2tCeHBfYoZDDfDMp2qHUmO55W8keT-2FtUlDFHyb6j2r9CU3glUTI1JKlXjIYwXu4wTDPb1BXsPm19vScRsi-2F-2Fx2x18pLxQue-2BEOACalGcYkCzX9MVuZwFEDh1M2WDjcgX0-2FTCYBrkDn0-2BWMlFjl32WgF0Zw-2FDxTiTgNobRki5rQXW42IiVIdNt8qLdDxWTndTyZhEzGQlfdxmKQuSvJNPlqlVhzTEQWfW9ryWGQ-3D">2 Corinthians 8:1-15</a>.) When famine impacted believers in one part of the world, Paul worked to raise awareness and funds to help those in need. He lifted up the churches in Macedonia as a model of joyous generosity even in a time of their own "severe ordeal of affliction ... and their extreme poverty" (vv. 1-2). He encouraged the Corinthian believers to also give, as the Macedonians did, "voluntarily ... according to their means and even beyond their means" (vv. 3-4). The goal of sharing was not to deprive one group so another group could live on Easy Street, but for those who had plenty to share with those who didn't have enough. One day, the shoe might be on the other foot, and those you helped before might be in a position to help you. Or, as The Message renders it, "You're shoulder to shoulder with them all the way, your surplus matching their deficit, their surplus matching your deficit. In the end you come out even." <blockquote> Question: How might the economic principles in this passage be fleshed out in civil society? </blockquote> Acts 4:32-35 Now the whole group of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one claimed private ownership of any possessions, but everything they owned was held in common. With great power the apostles gave their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. There was not a needy person among them, for as many as owned lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold. They laid it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. (For context, read <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxE8LwDOUUZ2Ln5BtvMuG8mDkfC1MgPxqXJ6xRDqVsAEh57Af36bNjGkYCPwFOZrq6S4Rw\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSAHFaEDiRWTrYSbO-2FObVwhjEcjXs-2B-2BoRAaZvWQoxRs4si6-2FQ2tCeHBfYoZDDfDMp9il0LTHD71FuFZ9BRmf-2FCouGWPfWEBuHlgFTNS28c7VMhj-2FEka4e-2BzAMBAKtDDN-2Bl-2FJWJfgpm4ZdXuDKEuDlM6aHY4DFzxCocCb76ewehhcxFzI0YJIkmrlcl4ZFk0Q9MybDzOLqOoTozi79AUWpBcQpAIFZbAFMQ8rZ6xGgASWGVwqYBp02cXPN1-2FByKLHTp8oQESwN1eNaWNivGPPc0k-3D">Acts 4:32-37</a>. See also <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxdO90EW-2B3UHrQQRmRxgrB1DVexg8mg5drQsuui-2B1B1SaU83fJxn5zU-2B16XAFKLlEpdPiF\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSAHFaEDiRWTrYSbO-2FObVwhjEcjXs-2B-2BoRAaZvWQoxRs4si6-2FQ2tCeHBfYoZDDfDMp2o3c7NzgbJ-2Bqcp0IX81y-2FIHuvR5vgRxCmrHuHfgIEk6y7yXzDulho4ZSNOjZysMyt-2B7VHLLzatxVJWSjN2wpGvSYRQQFvkKpOwPGX99TXj36LrkJsFeVxokmmYvHmPZrdGktkiqgVANJA2dviinSkDhirme2if4YVaFoO2Jwf63z4BWqawkII68XRrvUAKKnY2qwVBX-2FZZQmMGuh7ej7L4-3D">Acts 2:44-45</a>.) In the early days of the emerging Church, the believers practiced a radical communal way of living, holding possessions in common and distributing assets to people as needs arose. <blockquote> Questions: Do you think believers in all times and places are supposed to model their corporate economic life after this community of faith? Why or why not? What potential abuses might arise in a system like this? How would a community of faith protect members from such abuses? What blessings might come from adopting this kind of attitude and lifestyle? </blockquote> For Further Discussion 1. Reflect on this, from John Wesley, the founder of Methodism: "Which is the country, the inhabitants whereof are all thus filled with the Holy Ghost -- are all of one heart and of one soul cannot suffer one among them to lack anything, but continually give to every man as he hath need; who, one and all, have the love of God filling their hearts, and constraining them to love their neighbor as themselves; [who] do unto all men; as they would these should do unto them?" 2. Consider this, from TWW team member Mary Sells: "In the United States, we generally understand the capitalism as keeping wealth for oneself (I earned it/have it, it's mine to decide how and where and to whom and if I distribute any of it) and socialism as sharing wealth for many (if I have more than I need, I should help others and furthermore all who have more than they need should be compelled to contribute). The 'haves' don't want anyone else telling them what to do with their fortunes, and think the poor are only poor because they are not smart enough or hardworking enough. What is economic justice in Jesus' worldview?" 3. TWW team member Mark Rouleau defines socialism as "a system of expropriation where one's assets and treasure (accumulated over time through one's toil and talent) are involuntarily taken and given to others, subjecting the person from whom wealth is extracted to a kind of involuntary servitude (slavery)." When, if ever, might redistribution of wealth be justified? When, if ever, might it be considered stealing? When, if ever, might withholding resources be justified? When, if ever, might it be immoral and even criminal? 4. The Bible says, "The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender." But it was never God's intention that people should live their entire lives as slaves to debt. Every seventh year, lenders were to set debtors free from their obligation to repay their loans (<a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzx8vT-2B4JcJ5j8RqGNYnps4knpJsbEbsEMywOqIo1Gc59RMlsFTKxTMJM1MaNX3YQobDVat\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSAHFaEDiRWTrYSbO-2FObVwhjEcjXs-2B-2BoRAaZvWQoxRs4si6-2FQ2tCeHBfYoZDDfDMp34zj4lJLMUj2xTdeKakCnk9KdpBeHWbVxyGlXAzGi66clA7sfe4b8Q7B6UvEaZlG8-2BRfntSJieWa1KLgl2rKE7IJFj-2FTDKiN8Co0ji18QnIrIrLPSTj7uHMaYJ3-2FO2sGB3VAXILdcTl-2FWu7wTSDgaHPEbi7Pne9dl0SYuqgzwIJRvd1lUDNLdqkITl7N84YBKalwju52ZRsz6J7s-2FLw90Q-3D">Deuteronomy 15:1-18</a>), giving them the opportunity to start anew financially. After seven cycles of seven years (seven times seven Sabbath years, if you will), the fiftieth year was to be the year of Jubilee (<a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxjEJmKyTKrwMbYoHzGlAEZXQII4qEmhqZFd5tL6QdLalGXTTHeRZeHT-2Ffz0BG-2BJvpNDc-\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSAHFaEDiRWTrYSbO-2FObVwhjEcjXs-2B-2BoRAaZvWQoxRs4si6-2FQ2tCeHBfYoZDDfDMp83Hhmqnpq3lMO-2Bn1w3THqo7cZdsqw0xWxjjmo3rUBLig30KLV800ZdR4mBEvg2ndnxOIkGcA3p-2B-2FXk5J2e7Ip2ow1GaIikm3-2Bx20mUGT2x-2FG1o1cCI0HsG5QRIzk62poi9w0VtzyOWcQzBFAGcZO7fg4EoRNxa0HgxsyB-2B7jltiFdNVR3Ey71Xb0f-2FBcU-2F-2Bb4Apl6h3TTcp6KpLsv9OfsY-3D">Leviticus 25</a>), when all debts were to be cancelled, all those enslaved were to be set free, and all property that had been sold off to pay debts was to be returned to the original owners. Where, if at all, do you think America has incorporated the concept of the Jubilee in law or in practice? Should it do so, and if so, how might that be accomplished? Responding to the News Brainstorm ways we who follow Jesus might honor the spirit of the Year of Jubilee in our personal and communal life and witness. Prayer Our Father, may your kingdom come and your will be done on Earth as it is in heaven. Free us from greed and sloth, and fill us with generosity and love that compels us to work diligently in the service of the poor. Show us how to gather and distribute the resources you provide so that no one has too much or too little, but so everyone has what they need. In the name of Jesus our Servant-Leader and by the power of his Spirit, we pray. Amen. 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