Biblical Economics

In our discussion of Biblical Economics we considered the question of whether we should desire prosperity and wealth? It is well documented in the futurist/millennial paradigms that the logical consequence of those doctrines forbade the desire and accumulation of wealth.

This was not simply because some view material possessions or the abundance of them as inherently evil. Rather, it the logical expressions of imminent earth-destruction doctrines can see no sensible reason for storing up that which will ultimately be burned up and which cannot be taken to heaven.

Hence, among millennialists, wealth possession and accumulation was prohibited. Others voluntarily gave up their possessions and waited in the hills for the Lord to come and take them away.

Black slaves, when first introduced to Christianity in this country were told not to gather riches on earth but wait until they die before collecting their "pie in the sky."

While this may not have been motivated by eschatological views, nevertheless it was an eschatologial paradigm and it yet affects the thinking of some today from all ethnic groups. More on biblical economics.

Biblical Economics and the End of the First Millennium

Gary Demar records in Last Days Madness, that as the last day of 999 approached, "the old basilica of St. Peter's at Rome was thronged with a mass of weeping and trembling worshipers awaiting the end of the world..." Erroneously believing this was the end of the millennium, they their lands, homes and household goods to the poor. Demar says some Europeans, before relocating to Palestine sold their goods. Such applications happened again in the years 1100, 1200, 1245, and even in the mid 19th century.

Wealth is stored up in more ways than money and material possessions. It also includes knowledge of law, science, medicine and civil government, etc. Such endtime escapism withdraws Christian influence from all fields and dominated much of 20th century thinking. Biblical economics became and matter of contention with John Darby.

In 1842, Darby gave this millennial definition of the "soon" coming of the Lord.

Nothing urges more to the plainest and most faithful evangelization than the thought that Jesus is coming quickly. On the other hand, if you are wishing for money, or seeking to make provision for placing your children in the world, or if you have any plans for the future, you cannot wish for the Lord Jesus to come; and if you cannot, then your hearts are not right with Jesus.

Thus, fundamental to Darby's theories was that "if the second advent is soon, why be involved in secular activities. (See Death of the Church Victorious by Ovid E. Need, Jr., p. 213) Futurist eschatology and biblical economics are logically incompatible.