Read Lesson 1: Scripture

INTRODUCTION

The study of economics begins with God and His creation of the world. In this lesson, we will look at the implications of the creation on economics; the relationship between economics and stewardship; the cultural mandate; the reality of economics in natural law; and the connections between morality and economics.

SCRIPTURE READING

• Genesis 1 & 2
• Psalms 24 & 104

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

1. To see that God owns everything, but that He created us to be stewards of creation for His glory.
2. To understand that God created economics to enable us to carry out the cultural mandate.
3. To recognize that there are economic laws in the world which we can learn and apply to our work as stewards.

QUOTATION

We do not, therefore, believe the teachings of economics because many people in Western Civilization have believed them, although they have. We do not believe the teachings of economics because experience verifies the truth of economics, although it does. We do not even believe the teachings of economics because all humans have rational minds which allow us to understand that humans act purposefully, although we all do have minds fitted for rational thought. We believe the truths of economics because God has created us in His image with the ability to know and perceive truth, and one of these truths communicated to us in His creation and His Word is that, like God, we act with a purpose.

Shawn Ritenour, Foundations of Economics